Zinc lozenges may cut the length of common cold episodes up to 40 percent, says university of Helsinki scientist.
Of the 13 trial comparisons identified, five used a total daily zinc dose of less than 75 mg and uniformly those five comparisons found no effect of zinc.
Three trials used zinc acetate in daily doses of over 75 mg, with the average indicating a 42percent reduction in the duration of colds.
Quiz on Common Cold
A person afflicted with the common cold is most infectious three days after the start of infection. Find out more about the malady and about some simple home remedies to counter the problem from this quiz on cold.
A person afflicted with the common cold is most infectious three days after the start of infection. Find out more about the malady and about some simple home remedies to counter the problem from this quiz on cold.
In several studies, zinc lozenges caused adverse effects, such as bad taste, but there is no evidence that zinc lozenges might cause long-term harm.
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Dr. Hemila concluded "since a large proportion of trial participants have remained without adverse effects, zinc lozenges might be useful for them as a treatment option for the common cold."
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