Poor zinc status is linked to low T-cell counts, thymic hormone levels and reduced immune function in general.
Zinc supplementation produces a reversal of the low immune function characteristics associated with aging.
Marginal zinc deficiencies are common in aging and very prevalent in the elderly.19,20
Studies on institutionalized elderly reveal that 20 mg of zinc supplementation per day raised serum thymulin (a
thymus gland hormone that declines with age) and immune function.21