Burns victims who are given the trace elements of zinc, copper or selenium heal quicker, and have fewer infections.
An intravenous infusion of the elements has been tested on 21 burns victims with burns that covered around 45 per cent of the body. The infusion, given daily, included 37.5mg zinc and copper, and 375 mcg selenium in saline, and the control group was given just saline.
The minerals group had far fewer infections during the following 30 days'' treatment, and wound healing was also improved compared to the control group.
(Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; 85: 1293-1300).