Smell/Taste alteration in COVID-19 may reflect zinc deficiency

Abstract

, the disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2019 (SARS-CoV-19) results in heterogenous symptoms, with outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to death. Markers predicting disease severity, and suggesting methods of treatment, are critically needed. Symptoms of anosmia/ageusia reported in COVID-19 may reflect an adaptive response of locally decreased nasopharyngeal zinc (Zn), ultimately resulting in decreased ACE-2, (2) a crucial receptor for Sars-CoV-19 binding. Such locally decreased Zn response was suggested to result in subsequently decreased COVID-19 severity. issing from discussion of COVID-19-induced anosmia/ ageusia is reference to older literature demonstrating associations between viral infection and altered taste/smell, and between these variables and Zn deficiency. In a sample of 35 individuals reporting taste/smell dysfunction, 51% reported it occurred immediately prior to/concurrent with, respiratory illness. Zn mitigated symptoms, though administration protocol was not described. In a group of 103 people with altered taste/smell, 57% reported abrupt onset "during or soon after a respiratory illness", with three-days or more of fever also demonstrating association. Zn levels were decreased in those with taste/smell disruption, and Zn (zinc sulfate) supplementation mitigated the symptoms in a single-blind study. f mechanisms involved in smell/taste alteration in/following other illnesses is similar to that which occurs during COVID-19,

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