Zinc pills could help seniors fight infections after hospital stay
NCT ID NCT07672132
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a daily 22 mg zinc supplement for 12 months can lower inflammation and reduce infections in adults aged 65 and older who were recently hospitalized. Researchers will measure blood markers, infection rates, hospital readmissions, and quality of life. 220 participants will be randomly assigned to receive zinc or a control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Zinc supplement (22 mg daily)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to reduce inflammation and infections in older adults after hospitalization.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with no phase designation. Zinc may not significantly affect inflammation or infection rates, and high doses can cause side effects like nausea.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.