Can zinc lozenges really help fight the common cold?

October 29, 2006

Answer:

Yes. Several double-blind clinical trials have found that lozenges

containing zinc significantly reduced the average duration of the

common cold. Typically, the lozenges used contained 23 mg of

elemental zinc, dissolved in the mouth every waking hour after an

initial double dose. In one study, after seven days, eighty-six

percent of the patients were symptom-free, compared to only forty-

six percent of those treated with placebo. Apparently zinc works in

two ways: by reducing the ability of viruses to reproduce, and by

boosting other aspects of immune function. This study led to an

explosion of interest in the use of zinc as a strategy for reducing

the severity of colds.

Not all studies on zinc have produced positive results. It appears

that, to be effective, zinc lozenges must be free of sorbitol,

mannitol, and citric acid. These compounds bind with the zinc and

reduce its effectiveness.

The best lozenges are those that utilize the amino acid glycine as a

sweetener. Use lozenges that supply 15 to 25 mg of elemental zinc.

If you feel a cold coming on, take a double dose, then take one

tablet every two hours. Let the tablet dissolve in your mouth. Since

too much zinc can have the undesired effect of lowering immune

function, I recommend that you take a total dose of no more than 150

mg a day for no more than a week.

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