Zinc Supplementation and Inflammation in Older Medical Patients

The hypothesis is that a daily supplement of 22 mg of zinc over 12 months can reduce in-flammatory biomarkers in acutely hospitalized older adults aged ≥ 65 years. The aims are to determine, in acutely hospitalized older adults aged ≥ 65 years, if a daily supplement of 22 mg of zinc over 12 months compared to control can decrease inflammato-ry biomarkers, reduce symptoms of self-reported infection, reduce readmission and mortali-ty, increase QoL, increase physical performance, investigate potential adverse events to zinc supplement, and the changes in inflammatory biomarkers. It will also be studied if albumin-corrected zinc in plasma is a more accurate method for assessing zinc status than ordinary plasma zinc.

Inclusion Criteria: * above 65 years old included in ZOOM out ( clinical trials no: NCT07367412) * admittet at the medical emergency department Herlev Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Patients receiving zinc supplements (\>10 mg daily) at time of inclusion * Patients with terminal illness (life expectancy \< 6 months, estimated by Clinical Frailty Scale ≥8) * Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (partial or complete) * Patients treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis * Patients known with severe dementia * Patients who do not understand Danish and patients with temporary civil person registration numbers (CPR)