The Study
Zinc acetate lozenges for treating the common cold: an individual patient data meta-analysis.
This study combined results from three smaller experiments where people with colds got either zinc lozenges or fake pills. It shows that the zinc lozenges probably help people get over colds faster, but we can't be 100% sure because the experiments were small.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges when you have a cold can make it go away faster.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 539 / 100
Quality score
The highest quality evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that pool randomized controlled trials, giving the most reliable summary of experimental evidence.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes, getting rid of a cold 3 days sooner is a big difference for most people.
- 2Cold lasts about 3 days less with zinc lozenges (from 7 days to 4 days).
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
British journal of clinical pharmacology
Year
2016
Authors
H. Hemilä, Edward J. Petrus, J. Fitzgerald, A. Prasad
Related Content
Claims (9)
Taking zinc acetate lozenges when you have a cold can help you get better faster, cutting down how long you're sick by about 2 to 3 days.
Taking special high-strength zinc lozenges when you have a cold can help you get better about three days faster.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges can shorten how long you have a cold by about 3 days, especially for adults between 20 and 50 years old.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges every day might help adults get over colds faster—cutting how long you're sick by more than a third compared to not taking them.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges helps adults with colds feel better, and it works the same way for everyone—no matter if they have allergies, smoke, how bad their cold is, their age, gender, or background.
Taking zinc acetate lozenges when you have a cold might help you get better faster, cutting down how long you're sick by about 2 to 3 days.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.