The Study
MOST COMMON DISEASE - STILL NO CURE? THE IMPACT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ON THE COMMON COLD - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
This study is like a big summary of many other studies about cold medicines. It tells us what other researchers have found, but since we can't see all the details, we can only say 'these things might be connected' rather than 'this definitely works'.
Analysis score
Maximum 5 for a narrative review.
Where the score came from
This study looked at different supplements to see if they help with colds.
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 51 / 100
Quality score
Based on clinical experience or non-systematic literature reviews. The lowest level of evidence as they are most susceptible to bias and personal perspective.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Some supplements can make colds shorter or less severe.
- 2Zinc and echinacea help reduce cold symptoms when taken early.
- 3Echinacea can prevent colds.
- 4Some other supplements might help a little.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science
Year
2026
Authors
Zuzanna Rafałowska, Stanisław Rutz, Anna Wojtala, Julia Kret, Aleksandra Wyrostkiewicz, Jagoda Pałubska, Oliwer Muller, Aleksander Sadkowski, Paulina Bigda, Jan Gdula, Lilianna Zielińska, Michał Szpunar, Adrianna Zabiegałowska, Magda Buśko
Related Content
Claims (6)
This claim says that taking lots of vitamin C, echinacea, garlic, or vitamin D doesn't actually help you get better from a cold, according to real studies done on people.
Taking echinacea supplements might help you avoid catching a cold, according to scientific studies.
Pelargonium sidoides, a plant-based supplement, might help make cold symptoms less severe and help you get better faster, according to some medical studies.
Taking zinc lozenges when you first start feeling sick with a cold might help you get better faster and feel less miserable.
Taking vitamin C pills might help a little with colds, especially for people who are under a lot of physical stress or don't get enough vitamin C from their diet.
Black elderberry might help you feel better faster when you have a cold by reducing how bad your symptoms feel and how long you're sick.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.