The Study
Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage
This study combines results from several experiments where people with colds were given zinc lozenges or fake pills. It shows that zinc lozenges probably help you get over a cold faster, but we can't be sure if one type of zinc works better than another or if higher doses are better.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
Zinc lozenges help you get over a cold 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 533 / 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, this means colds end about 1-2 days sooner for most people.
- 2Colds lasted 33% shorter with zinc lozenges.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
JRSM Open
Year
2017
Authors
H. Hemilä
Related Content
Claims (7)
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 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 around 80-90 mg per day can shorten how long you have a cold by about one-third, and taking even more doesn't help much more than that.
Taking zinc lozenges with a certain amount of zinc each day can help shorten how long a cold lasts in adults by about one-third, based on a big review of studies.
Certain zinc lozenges can help treat colds if they're made without ingredients like citric acid, but if those ingredients are added, the lozenges might not work because they don't release enough zinc.
Taking zinc lozenges (like a special candy) right when you start feeling a cold can help you feel better. Using about 80-100 mg per day works best, and taking more than that doesn't give extra benefit.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.