Q I heard that zinc is good for smell recovery. Would it help to get it through food or supplements?
A Zinc is a trace element needed for olfactory receptor proteins and mucosal regeneration. Supplementing it is effective when there is a deficiency, but taking too much when levels are already normal can actually damage the olfactory nerve. The safest approach is to eat a balanced amount of zinc-rich foods such as oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds.
Detailed Answer
Zinc is a trace element essential for maintaining the structure of olfactory receptor membrane proteins and for the normal turnover of olfactory epithelial cells. In cases of zinc deficiency, the smell threshold rises and recovery upon supplementation has been reported. However, there are reports that using high-dose nasal sprays when zinc is already sufficient may actually damage the olfactory nerve, so caution is needed. The safest approach is to obtain it in a balanced way from foods such as oysters, red meat, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we recommend a diet that includes zinc-rich foods as a foundation, while also using prescriptions that strengthen the function of the spleen and stomach (biwi) to improve the absorption of trace elements itself. When the spleen and stomach are weak and absorption is poor, nutritional supplementation alone is not enough. We combine dietary guidance with herbal prescriptions that aid digestion and absorption.
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