A new study has suggested that zinc supplements for both men and women, who are attempting to conceive can assist in reproduction during the coronavirus pandemic. Zinc may help prevent mitochondrial damage in young egg, and sperm cells.
The study was published in the journal ‘Reproductive Sciences’. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of people, has also reportedly affected fertility among men and women. The new study has found a way to combat the ill-effects of the pandemic, on fertility.
Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers, who led the study, also reported that zinc could enhance immunity against the virus.
In ‘Potential Role of Zinc in the COVID-19 Disease Process and its Probable Impact on Reproduction’, Husam Abu-Soud, Ph.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the C.S. Mott Center for Growth and Development, said that in addition to benefiting couples attempting to conceive during the pandemic, zinc supplementation of up to a maximum of 50 mg per day for all adults could be beneficial in enhancing immunity and fighting the viral disease process of COVID-19. Dr Abu-Soud and co-authors Ramya Sethuram, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellow, and medical student David Bai, reviewed the pathophysiology of COVID-19, particularly in relation to reproductive function.
They found that zinc depletion in connection with the cytokine storm – the overreaction of the immune system that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and possible organ failure in fighting COVID-19 – can cause mitochondrial damage and an accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the immature egg and sperm.
The result could prevent reproduction and conception.
Zinc has beneficial effects as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and could prevent or mitigate the damage in the egg and sperm cells that result from the body’s immune reaction to the virus, Dr Abu-Soud said.
The use of zinc could improve embryo quality and potentially lessen some pregnancy complications. (ANI)
