Elderly nursing home residents contract pneumonia, it is a blow to their already fragile health, therefore maintaining normal serum zinc concentration in the blood may help reduce the risk of pneumonia development in that population.
'Based on our data, it appears that daily zinc intake can help nursing home residents who are susceptible to pneumonia, especially those with low serum zinc concentrations in their blood,' Meydani said.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. It causes inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs.
Advertisement
'The study participants with normal serum zinc concentrations in their blood reduced their risk of developing pneumonia by about 50 percent. Additionally, deaths from all causes were 39 percent lower in this group,' Meydani added.
The research team analysed blood samples from a previous study that investigated the role of Vitamin E in preventing respiratory infections in nursing home residents ages 65 and older.
![Prescribing Antibiotics for ENT Infections is Unnecessary]( "Prescribing Antibiotics for ENT Infections is Unnecessary")
A new study has found that an unwarranted use of antibiotics is on the high that are prescribed to curb possible complications after upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, or ear infection.
The study included 617 men and women from 33 nursing homes in the Boston area.
All of the participants received daily supplements containing 50 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of several vitamins and minerals, including zinc, for one year. Foods that provide zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, beans and dairy products.
In the current study, the authors compared blood samples collected at the beginning and the conclusion of the one-year study.
After the study, it was found that the participants whose serum zinc concentrations remained low throughout that 12-month period had more difficulty battling pneumonia.
'Not only did those participants have a higher risk of developing pneumonia when they did become sick, they did not recover as quickly and required a longer course of antibiotics. We also noted a higher rate of death from all causes,' Meydani said.
It was found that maintaining normal serum zinc concentration in the blood throughout the 12-month study period benefited the participants even if they did develop pneumonia.
'Those participants with normal serum zinc concentrations in their blood were more likely to spend fewer days on antibiotics and recover more quickly.' Meydani said.
The researchers concluded that zinc might reduce the risk of pneumonia, and its associated complications in nursing home residents.
'Zinc is already known to strengthen the immune system; however, there needs to be further investigation of zinc and its effect on pneumonia development and prevention in nursing homes. The next step would likely be a clinical trial,' Meydani said.
The study is published in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Source: ANI
SPH/C
Prescribing Antibiotics for ENT Infections is Unnecessary
A new study has found that an unwarranted use of antibiotics is on the high that are prescribed to curb possible complications after upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, or ear infection.
Advertisement
The study included 617 men and women from 33 nursing homes in the Boston area.
All of the participants received daily supplements containing 50 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of several vitamins and minerals, including zinc, for one year. Foods that provide zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, beans and dairy products.
In the current study, the authors compared blood samples collected at the beginning and the conclusion of the one-year study.
After the study, it was found that the participants whose serum zinc concentrations remained low throughout that 12-month period had more difficulty battling pneumonia.
'Not only did those participants have a higher risk of developing pneumonia when they did become sick, they did not recover as quickly and required a longer course of antibiotics. We also noted a higher rate of death from all causes,' Meydani said.
It was found that maintaining normal serum zinc concentration in the blood throughout the 12-month study period benefited the participants even if they did develop pneumonia.
'Those participants with normal serum zinc concentrations in their blood were more likely to spend fewer days on antibiotics and recover more quickly.' Meydani said.
The researchers concluded that zinc might reduce the risk of pneumonia, and its associated complications in nursing home residents.
'Zinc is already known to strengthen the immune system; however, there needs to be further investigation of zinc and its effect on pneumonia development and prevention in nursing homes. The next step would likely be a clinical trial,' Meydani said.
The study is published in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Source: ANI
SPH/C
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Drug News
The psychedelic market set for remarkable growth, projected to hit $7.2B by 2029 with a strong 55% CAGR.
The study explores whether CDNF could influence the progression of ALS in rodent models and to elucidate the mechanism through which it operates.
Amoxicillin-clavulanate use in acute sinusitis patients is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events.
Professionals advocate for enhanced education of patients and caregivers, and creation of more effective child-resistant systems for monitoring ADHD medication.
In June, WHO raised concerns about 7 Indian cough syrups after complaints from several countries about contamination and health issues.
