Recover from colds in record time.
During each cold and flu season, individuals are inundated with advertisements for zinc lozenges, sprays, and syrups purported to alleviate their symptoms.
A recent review of evidence suggests that zinc may indeed decrease the duration of common cold symptoms by approximately two days. However, researchers caution that the evidence is not definitive, and zinc supplementation may carry some undesirable side effects.
Senior researcher Susan Wieland, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the unsettled nature of the evidence surrounding zinc’s efficacy. She underscores the need for further research to establish its effects conclusively.
The rationale behind zinc supplementation lies in its potential to impede the replication of the cold virus in the nose, mouth, and throat. While laboratory studies demonstrate zinc’s ability to achieve this in controlled environments, its effectiveness in real-world scenarios requires validation through human studies.
The review incorporates data from 19 human trials investigating zinc’s efficacy in treating colds and 15 trials assessing its preventive properties. Among these, eight studies involving nearly 1,000 participants explored zinc as a treatment to shorten cold duration.
The collective findings from these trials suggest that zinc supplementation may modestly reduce the duration of a cold by approximately two days compared to a placebo. However, the evidence does not support zinc’s efficacy in preventing colds or alleviating symptom severity.
Additionally, researchers highlight potential adverse effects associated with zinc intake, including gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and an unpleasant taste. Lead researcher Daryl Nault, an assistant professor at Maryland University of Integrative Health, advises individuals considering zinc supplementation to weigh these risks against the potential benefits.
Nault emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before initiating any supplement regimen. She underscores the necessity for standardized methods in future studies to ensure accurate assessment of zinc’s efficacy and safety.
The variability in zinc dosages, delivery methods, and reporting measures across studies complicates the interpretation of findings. Wieland advocates for standardized protocols in future research endeavors to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of zinc’s role in treating the common cold.
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