Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element known to help the body in several ways. It is a key constituent of enzymes and structural proteins, stabilizes cell membranes, is a cofactor for RNA polymerase, and aids in the synthesis of DNA. In addition, the body needs zinc to help it heal from wounds and injuries, recover from infections, maintain cell growth and division, and protect itself from harmful substances (like heavy metals). Zinc supplements have been used for long periods for these purposes as well.
Zinc has proven effective at helping with this. For example, studies show that zinc reduces cold and flu-like symptoms by 50% or more when taken daily. It also reduces the duration of these symptoms by about one-third when taken within 24 hours of the first signs of sickness. In addition, a study published in Cell Research found that mice exposed to toxic fumes had less lung damage when given zinc supplements beforehand. Zinc also increased survival rates after lung injury in another study.
