The Study
Zinc Lozenges May Shorten the Duration of Colds: A Systematic Review
This study combines results from many experiments where people with colds got either zinc lozenges or fake pills. It shows that when the zinc dose is high enough, it really does help colds go away faster. But it doesn't work for all types of zinc lozenges.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
Zinc lozenges can help colds go away faster if they have enough zinc and the right type.
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, using the right zinc lozenge could cut cold length by almost half.
- 2High-dose zinc lozenges (75 mg or more) shortened colds by 42% for zinc acetate and 20% for other types; low-dose ones did nothing.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal
Year
2011
Authors
H. Hemilä
Related Content
Claims (6)
Taking zinc lozenges with a certain ingredient can shorten how long you have a cold by almost half, according to studies on people with real colds.
Taking zinc lozenges with less than 75 mg per day doesn't seem to shorten how long a cold lasts, based on studies comparing them to fake pills. It might only work if you take enough.
Taking certain zinc lozenges (not the acetate kind) in high daily doses might shorten how long you have a cold by about one-fifth, but different brands or types seem to work differently based on studies.
Different ingredients in zinc lozenges can change how well they work, even if the amount of zinc is the same, because some ingredients stick to the zinc and make it harder for your body to use it.
Zinc lozenges might help with colds, but it depends on how much zinc you take and what type of zinc it is. Taking more than 75 mg a day works, while less doesn't, and acetate zinc works better than other kinds.
Some people get a bad taste from zinc lozenges when using them for a short time to treat colds, but there's no proof they cause any lasting harm.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.