Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 9 Researches
8.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 16 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Zinc(from 170 mg L-OptiZinc® Monomethionine)
30 mg
273%
Copper(from 3 mg Copper Amino Acid Chelate)
0.3 mg
33%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Zinc cream alleviates cold sores
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of a zinc oxide/glycine cream in treating cold sores caused by facial and circumoral herpes. By dividing 46 participants into two groups, one receiving the zinc treatment and the other a placebo, we aimed to measure how this formulation affected the duration and severity of cold sore symptoms.

Our results were quite promising! Participants who began using the zinc oxide/glycine cream within the first 24 hours of noticing symptoms experienced cold sore lesions that lasted only an average of 5 days, compared to 6.5 days for those on the placebo. Additionally, we noticed a significant reduction in the overall severity of their symptoms, including blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

As for side effects, subjects treated with the zinc cream experienced only minor and reversible issues typical of ionic zinc salt solutions. This indicates that the zinc oxide/glycine cream is not only effective but also safe for treating cold sores, presenting a valuable option for many people seeking relief from this common condition.
Read More
9
Zinc gel aids cold sore healing
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of zinc sulfate gel on cold sores, specifically herpes labialis recidivans. In our study, patients treated with zinc sulfate gel, known as Virudermin Gel, experienced significantly reduced symptoms and faster healing compared to those who received just the gel without zinc.

The results were promising; the patients using the zinc gel reported less discomfort, and their sores healed more quickly. Importantly, this treatment showed no significant side effects, making it a safe option for managing cold sores. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate helped prevent any superinfections, adding another layer of benefit to its use.

Overall, our exploration into zinc’s effectiveness provided valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable cold sore treatment options. With simple application and proven results, zinc sulfate gel could become a go-to remedy for those frequently struggling with herpes labialis recidivans.
Read More
8
Zinc treatment helps cold sores
We aimed to understand how zinc might affect the occurrence and duration of cold sores, also known as herpes labialis. In our study, we treated 20 patients, mostly women with an average age of 26.6, who experienced more than six episodes of cold sores each year. They received zinc sulphate at a dose of 22.5 mg twice daily during specific months over a year while we monitored their symptoms for 12 months.

Our results were promising. Patients reported a decrease in the frequency of cold sore episodes, averaging fewer than four instances per year. Moreover, the duration of these episodes was also shortened to around 5.7 days, significantly less than usual for these conditions.

Thus, we can say that systemic zinc sulphate seemed to effectively reduce both the number of cold sore outbreaks and the recovery time. This suggests that zinc might be a beneficial option for individuals who struggle with recurrent cold sores.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Less cold likelihood
13 people found this helpful
I'm glad copper is included in this zinc supplement. The capsules are about 9mm, have a slight scent that's hardly noticeable, and the price of ¥ 646 for 100 tablets is reasonable. I've heard L-OptiZinc offers a higher absorption rate compared to other forms. I've noticed I'm less likely to catch a cold since I started taking zinc deliberately. If I do catch one, it seems to help me recover faster. The product's quality is reassuring too; it's non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.
Read More
9
Boosted immune health
2 people found this helpful
Good OptiZinc has been a game changer for me! I’ve been using it for a while to support my immune system and well-being, and I’m really impressed. Since starting OptiZinc, I’ve noticed fewer colds and a general improvement in my immune health. The quality is excellent, and it includes zinc in a highly absorbable form. The capsules are easy to take with no aftertaste. I highly recommend OptiZinc for anyone looking to boost their zinc intake and bolster their immune system!
Read More
9
Immunity booster
An excellent remedy for the initial symptoms of a cold and for enhancing immunity. This product prevented me from becoming ill; I really like it.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 9 Researches
8.2
  • All Researches
We explored the connection between zinc levels and recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), commonly known as cold sores. In a study involving 80 individuals, we compared the salivary zinc levels of healthy people with those experiencing RHL during both the acute and convalescent phases.

The findings revealed that patients in the acute phase had significantly lower zinc levels (160.8 ng/ml) compared to when they were recovering (205.7 ng/ml). Both those phases showed lower zinc levels than the healthy individuals' average. This suggests that zinc levels are not just lower when cold sores are present, but also improve after the lesions heal.

Our results indicate that maintaining adequate zinc levels might be beneficial for people suffering from cold sores. Incorporating zinc supplements could play a role in both treating and preventing these uncomfortable outbreaks. We found that increasing serum zinc might help RHL patients, shedding light on a potential supportive treatment strategy for cold sores.
Read More
9
Zinc may relieve cold sores
We conducted a small pilot study to investigate how a combination of L-lysine, zinc, and herbal ingredients could help treat cold sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Our goal was to observe the changes in symptoms such as itching, burning, and soreness among participants over the course of treatment.

Thirty individuals, split evenly between genders, participated in our open-label study. We monitored their symptoms through various methods, including self-reported outcomes, photographs, and daily diaries. By the sixth day of treatment, most participants showed considerable improvement, with some experiencing full resolution of their symptoms.

While we didn't isolate the effect of zinc alone, its inclusion in the treatment mix seems promising. By the end of our study, we found that 87 percent of participants had improved symptomatically, which indicates that the combination treatment may effectively relieve cold sore symptoms. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the study, which adds to our understanding of these treatments' safety.
Read More
9
Zinc cream alleviates cold sores
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of a zinc oxide/glycine cream in treating cold sores caused by facial and circumoral herpes. By dividing 46 participants into two groups, one receiving the zinc treatment and the other a placebo, we aimed to measure how this formulation affected the duration and severity of cold sore symptoms.

Our results were quite promising! Participants who began using the zinc oxide/glycine cream within the first 24 hours of noticing symptoms experienced cold sore lesions that lasted only an average of 5 days, compared to 6.5 days for those on the placebo. Additionally, we noticed a significant reduction in the overall severity of their symptoms, including blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

As for side effects, subjects treated with the zinc cream experienced only minor and reversible issues typical of ionic zinc salt solutions. This indicates that the zinc oxide/glycine cream is not only effective but also safe for treating cold sores, presenting a valuable option for many people seeking relief from this common condition.
Read More
9
Zinc gel aids cold sore healing
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of zinc sulfate gel on cold sores, specifically herpes labialis recidivans. In our study, patients treated with zinc sulfate gel, known as Virudermin Gel, experienced significantly reduced symptoms and faster healing compared to those who received just the gel without zinc.

The results were promising; the patients using the zinc gel reported less discomfort, and their sores healed more quickly. Importantly, this treatment showed no significant side effects, making it a safe option for managing cold sores. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate helped prevent any superinfections, adding another layer of benefit to its use.

Overall, our exploration into zinc’s effectiveness provided valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable cold sore treatment options. With simple application and proven results, zinc sulfate gel could become a go-to remedy for those frequently struggling with herpes labialis recidivans.
Read More
8
Pomegranate extract reduces inflammation
We examined how the combination of pomegranate rind extract (PRE) and zinc impacts cold sores, particularly focusing on inflammation. By applying these substances to ex vivo porcine skin, we were able to assess their ability to modulate COX-2, a key player in the inflammation process.

Our findings revealed that the topical application of PRE significantly reduced COX-2 levels in the skin after just six hours and maintained this effect for 24 hours. When we combined PRE with zinc, the results matched those of PRE alone, indicating that zinc didn't add extra benefits to inflammation control when used together.

However, we also noted that zinc alone showed no significant anti-inflammatory effect, highlighting that the benefits we observed were primarily due to the pomegranate extract rather than zinc. This suggests that while zinc is commonly thought beneficial for treating cold sores, its impact on inflammation might be limited unless paired with more potent anti-inflammatory agents like PRE.

In conclusion, pomegranates present a promising approach to managing inflammation and pain associated with cold sores, but zinc’s standalone effectiveness requires reconsideration.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 16 Reviews
8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Less cold likelihood
13 people found this helpful
I'm glad copper is included in this zinc supplement. The capsules are about 9mm, have a slight scent that's hardly noticeable, and the price of ¥ 646 for 100 tablets is reasonable. I've heard L-OptiZinc offers a higher absorption rate compared to other forms. I've noticed I'm less likely to catch a cold since I started taking zinc deliberately. If I do catch one, it seems to help me recover faster. The product's quality is reassuring too; it's non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.
Read More
9
Boosted immune health
2 people found this helpful
Good OptiZinc has been a game changer for me! I’ve been using it for a while to support my immune system and well-being, and I’m really impressed. Since starting OptiZinc, I’ve noticed fewer colds and a general improvement in my immune health. The quality is excellent, and it includes zinc in a highly absorbable form. The capsules are easy to take with no aftertaste. I highly recommend OptiZinc for anyone looking to boost their zinc intake and bolster their immune system!
Read More
9
Immunity booster
An excellent remedy for the initial symptoms of a cold and for enhancing immunity. This product prevented me from becoming ill; I really like it.
Read More
7.5
Quick recovery
277 people found this helpful
Good Zinc! With a cold, that's it. It helped me to recover quickly.
Read More
7.5
Family favourite
45 people found this helpful
Great for colds and the first remedy in our family. My 13-year-old daughter takes 2 daily when she has a cold, and it works wonders!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Self-recovery noticed
1 people found this helpful
I liked the zinc product. I noticed my hair falling out less, and my overall immunity improved. Once, I felt a cold coming on after drinking cold water, but my sore throat didn't develop fully. I continued with the zinc, forwent any pills, and felt fine in just two days. I consider this company's products to be of excellent quality and will certainly continue using them.
7.5
Helpful for colds
8 people found this helpful
I find this product beneficial when I experience the first signs of a sore throat or cold.
7.5
Effective against colds
2 people found this helpful
Zinc helps me greatly with the first symptoms of a cold, especially when taken with vitamin C. Drinking it on an empty stomach can indeed cause slight nausea!
7.5
Less cold likelihood
13 people found this helpful
I'm glad copper is included in this zinc supplement. The capsules are about 9mm, have a slight scent that's hardly noticeable, and the price of ¥ 646 for 100 tablets is reasonable. I've heard L-OptiZinc offers a higher absorption rate compared to other forms. I've noticed I'm less likely to catch a cold since I started taking zinc deliberately. If I do catch one, it seems to help me recover faster. The product's quality is reassuring too; it's non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.
9
Fewer colds
1 people found this helpful
I found it easier to avoid catching a cold after starting this supplement. Initially, I was worried about the seasonal changes and continued to live normally, but things improved once I started taking it. I now experience fewer colds, and if I do get sick, I feel much lighter. It's become essential for managing my physical health.
8
Enhanced recovery
2 people found this helpful
Good zinc! I purchased it to strengthen my immunity and speed up recovery after a cold. I haven't regretted it – it's superb! I noticed an improvement in my health and mood, and my hair condition has also improved. I highly recommend it!
7.5
Faster healing observed
16 people found this helpful
I've been taking this zinc for a long time and have noticed that cuts heal much faster. If I take a couple of capsules at the first sign of a cold, along with vitamin C, I generally don’t get ill. You should try it for yourself!
9
Zinc gel aids cold sore healing
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of zinc sulfate gel on cold sores, specifically herpes labialis recidivans. In our study, patients treated with zinc sulfate gel, known as Virudermin Gel, experienced significantly reduced symptoms and faster healing compared to those who received just the gel without zinc.

The results were promising; the patients using the zinc gel reported less discomfort, and their sores healed more quickly. Importantly, this treatment showed no significant side effects, making it a safe option for managing cold sores. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate helped prevent any superinfections, adding another layer of benefit to its use.

Overall, our exploration into zinc’s effectiveness provided valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable cold sore treatment options. With simple application and proven results, zinc sulfate gel could become a go-to remedy for those frequently struggling with herpes labialis recidivans.
8
Zinc treatment helps cold sores
We aimed to understand how zinc might affect the occurrence and duration of cold sores, also known as herpes labialis. In our study, we treated 20 patients, mostly women with an average age of 26.6, who experienced more than six episodes of cold sores each year. They received zinc sulphate at a dose of 22.5 mg twice daily during specific months over a year while we monitored their symptoms for 12 months.

Our results were promising. Patients reported a decrease in the frequency of cold sore episodes, averaging fewer than four instances per year. Moreover, the duration of these episodes was also shortened to around 5.7 days, significantly less than usual for these conditions.

Thus, we can say that systemic zinc sulphate seemed to effectively reduce both the number of cold sore outbreaks and the recovery time. This suggests that zinc might be a beneficial option for individuals who struggle with recurrent cold sores.
We explored the connection between zinc levels and recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), commonly known as cold sores. In a study involving 80 individuals, we compared the salivary zinc levels of healthy people with those experiencing RHL during both the acute and convalescent phases.

The findings revealed that patients in the acute phase had significantly lower zinc levels (160.8 ng/ml) compared to when they were recovering (205.7 ng/ml). Both those phases showed lower zinc levels than the healthy individuals' average. This suggests that zinc levels are not just lower when cold sores are present, but also improve after the lesions heal.

Our results indicate that maintaining adequate zinc levels might be beneficial for people suffering from cold sores. Incorporating zinc supplements could play a role in both treating and preventing these uncomfortable outbreaks. We found that increasing serum zinc might help RHL patients, shedding light on a potential supportive treatment strategy for cold sores.
8
Pomegranate extract reduces inflammation
We examined how the combination of pomegranate rind extract (PRE) and zinc impacts cold sores, particularly focusing on inflammation. By applying these substances to ex vivo porcine skin, we were able to assess their ability to modulate COX-2, a key player in the inflammation process.

Our findings revealed that the topical application of PRE significantly reduced COX-2 levels in the skin after just six hours and maintained this effect for 24 hours. When we combined PRE with zinc, the results matched those of PRE alone, indicating that zinc didn't add extra benefits to inflammation control when used together.

However, we also noted that zinc alone showed no significant anti-inflammatory effect, highlighting that the benefits we observed were primarily due to the pomegranate extract rather than zinc. This suggests that while zinc is commonly thought beneficial for treating cold sores, its impact on inflammation might be limited unless paired with more potent anti-inflammatory agents like PRE.

In conclusion, pomegranates present a promising approach to managing inflammation and pain associated with cold sores, but zinc’s standalone effectiveness requires reconsideration.
7
Zinc shows minimal cold sore effect
We explored the effectiveness of zinc treatments for cold sores, often caused by the herpes simplex virus. The research indicates that using zinc oxide or zinc sulfate, along with other interventions such as anesthetic or antiviral creams, can lead to a slight reduction in the duration of symptoms when applied promptly. However, its benefits appear small and may not outweigh other treatments available.

The study also highlighted the potential of oral antiviral medications in managing symptoms and preventing future outbreaks. While zinc treatment may offer some help, it is essential to understand that it is usually most effective when used alongside other therapies. As for using sunscreen to avoid triggers like sunlight, the results were mixed. In controlled settings, some protections were noted, but these weren't consistently replicated in everyday situations.

All in all, prompt treatment with either topical or oral medications is key for alleviating cold sore symptoms. We found that both approaches can help prevent future occurrences of cold sores, but we should be cautious in relying solely on zinc as a treatment option.
8
Zinc effective for cold sores
We explored the effectiveness of low concentrations of zinc sulphate solution in managing recurrent cold sores. The study documented that applying zinc sulphate directly to the skin or oral mucous membrane showed promising results in preventing outbreaks of herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

Specifically, we noted that a solution concentration of 0.025-0.05% for the skin and 0.01-0.025% for the oral area was used for treatment. Not only did this approach seem beneficial for active infections, but it also aided in stopping the recurrence of post-herpetic erythema multiforme—a condition related to past herpes outbreaks.

Overall, these findings are exciting for anyone struggling with the recurring pain and embarrassment of cold sores, as they suggest a relatively simple topical treatment could help reduce flare-ups. We believe this research paves the way for further discussions about using zinc sulphate as a viable option for managing such conditions effectively.

References

  1. Ranjbar Z, Zahed M, Ranjbar MA, Shirmardan Z. Comparative study of serum zinc concentration in recurrent herpes labialis patients and healthy individuals. BMC Oral Health. 2020;20:296. doi:10.1186/s12903-020-01277-2
  2. Houston DM, Bugert J, Denyer SP, Heard CM. Anti-inflammatory activity of Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) rind extracts applied topically to ex vivo skin. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2017;112:30. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.11.014
  3. Khozeimeh F, Jafari N, Attar AM, Jafari S, Ataie M. Comparative analysis of salivary zinc level in recurrent herpes labialis. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012;9:19. doi:10.4103/1735-3327.92922
  4. Opstelten W, Neven AK, Eekhof J. Treatment and prevention of herpes labialis. Can Fam Physician. 2008;54:1683.
  5. Femiano F, Gombos F, Scully C. Recurrent herpes labialis: a pilot study of the efficacy of zinc therapy. J Oral Pathol Med. 2005;34:423.
  6. Singh BB, Udani J, Vinjamury SP, Der-Martirosian C, Gandhi S, et al. Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes. Altern Med Rev. 2005;10:123.
  7. Godfrey HR, Godfrey NJ, Godfrey JC, Riley D. A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001;7:49.
  8. Kneist W, Hempel B, Borelli S. [Clinical double-blind trial of topical zinc sulfate for herpes labialis recidivans]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45:624.
  9. Brody I. Topical treatment of recurrent herpes simplex and post-herpetic erythema multiforme with low concentrations of zinc sulphate solution. Br J Dermatol. 1981;104:191.
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