How Zinc Lozenges Affect Colds
Zinc ion availability--the determinant of efficacy in zinc lozenge treatment of common colds.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Some zinc lozenges actually lengthen cold duration rather than shorten them
Contradicts the common assumption that all zinc products help with colds
Practical Takeaways
Choose zinc acetate lozenges with high zinc ion availability for cold relief
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Some zinc lozenges actually lengthen cold duration rather than shorten them
Contradicts the common assumption that all zinc products help with colds
Practical Takeaways
Choose zinc acetate lozenges with high zinc ion availability for cold relief
Publication
Journal
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Year
1997
Authors
Eby Ga
Related Content
Claims (4)
Different zinc lozenges let your body absorb zinc differently. Some, like zinc acetate, let you use all the zinc, while others don't let you use any at all.
Zinc lozenges that dissolve properly in your mouth can help you get over a cold faster, cutting down how long you're sick by up to a week.
Zinc lozenges with a certain chemical property might make your cold last longer—specifically, about 4 extra days—instead of helping you get better faster.
This claim says that zinc lozenges might help shorten colds, and the more zinc your body can use from them, the faster your cold might go away.