Zinc supplementation may help increase T-cell type of immune reaction and reduce NF-kappaB inflammatory activity.
More zinc may be needed than the current nutrition guidelines for optimal health, particularly as we age. The thymus gland needs zinc to help make antibodies and mature T-cells. Extra zinc supplementation has been found to improve age related loss of thymus gland function in animal based research. (Haase et al 2009)
Zinc is also needed by beneficial intestinal microbes.
Zinc supplementation or a zinc rich diet is also benefiting our intestinal microbiome. Beneficial bacterial species need zinc in their diet too. When low zinc is available less beneficial species that don't need zinc thrive instead. (Tako, IECN2020)
Zinc is needed for our body to make the protein that forms taste and odor receptors.
Quercetin may also have antiviral benefits as a zinc ionophore, a chemical that carries zinc into infected cells. The zinc within a cell disrupts protein replication which disrupts the viral growth. quercetin may also help protect against inflammatory epigenetic changes - directing whether a gene is actively used to transcribe the encoded protein. Is a cell spending time making inflammatory cytokines or bitter taste receptors? which seem to have a role in healthy function. (Quercetin).
inc is also an essential trace mineral involved in gene transcription of the protein that forms taste receptors. Lack of sense of smell and taste can be a symptom of zinc deficiency and can be a symptom of COVID19. Older adults may need more zinc then the standard recommendation in order to promote thymus gland function - necessary to make antibodies.
Quercetin may be absorbed better in food sources and with antioxidants such as vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps the immune system fight infection. It protects blood vessels against negative effects from inflammation and helps reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines or Interleukin-6, (IL-6).
Jennifer Depew, R.D.
Copyright © 2020 Jennifer Depew, R - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder