Low Zinc Levels at Admission Associates with Poor Clinical Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

• Main Authors: Marina Vogel-González, Marc Talló-Parra, Víctor Herrera-Fernández, Gemma Pérez-Vilaró, Miguel Chillón, Xavier Nogués, Silvia Gómez-Zorrilla, Inmaculada López-Montesinos, Isabel Arnau-Barrés, Maria Luisa Sorli-Redó, Juan Pablo Horcajada, Natalia García-Giralt, Julio Pascual, Juana Díez, Rubén Vicente, Robert Güerri-Fernández
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2; zinc; clinical outcomes
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/562

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient that impacts host–pathogen interplay at infection. Zinc balances immune responses, and also has a proven direct antiviral action against some viruses. Importantly, zinc deficiency (ZD) is a common condition in elderly and individuals with chronic diseases, two groups with an increased risk for severe severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. We hypothesize that serum zinc content (SZC) influences COVID-19 disease progression, and thus might represent a useful biomarker. Methods: We ran an observational cohort study with 249 COVID-19 patients admitted in Hospital del Mar. We have studied COVID-19 severity and progression attending to SZC at admission. In parallel, we have studied severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) replication in the Vero E6 cell line modifying zinc concentrations. Findings: Our study demonstrates a correlation between serum zinc levels and COVID-19 outcome. Serum zinc levels lower than 50 µg/dL at admission correlated with worse clinical presentation, longer time to reach stability, and higher mortality. Our in vitro results indicate that low zinc levels favor viral expansion in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Interpretation: Low SZC is a risk factor that determines COVID-19 outcome. We encourage performing randomized clinical trials to study zinc supplementation as potential prophylaxis and treatment with people at risk of zinc deficiency.