Zinc may help people with cystic fibrosis by killing infection-causing bacteria, new research finds

23 Feb 2024 — Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic condition that causes the build-up of mucus in the lungs, airways and digestive system, which often leads to infections. The new research finds that the macrophages — a white blood cell involved in the immune system — in CF patients lack the zinc levels necessary to kill infection-causing bacteria.