Medicosnext
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, U.S.A., have found that zinc or vitamin C, singly or in combination, do not significantly decrease the severity or duration of symptoms in COVID-19- patients, when compared to standard care. Zinc, which is important for immune function, has a role in antibody and white blood cell production and can fight infections. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help reduce damage to cells, and it has been shown to boost the immune system.
The trial enrolled 214 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, who were randomized and either received zinc gluconate 50 mg, vitamin C 8000 mg, both zinc and vitamin C, or standard of care for 10 days. The study was carried out from April 2020 to October 2020. The trial showed no significant difference among the four groups, and the researchers concluded that zinc and vitamin C proved ineffective as a treatment for COVID-19 when clinically compared to standard care. The participating patients were not hospitalized but managed on an outpatient basis.
