Micronutrients & recovery
Zinc supplementation (45 mg elemental Zn gluconate/day for 12 months or 25 mg zinc sulfate/day for 3 months) improves immune function in older adults by increasing activated T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes and reducing infection incidence.
If you are an older adult, ensuring adequate zinc intake through supplementation (e.g., 25-45 mg/day) may help boost your immune response and reduce infections, as shown in clinical trials. However, results can vary, so consult a doctor before starting high-dose zinc.
after zinc supplementation for 12 months (45 mg elemental Zn gluconate/day), the incidence of infections was significantly lower... Another doubleblind, randomized, controlled trial performed with zinc supplementation in old people (25 mg as zinc sulfate, once a day for 3 months)... demonstrated increased levels of activated T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Why this rating
The paper cites randomized controlled trials but also notes 'contrasting results' and 'intrinsic complexities', indicating moderate quality evidence with some inconsistency.
Source
Immunosenescence and Its Hallmarks: How to Oppose Aging Strategically? A Review of Potential Options for Therapeutic Intervention
Anna Aiello et al. · Frontiers in Immunology · 2019
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