Zinc supplementation in older medical patients to see if days alive and out of hospital improve
Official title: Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Occurrence of Infections in Older Medical Patients (ZOOM) - a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (ZOOM OUT).
Run by Herlev Hospital · NCT07367412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Giving 22 mg of zinc once daily for 12 months to older medical patients in the ED is being tested to see if it helps more days alive and out of the hospital compared with not giving zinc.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 8000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Herlev Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Herlev, Copenhagen and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 15, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07367412 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are medical patients aged 65 and older assessed in the Emergency Department at Herlev Hospital who are not taking more than 10 mg/day zinc and do not have exclusion criteria such as terminal illness, dialysis, severe dementia, or inability to understand Danish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with very advanced illness, high frailty, or conditions requiring parenteral nutrition or dialysis may not benefit or could be unsuitable.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests whether daily zinc sulfate for 12 months can increase the days a patient is alive and out of the hospital among older adults seen in the emergency department for acute medical issues. Participants are 65 years and older and are assigned to receive zinc or not, with follow-up over a year. The trial will monitor outcomes such as antibiotic use, readmissions, and mortality, along with overall survival and hospital-free days. It is conducted at Herlev Hospital in Denmark, with support from national and foundation partners.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, zinc supplementation could extend hospital-free days and reduce infections and related healthcare utilization in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests micronutrient supplementation can influence infection and recovery in older adults, but this specific 12-month zinc strategy in acutely admitted medical patients is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All medical patients aged ≥ 65 years assessed at the Medical Emergency Department, Herlev Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Self-supplementing with zinc at time of assessment (\> 10 mg zinc/day) * 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 know with known severe dementia * Patients who do not understand Danish and patients with temporary civil person registration numbers (CPR)
Where it's running
-
Department of Medicine
Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting -
Department of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte
Herlev, Denmark Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cecilia M Lund, Senior consultant, PhD
- Email: cecilia.margareta.lund@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 38686112
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.