Zinc, copper, and COVID-19 ?

[noahware]

I know some members here take zinc, and there is still a bit of controversy as regards benefit or harm for us with PC. I also know that zinc is often taken (in lozenge or syrup form) as a potential treatment to shorten the duration of the common cold, a practice also not without controversy.

Dr. Sholz posted a blog a few weeks back that was quite interesting (and I would be curious if anyone would like to refute any of his assertions) and included this:

"It is only when COVID-19 spreads into the lungs that it becomes dangerous. To minimize viral spread throughout the body, anyone who feels a new onset of cold symptoms should keep their mucous membranes (mouth and throat) constantly bathed in zinc until the cold symptoms abate."

Further...

"... hydroxychloroquine enables zinc to enter into infected cells more efficiently. If anyone you know develops viral pneumonia you might want to mention to them about the possible benefits of adding hydroxychloroquine to the zinc."

prostateoncology.com/2020/0...

So is zinc alone potentially effective as either prevention or treatment? In what form and dose, for how long?

Perhaps related, I also happened to be reading about how copper and zinc compete for binding such that you don't want the ratios to get too out of whack. While the implication was that we may want to take copper as well as zinc for that reason, it actually seems common as men age (and become less healthy) for them to have an increasingly high copper/zinc ratio in their bodies.

This high ratio (= not enough zinc, or too much copper?) appears to be associated with some of the things you DON'T want to have if infected with coronavirus, like diabetes, heart disease, chronic inflammation, etc. So it seems to me that a little extra zinc might not be a bad thing right now, maybe?

I have seen suggestions here for 50 mg in citrate or chelated form as part of an ongoing PC supplement regime. Wondering about any thoughts on other forms or doses (including the formulations for colds), and wondering if any of you have actually had your copper and/or zinc serum levels measured. Other thoughts? Thanks!

[cesces]

Unfortunately the mechanism by which Covid-19 kills is complicated.

In the early stages a strong immune system response is helpful.

In the final stages, an overactive immune response is what causes the final damage to the lungs.

It will be years before we really understand what is going on and how best to treat it.

[LearnAll]

I am taking 10 drops (15 mg) of ionic,nanotized Zinc (Good State brand) along with 1600 mg of Quercetin (zinc ionophore) In fact, everyone in family is on this regimen.

I will not take more than 50 mg of Zinc in any form because I read in an authentic research

article that after 50 mg a day, Zinc starts to become an immunosuppressant.

[PhilipSZacarias in reply to LearnAll]

I have seen reports of other polyphenols such as green tea catechins and resveratrol having ionophoric potential, but nothing convincing. Cheers, Phil

[AlanLawrenson]

Tried to order the nanotised Zn on Amazon for shipment to Australia. Can't be done, even if the manufacturer still has stock.

So I'll have to rely on my multivitamins with Zn content. Not very efficient from an absorption point of view.

In my latest book, I am strong on Zn. There is significant science supporting its use in a number of therapeutic settings.

[Hidden]

From a close college classmate who is a neurosurgeon. “I take 50 mg of zinc and an ounce of tonic water (quinine water): with or without the gin everyday.” This was was recommendation to those who first met in the fall of 1965 for college and a fellow prostate cancer survivor.........

This is what I do. Please check with your MO.

Gourd Dancer

[PhilipSZacarias]

It should be noted that chloroquine appears to be a zinc ionophore and the combination of the two may have anticancer effects (PMID: 25271834). Not sure the combination would have antiviral effects, but perhaps this being tested? Cheers, Phil

[j-o-h-n]

I decided to swallow my stash of 1943 U S zinc pennies and a batch of 2020 U S copper pennies.... anybody looking for change?....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 03/30/2020 5:23 PM DST