TRACE ELEMENTS AND SARS-COV-2 INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Background: Trace elements such as copper, zinc, magnesium, etc. are the minerals present in living tissues in small concentrations, which primarily act as catalysts in the enzyme system. Literature has indicated the role and alteration of trace elements in viral infections. However, the role of trace elements in SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear so far. Aim: The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review to find out the role of trace elements in SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on trace elements. Material and Method: The relevant studies were searched in PubMed and clinical trial websites, and screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of studies was assessed using NIH quality assessment tools. Results: A total of 19 studies were found relevant after screening 23,570 studies. The level of zinc was found to be decreased, the level of magnesium was found to be altered, and the level of copper was found to be increased after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: Thus, supplementation of a particular trace element can be useful as an add-on therapy for COVID-19 infection. Further, more studies are required to find out the exact role of these elements in COVID-19 infection.