Zinc supplementation

• Zinc supplementation *

  1. Increase CD4+ TH Cells (Helper T) & CD8+ Tc Cells (Cytotoxic T)
  2. Increase T proliferative response to T cell mitogen
  3. Increase IgG antibody response to tetanus vaccination
  4. Restore impaired NK activity
• Mechanisms for restoration of T cell mediated immunity:

  • Through Zinc’s antioxidant & membrane stabilizing stability

  • Increase thymic hormone (thymulin) level
• Zinc supplement in the elderly that are NOT zinc deficient at 15 mg/ day --> Adverse effect