A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (October 2007;86(4):1167–1173) indicates that adequate zinc levels may help prevent pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents. Zinc is necessary for a properly functioning immune system. For one year, 617 nursing home residents over the age of 65 were given vitamin and mineral supplementation providing approximately one-half of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Blood zinc levels were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study.
Residents with normal zinc levels had a 50% lower risk of developing pneumonia, and their death rate from other causes was 39% lower when compared to those with low serum zinc levels.
