The activity of acute respiratory diseases is at a high level this cold season (1). Accordingly, the risk of infection is high. Often underestimated: A deficiency in the trace element zinc can significantly weaken the immune system and thus increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. And this deficiency is common in certain risk groups.
Not another cold! What can zinc do?
Scientists point out that a zinc deficiency can significantly increase susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections (2,3). This is because the trace element zinc is indispensable for the formation and function of various immune cells. It also supports anti-inflammatory and antiviral processes in the body.
Zinc deficiency common in risk groups
Risk groups for zinc deficiency include the elderly and sick people, as age-related changes in the digestive tract, various diseases, and medications can impair adequate nutrient supply (4). People with unbalanced or plant-based diets, as well as athletes and pregnant women, are also more frequently affected.
Shortened cold duration
The good news: If a zinc deficiency is corrected, the immune system can regain its effectiveness. Studies have shown, for example, that older people with normal zinc levels were less likely to develop pneumonia and recovered faster than those with lower zinc levels (5). Large meta-analyses have also observed that taking zinc can significantly shorten the duration of a cold (6,7).
An adequately high zinc dose is crucial for effectively correcting a deficiency. The highest-dose zinc supplements available over the counter in pharmacies in Germany contain 25 mg of zinc per tablet.
Zinkorot® 25 mg contains 25 mg of zinc in an organic compound with orotic acid. Organic compounds can be well absorbed by the body. Taking one tablet per day can effectively correct a deficiency.
For more information on the topic: www.zinkorot.de
Literatur:
1) RKI, GrippeWeb-Wochenbericht, Kalenderwoche 5/2025; Stand 7.02.2025; RKI - GrippeWeb - GrippeWeb-Wochenbericht, Abgerufen am 07.02.2025
2) Calder PC et al. Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients and on Modulation of the Gut Microbiota. Adv Nutr. 2022 Oct 2;13(5): S1-S26. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmac052. PMID: 36183242; PMCID: PMC9526826.
3) Baarz BR, Rink L. Rebalancing the unbalanced aged immune system – A special focus on zinc. Ageing Research Reviews 74 (2022) 101541. Online available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101541
4) Barnett JB et al. Low zinc status: a new risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly? Nutr Rev. 2010 Jan; 68(1): 30–37.
5) Classen HG et al. Zink – Das unterschätzte Element. MMP 2020, 4/43: 149-157
6) Science M, Johnstone J, Roth DE, Guyatt G, Loeb M. Zink for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ: 184 (10) 2012.
7) Nault D et al. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2024, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD014914. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2
Zinkorot® 25 mg Tabletten. Wirkstoff: Zinkorotat • 2 H2O 157,36 mg, entsprechend 25 mg Zink. Anwendungsgebiete: Zur Behandlung von Zinkmangelzuständen, sofern sie durch übliche Ernährung nicht behoben werden können. Zu Risiken und Nebenwirkungen lesen Sie die Packungsbeilage und fragen Sie Ihre Ärztin, Ihren Arzt oder in Ihrer Apotheke. Wörwag Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 71034 Böblingen