Low Zinc Concentration & Pneumonia

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition researched the association between zinc and pneumonia in the elderly. Zinc has been known be important in the immune system, but this specific link had not been researched.*

Over one year, this double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 33 nursing homes in Boston, Massachusetts.  All were given vitamin E and 50% of the recommended dietary allowance of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc.

Researchers concluded that  providing normal serum zinc concentrations in nursing home elderly decreased the incidence and length of pneumonia, decreased the number of new antibiotic prescriptions, and decreased the days of antibiotic use. Therefore, taking a zinc supplementation to maintain normal serum zinc concentrations in the elderly may help reduce the risk of getting pneumonia and associated potential death.

Zinc is available in the following Viteyes® formulas: Viteyes® AREDS, Beta-Carotene Free and Advanced formulas, as well as, Viteyes® Complete.

*Meydani, S.N., Barnett, J.B., Dallal, G.E., Fine, B.C, Jacques, P.F., Leka, L.S., Hamer, D.H. “Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. October 2007, Volume 86; 1167-1173.