In studies where people tried zinc gluconate lozenges, most just noticed a bad taste or some mouth irritation, but nothing serious happened.

Pro

Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Community contributions welcome

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

1984 Jan

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study

Score: 46

DOI: 10.1128/aac.25.1.20

Similar Assertions

People who took zinc lozenges were much more likely to have a bad taste in their mouth than those who took fake ones, but over a third of zinc users didn't have any taste problems at all.

84%

Some people get a bad taste from zinc lozenges when using them for a short time to treat colds, but there's no proof they cause any lasting harm.

81%

Taking zinc lozenges every few hours might help people get over a cold faster, with more people feeling better in a week compared to those who don't take them.

71%

Different ingredients in zinc lozenges can change how well they work, even if the amount of zinc is the same, because some ingredients stick to the zinc and make it harder for your body to use it.

70%