Zinc and vitamin C fell short in a clinical trial after researchers found that they made no significant difference in relieving the duration of coronavirus symptoms.
Findings from the Cleveland Clinic were published in the JAMA Network on Friday, with results from April 27 to October 14, when 214 coronavirus patients in outpatients in Ohio and Florida gave 50 mg grams of high-dose zinc to be taken at night. , 8,000 mg of vitamin C to be taken several times with meals during the day, a combination of the two or standard care for a period of ten days.
These patients, averaging about 45 years old, were at home and performed virtual surveys on their symptoms, any adverse effects, hospitalizations, and other medications. Every patient who needs hospitalization is considered a treatment failure, researchers said. The data show that most patients experience mild symptoms, but very few have experienced severe cases.
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Patients achieved a 50% reduction in symptoms after 6.7 days with ordinary care, 5.5 days when treated with vitamin C, 5.9 days with zinc and 5.5 days for combination treatment.
“These findings suggest that treatment with zinc, ascorbic acid or both does not affect the SARS-CoV-2 symptoms,” the study authors wrote.
The scientists ended the trial early because the supplements had no effect. Study authors noted four serious events, including three deaths due to COVID-19, which were probably not associated with treatment. More patients receiving vitamin C reported side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and cramps.
The authors of the study said that there is “inconsistent” evidence for zinc and vitamin C as a beneficial treatment for colds.
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The authors of Cleveland Clinic study noted that zinc is known to help cells fight infections and boost the immune system, and that Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may play a role in immune response, although the role of vitamin C and zinc in the treatment of coronavirus less clearly.
“However, based on the current study, these supplements may not be recommended to reduce disease in such patients,” the study reads. “High dose zinc gluconate, ascorbic acid or both supplements did not reduce SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Most consumers of ascorbic acid and zinc take significantly lower doses of these supplements, proving that even high dose ascorbic acid and zinc had no benefit “indicates a clear lack of effectiveness.”
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The study had some limitations, such as a lack of a placebo group and an open label design, meaning that patients knew what treatment they were receiving.
According to researchers, ongoing studies in China and the US are investigating vitamin C administered by IV to lower respiratory failure, which causes ventilation among coronavirus patients.
Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.