5/8/2025
Last update
5/8/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.3
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We observed that malignant external otitis (MEO), a severe infection of the outer ear often found in elderly patients with uncontrolled diabetes, can significantly impair the body's defense mechanisms. In a notable case, a 58-year-old man struggling with MEO had faced months of ineffective treatments.
To delve deeper, we tested the function of his immune cells, specifically his polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Our findings revealed that his PMNs had difficulty migrating to the site of infection, a critical step for addressing such health issues.
We discovered that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, could improve this migration defect in laboratory tests. In practical terms, after just one month of vitamin C treatment, the patient's chemotaxis results normalized, and remarkably, his ear lesions began to heal.
Even though the exact reasons for the PMN dysfunction remain unclear, possibly due to factors like age and diabetes, this case highlights the importance of assessing PMN function in MEO patients and suggests that immunomodulators like vitamin C might offer a valuable treatment pathway.
To delve deeper, we tested the function of his immune cells, specifically his polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Our findings revealed that his PMNs had difficulty migrating to the site of infection, a critical step for addressing such health issues.
We discovered that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, could improve this migration defect in laboratory tests. In practical terms, after just one month of vitamin C treatment, the patient's chemotaxis results normalized, and remarkably, his ear lesions began to heal.
Even though the exact reasons for the PMN dysfunction remain unclear, possibly due to factors like age and diabetes, this case highlights the importance of assessing PMN function in MEO patients and suggests that immunomodulators like vitamin C might offer a valuable treatment pathway.
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5
Zinc's mixed impact on ear infections
We explored whether zinc supplements could help prevent otitis media, which is a common ear infection affecting many, especially young children. Our examination included several randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received zinc supplements at least once a week for a minimum of a month.
In total, we identified 12 trials, but only 10 provided sufficient data for analysis. Among healthy children from low-income communities, most studies did not show a clear benefit of zinc on reducing ear infections. However, one trial with over 1600 participants did find a significantly lower incidence of otitis media in those taking zinc, suggesting that it might help. Additionally, a small study focusing on infants with severe malnutrition hinted at potential benefits, yet it is important to note this was based on limited data.
Overall, the evidence isn't definitive—while some results point towards positive effects, particularly in specific groups, many trials did not support the effectiveness of zinc in healthy children. Furthermore, zinc supplements appeared safe, with minimal reports of adverse effects.
In total, we identified 12 trials, but only 10 provided sufficient data for analysis. Among healthy children from low-income communities, most studies did not show a clear benefit of zinc on reducing ear infections. However, one trial with over 1600 participants did find a significantly lower incidence of otitis media in those taking zinc, suggesting that it might help. Additionally, a small study focusing on infants with severe malnutrition hinted at potential benefits, yet it is important to note this was based on limited data.
Overall, the evidence isn't definitive—while some results point towards positive effects, particularly in specific groups, many trials did not support the effectiveness of zinc in healthy children. Furthermore, zinc supplements appeared safe, with minimal reports of adverse effects.
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7
We analyzed the effectiveness of zinc supplements in preventing otitis media, or middle ear infections, through a detailed examination of various studies. The focus was on randomised, placebo-controlled trials where zinc was administered at least once a week for a month or more.
A total of 12 trials were evaluated, involving over 6,800 participants. While most studies, particularly those involving healthy children in low-income areas, showed no significant difference in the occurrence of ear infections between zinc and placebo groups, one trial did indicate a noteworthy reduction in the rate of otitis media among children receiving zinc supplements.
Additionally, a small trial involving infants suffering from severe malnutrition suggested that zinc may help decrease the number of ear infection episodes. However, the evidence remains mixed, especially for healthy children under five in lower income countries. In the end, while zinc supplements did not lead to serious side effects, some participants experienced mild vomiting after taking them.
Overall, while we found some positive indications for specific groups, the mixed results highlight the need for more research before concluding that zinc could be a reliable preventative measure against ear infections.
A total of 12 trials were evaluated, involving over 6,800 participants. While most studies, particularly those involving healthy children in low-income areas, showed no significant difference in the occurrence of ear infections between zinc and placebo groups, one trial did indicate a noteworthy reduction in the rate of otitis media among children receiving zinc supplements.
Additionally, a small trial involving infants suffering from severe malnutrition suggested that zinc may help decrease the number of ear infection episodes. However, the evidence remains mixed, especially for healthy children under five in lower income countries. In the end, while zinc supplements did not lead to serious side effects, some participants experienced mild vomiting after taking them.
Overall, while we found some positive indications for specific groups, the mixed results highlight the need for more research before concluding that zinc could be a reliable preventative measure against ear infections.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Stops infections
1 people found this helpful
This definitely works! It prevents me from transitioning from a cold to an upper respiratory infection. I used to suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia repeatedly until I started taking Airborne a year ago.
Read More
7.5
Infection free
1 people found this helpful
Good product. I use it daily and have not had a cold for three years. When I catch a cold, I invariably end up with a sinus infection.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.3
- All Researches
9
We explored the effects of vitamin C, alongside other antioxidants, in the treatment of ear infections in children, particularly focusing on middle ear inflammation. The study aimed to determine if these antioxidants could significantly enhance recovery from what can be quite painful and distressing conditions like purulent inflammation of the middle ear.
Through the trial, we combined ascorbic acid with retinol and alpha-tocopherol as part of a combined treatment approach. The results were promising, showing a high response rate in children suffering from these infections. This suggests that vitamin C and the other antioxidants may play a beneficial role in supporting the healing process.
Overall, the findings indicate that incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C into treatment regimens could potentially improve outcomes for young patients dealing with ear infections. While further research is necessary to confirm these benefits definitively, the initial results are encouraging and highlight an interesting avenue for more effective treatments.
Through the trial, we combined ascorbic acid with retinol and alpha-tocopherol as part of a combined treatment approach. The results were promising, showing a high response rate in children suffering from these infections. This suggests that vitamin C and the other antioxidants may play a beneficial role in supporting the healing process.
Overall, the findings indicate that incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C into treatment regimens could potentially improve outcomes for young patients dealing with ear infections. While further research is necessary to confirm these benefits definitively, the initial results are encouraging and highlight an interesting avenue for more effective treatments.
Read More
9
We observed that malignant external otitis (MEO), a severe infection of the outer ear often found in elderly patients with uncontrolled diabetes, can significantly impair the body's defense mechanisms. In a notable case, a 58-year-old man struggling with MEO had faced months of ineffective treatments.
To delve deeper, we tested the function of his immune cells, specifically his polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Our findings revealed that his PMNs had difficulty migrating to the site of infection, a critical step for addressing such health issues.
We discovered that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, could improve this migration defect in laboratory tests. In practical terms, after just one month of vitamin C treatment, the patient's chemotaxis results normalized, and remarkably, his ear lesions began to heal.
Even though the exact reasons for the PMN dysfunction remain unclear, possibly due to factors like age and diabetes, this case highlights the importance of assessing PMN function in MEO patients and suggests that immunomodulators like vitamin C might offer a valuable treatment pathway.
To delve deeper, we tested the function of his immune cells, specifically his polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Our findings revealed that his PMNs had difficulty migrating to the site of infection, a critical step for addressing such health issues.
We discovered that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, could improve this migration defect in laboratory tests. In practical terms, after just one month of vitamin C treatment, the patient's chemotaxis results normalized, and remarkably, his ear lesions began to heal.
Even though the exact reasons for the PMN dysfunction remain unclear, possibly due to factors like age and diabetes, this case highlights the importance of assessing PMN function in MEO patients and suggests that immunomodulators like vitamin C might offer a valuable treatment pathway.
Read More
9
Nutraceuticals show promise for ear infections
We conducted a study to examine how a specific nutraceutical, which includes zinc, can support the treatment of ear infections in children. In our trial, 120 children were divided into three groups: a control group that only received standard treatment, and two treatment groups that received both the standard care and the nutraceutical.
The treatment involved the combination of Boswellia serrata, Bromelain, and other ingredients, including zinc, over 20 to 30 days. We used various methods, like otoscopy and auditory tests, to assess the children's health at the start of the study and after treatment.
Our results showed that both treatment groups performed better compared to the control group concerning measures like ear exams and hearing tests after treatment. However, while we observed improvements in the treatment groups, the specific impact of zinc alone could not be clearly determined given that it was part of a larger formula.
The findings highlight the potential of using this nutraceutical blend as a supportive therapy against upper respiratory infections in children, particularly with the inclusion of Boswellia and Bromelain for their anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, we found it challenging to isolate zinc's individual benefit in this context.
The treatment involved the combination of Boswellia serrata, Bromelain, and other ingredients, including zinc, over 20 to 30 days. We used various methods, like otoscopy and auditory tests, to assess the children's health at the start of the study and after treatment.
Our results showed that both treatment groups performed better compared to the control group concerning measures like ear exams and hearing tests after treatment. However, while we observed improvements in the treatment groups, the specific impact of zinc alone could not be clearly determined given that it was part of a larger formula.
The findings highlight the potential of using this nutraceutical blend as a supportive therapy against upper respiratory infections in children, particularly with the inclusion of Boswellia and Bromelain for their anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, we found it challenging to isolate zinc's individual benefit in this context.
Read More
8
We evaluated the effects of a herbal compound that includes Vitamin C, among other ingredients, on recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in children. The study involved 37 kids suffering from conditions like pharyngotonsillitis and otitis media. The children received a treatment called Imoviral® Junior, which is a blend of Echinacea angustifolia, Arabinogalactan, Beta-Glucan, and Zinc, alongside Vitamin C.
Results showed that before treatment, children had an average of 3 inflammatory episodes over six months, which dropped to just 1. After completing the treatment, 77% of the children reported fewer episodes of inflammation. Additionally, their quality of life scores improved significantly. Importantly, there were no reported side effects from using this herbal compound, indicating a safe alternative for managing these conditions.
While this study demonstrates promising outcomes regarding the frequency of ear infections with the use of Vitamin C as part of an herbal blend, we should note that it does not provide specific insights into Vitamin C's individual role on its own. Considering that other compounds were also involved, isolating the effects of Vitamin C alone remains a challenge.
Results showed that before treatment, children had an average of 3 inflammatory episodes over six months, which dropped to just 1. After completing the treatment, 77% of the children reported fewer episodes of inflammation. Additionally, their quality of life scores improved significantly. Importantly, there were no reported side effects from using this herbal compound, indicating a safe alternative for managing these conditions.
While this study demonstrates promising outcomes regarding the frequency of ear infections with the use of Vitamin C as part of an herbal blend, we should note that it does not provide specific insights into Vitamin C's individual role on its own. Considering that other compounds were also involved, isolating the effects of Vitamin C alone remains a challenge.
Read More
8
We explored the effectiveness of a propolis and zinc solution in preventing acute otitis media (AOM) among children aged 1 to 5 who have a history of recurrent ear infections. In our study, 122 children were divided into two groups: one received the propolis and zinc suspension along with efforts to remove environmental risks, while the other group received only the environmental changes.
Over a three-month period, we observed that 50.8% of the children given the propolis and zinc suspension developed AOM, compared to 70.5% in the control group. This marked a significant reduction in infections, with the mean number of AOM episodes per child each month decreasing from 0.34 to 0.23.
The results suggest that administering a propolis and zinc solution can considerably lower the risk of new ear infections and the need for related antibiotic treatments, all while ensuring safety and a high rate of parental satisfaction. However, it is worth noting that the study does not imply any benefit of this treatment regarding other respiratory infections beyond AOM.
Over a three-month period, we observed that 50.8% of the children given the propolis and zinc suspension developed AOM, compared to 70.5% in the control group. This marked a significant reduction in infections, with the mean number of AOM episodes per child each month decreasing from 0.34 to 0.23.
The results suggest that administering a propolis and zinc solution can considerably lower the risk of new ear infections and the need for related antibiotic treatments, all while ensuring safety and a high rate of parental satisfaction. However, it is worth noting that the study does not imply any benefit of this treatment regarding other respiratory infections beyond AOM.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Stops infections
1 people found this helpful
This definitely works! It prevents me from transitioning from a cold to an upper respiratory infection. I used to suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia repeatedly until I started taking Airborne a year ago.
Read More
7.5
Infection free
1 people found this helpful
Good product. I use it daily and have not had a cold for three years. When I catch a cold, I invariably end up with a sinus infection.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Minetti AM, Forti S, Tassone G, Torretta S, Pignataro L. Efficacy of complex herbal compound of Echinacea angustifolia (Imoviral® Junior) in recurrent upper respiratory tract infections during pediatric age: preliminary results. Minerva Pediatr. 2011;63:177.
- Karabaev KE, Antoniv VF, Bekmuradov RU. [Pathogenetic validation of optimal antioxidant therapy in suppurative inflammatory otic diseases in children]. Vestn Otorinolaringol. 1997.
- Corberand J, Nguyen F, Fraysse B, Enjalbert L. Malignant external otitis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration impairment. Improvement with ascorbic acid. Arch Otolaryngol. 1982;108:122.
- Della Volpe A, De Luca P, De Lucia A, Martines F, Piroli P, et al. Single-Center-Single-Blinded Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Containing Boswellia Serrata, Bromelain, Zinc, Magnesium, Honey, Tyndallized Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Casei to Fight Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Otitis Media. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10. 10.3390/healthcare10081526
- Della Volpe A, Ricci G, Ralli M, Gambacorta V, De Lucia A, et al. The effects of oral supplements with Sambucus nigra, Zinc, Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), Arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C in otitis media with effusion in children: a randomized controlled trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2019;23:6360. 10.26355/eurrev_201907_18460
- Pavel IZ, Csuk R, Danciu C, Avram S, Baderca F, et al. Assessment of the Antiangiogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Maslinic Acid Derivative and its Potentiation using Zinc Chloride. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20. 10.3390/ijms20112828
- Gulani A, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014:CD006639. 10.1002/14651858.CD006639.pub4
- Gulani A, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012. 10.1002/14651858.CD006639.pub3
- Marchisio P, Esposito S, Bianchini S, Desantis C, Galeone C, et al. Effectiveness of a propolis and zinc solution in preventing acute otitis media in children with a history of recurrent acute otitis media. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010;23:567.
- Abba K, Gulani A, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010. 10.1002/14651858.CD006639.pub2
