Why Low Zinc is Bad For The Immune System (Zinc Part 1)

Recently, researchers have found that the changes in the immune system that happen in old age look a lot like zinc deficiency (1). Even marginal zinc deficiency can alter the immune system and zinc levels decline with age (1). This possibly explains why as we age our immune system gets worse.

We need to remember that the World Health Organisation (WHO) states “16% of all deep respiratory tract infections can be directly attributed to zinc deficiency” (2). The death rate from COVID-19 in the unvaccinated over 80s is 7.8%. What if all those who were dying had low zinc levels?

We think this is part of why COVID-19 outcomes are worse in old people. One study found that those who died from COVID-19 had lower levels of zinc when compared to survivors (3).

In fact, to further investigate this link, researchers in New York found that giving zinc together with certain medicines, reduced the risk of death or transfer to a hospice by about 50%, when compared to treatment with the same medicines but without zinc (3). None of this is proof that taking zinc can prevent or treat COVID-19, but we think it definitely can’t hurt. We believe this may be part of the reason why anyone of any age can still have a fatal COVID-19 outcome, as zinc deficiency is not age specific. After all, the WHO estimates at least 1 in 3 people are affected by zinc deficiency (6).

Remember that these trial results are from taking zinc for a relatively short period of time. We believe that if one’s levels were consistently adequate in the period before being exposed to the virus, then the outcomes may have been better.

Most zinc supplements use cheaper forms of zinc that the research shows are not as effective. Why are some forms less effective than others? Many foods contain something called phytic acid. Phytic acid is a chemical which binds to certain minerals in the diet and reduces their absorption. Most noteworthy of these are calcium and zinc.

Phytic acid is contained in all nuts, grains, seeds and legumes to varying degrees. Most people consume these food products every day and these will inhibit our absorption of zinc. This does not apply to zinc which is obtained from animal products. Why? Because in animal foods the zinc is contained within certain proteins so they cannot be bound up by phytic acid. This explains why amino acid bound versions of zinc like zinc carnosine (also known as AHZ or beta-alanyl-L-histidinato zinc) have been shown to have a more intensive effect than zinc sulfate (4). Unfortunately, most health-conscious people don’t eat much animal-derived zinc because some of the richest sources of zinc (EG. Red meat) aren’t commonly thought to be healthy.

This is why the ThinkPharm Formula doesn’t include just any form of zinc, it includes an amino acid bound zinc called zinc bisglycinate which is absorbed 43.4% better than other common forms (5) and whose absorption is unaffected by food components like phytic acid.

Why are problems with zinc levels so common? It is because most people’s phytic acid intake is too high relative to their zinc intake. We delve deeper into this topic in our next article of the series. For more information on the phytic acid in your food and how it is reducing your zinc levels, read: Why Your Zinc Is Probably Low (Zinc Part 2).

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For more information about how taking the ThinkPharm Formula would improve your life check out our other articles about how it was designed.

For a vitamin supplement that doesn’t profit from your misinformation and actually tries to improve your health, get your hands on the ThinkPharm Formula. Check out the formula on our product page.

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Disclaimer: Food supplements are intended to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, or to support specific physiological functions. The ThinkPharm Formula (or any other food supplement) is not a medicine and therefore cannot and does not claim to treat or prevent disease. All content on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. None of the scientific studies quoted on this website qualify as proof or implication that ThinkPharm Health's supplements treat or prevent disease. Findings of scientific studies do not always represent reality. It is always difficult for scientific studies to reach accurate conclusions regarding nutrition and its relationship to diseases. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet and lifestyle. ThinkPharm Health is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting on information from this website.