Zinc Lozenges for Colds
Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus colds
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Zinc therapy did not reduce viral shedding or titers
Contradicts some previous suggestions that zinc might inhibit viral replication
Practical Takeaways
Consider skipping zinc lozenges for cold symptom relief based on this evidence
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Zinc therapy did not reduce viral shedding or titers
Contradicts some previous suggestions that zinc might inhibit viral replication
Practical Takeaways
Consider skipping zinc lozenges for cold symptom relief based on this evidence
Publication
Journal
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Year
1987
Authors
M. Barry, Farr, E. Conner, R. Betts, James Oleske, Anthony Minnefor, J. Gwaltney
Related Content
Claims (4)
Taking zinc lozenges when you have a cold might help you get better faster, cutting down how long you're sick by about one-third.
Taking zinc lozenges many times a day for about a week doesn't help adults feel better faster or less sick when they have a cold caused by a specific virus.
Taking zinc lozenges several times a day for about a week doesn't help reduce how often or how long people with colds shed the virus, meaning it doesn't stop the virus from copying itself or spreading to others.
Taking zinc lozenges for 5 days raises zinc levels in your blood, showing your body absorbs it, but it doesn't help with cold symptoms.