The Study
The effectiveness of high dose zinc acetate lozenges on various common cold symptoms: a meta-analysis
This study combined results from three proper medical tests where some people got real medicine and some got fake pills. It shows that zinc lozenges can actually help make colds go away faster, especially for stuffy noses and coughs. But we can't say it works exactly the same for every single cold symptom.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
Special zinc candy can make colds go away faster when you start using it right away.
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, these are meaningful reductions that would make people feel better faster.
- 2Coughs lasted 46% shorter, sore throats 33% shorter, and runny noses 34% shorter.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
BMC Family Practice
Year
2015
Authors
H. Hemilä, E. Chalker
Related Content
Claims (8)
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 when you have a cold can cut down how long your muscle aches last by more than half, which is the biggest improvement for cold symptoms like this.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges when you have a cold can shorten how long your nose runs by about a third, and studies show this works consistently for adults.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges right when you start feeling a cold can shorten how long you're sick by almost half, according to studies in adults.
Taking high-dose zinc lozenges for a cold for up to two weeks is generally safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects, according to studies with nearly 200 people.
Zinc lozenges help with cold symptoms not just in your throat where the zinc is strongest, but also in your nose just as much.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.