DR. WALKER

COVID-19 Causing Loss of taste and smell could be related to low zinc levels.

Zinc is an essential trace element for the body. Its functions include regulating metabolism, helping to fight infections as part of the immune system, helping to produce new cells and create DNA, as well as being a vital part of the wound healing process. It is also involved in growth, sexual development, and reproduction.

Zinc deficiency, although uncommon, can have serious effects on the body, including:

• Unexplained weight loss due to decreased control of the body’s metabolism.
• Slowed wound healing and presence of open sores on the skin.
• Loss of mental alertness.
• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Decrease in or complete loss of taste and smell.

Patients with lower-than-normal levels of zinc will experience a reduction in the rate of cellular synthesis and growth. In humans, the cells that are responsible for our ability to taste, and smell are in a constant state of regeneration, meaning a cycle of dying once they reach a certain age, with new cells being produced to replace dead ones. In cases of zinc deficiencies, the rate of death of these cells is increased, whilst the rate of cell production decreases, this means there are much fewer cells to carry out the function of taste and smell and is one plausible reason for the loss of these senses.

The association of loss of taste and smell with zinc deficiency is especially important in recent times because patients with covid-19 quite often experience this same symptom. Covid-19 is a disease caused by a viral infection, and several studies have proven that viral infections cause a depletion of zinc stores in the body, leading to zinc deficiencies. This association has led to zinc being studied as a possible therapy for treating covid-19 patients.

Dr. Zelenko recommend 25 mg of elemental zinc when prophylaxing against COVID-19 https://bit.ly/3GgvOuf

References:

1- Henkin, R. I. (2005, February). The Taste and Smell Clinic - Zinc and Apoptosis (programmed cell death) - Washington D.C. - Dr. R.I. Henkin. Tasteandsmell.Com.
2- Joachimiak, M. P. (2021, January 4). Zinc against COVID-19? Symptom surveillance and deficiency risk groups. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
3- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, November 17). Zinc. Mayo Clinic.
4- Watson, K. (2019, March 8). Zinc Deficiency. Healthline.