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SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 36 Reviews
8.6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Caplet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Zinc (as Zinc Gluconate)
50 mg
455%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
Zinc shortens cold duration variability
Quantile Treatment Effect of Zinc Lozenges on Common Cold Duration: A Novel Approach to Analyze the Effect of Treatment on Illness Duration.
Direct effect on cold duration
We explored how zinc lozenges affect the duration of the common cold through a detailed analysis of multiple trials. In particular, we focused on the Mossad (1996) trial involving zinc gluconate lozenges, which revealed an average reduction of cold duration by about 4.0 days. While that sounds promising, our findings through a quantile treatment effect (QTE) analysis tell a more nuanced story.
Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.
Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.
Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.
Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.
Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Read More
8
Zinc reduces cold duration
Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation.
Directly addresses zinc effectiveness
We explored the impact of zinc supplementation on common cold symptoms through an extensive review of 20 randomized controlled trials. These studies focused on observing how micronutrients, especially zinc, can help manage the cold in healthy adults.
Our findings suggest that while zinc did not significantly prevent the incidence of cold or reduce symptom severity when compared to other micronutrients, it showed promising results in potentially shortening the duration of a cold. Specifically, we observed that zinc could cut down the duration of cold symptoms by approximately 2.25 days when used alone.
This reduction in duration could have a meaningful impact on daily life and overall productivity for those affected by the common cold. It's noteworthy that while zinc proves beneficial, other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D did not show the same effectiveness in this context.
Our findings suggest that while zinc did not significantly prevent the incidence of cold or reduce symptom severity when compared to other micronutrients, it showed promising results in potentially shortening the duration of a cold. Specifically, we observed that zinc could cut down the duration of cold symptoms by approximately 2.25 days when used alone.
This reduction in duration could have a meaningful impact on daily life and overall productivity for those affected by the common cold. It's noteworthy that while zinc proves beneficial, other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D did not show the same effectiveness in this context.
Read More
4
Zinc may shorten cold duration
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
Direct evaluation of zinc's impact.
We explored how zinc supplementation might impact the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Through a thorough examination of 34 studies involving over 8,500 participants, we aimed to understand whether zinc could effectively reduce the occurrence or duration of colds.
The studies included randomized controlled trials comparing zinc to placebo in both children and adults. Our findings indicate that while zinc may not significantly lower the risk of catching a cold, it could help reduce the duration of an ongoing cold. However, this benefit comes alongside an increase in non-serious side effects, such as an unpleasant taste and stomach issues.
It's important to note that many of these studies showed a wide range of interventions and outcomes, and some reporting was incomplete. Overall, our results suggest that zinc does not hold substantial promise for preventing colds, but it may help shorten the duration of symptoms once a cold strikes.
The studies included randomized controlled trials comparing zinc to placebo in both children and adults. Our findings indicate that while zinc may not significantly lower the risk of catching a cold, it could help reduce the duration of an ongoing cold. However, this benefit comes alongside an increase in non-serious side effects, such as an unpleasant taste and stomach issues.
It's important to note that many of these studies showed a wide range of interventions and outcomes, and some reporting was incomplete. Overall, our results suggest that zinc does not hold substantial promise for preventing colds, but it may help shorten the duration of symptoms once a cold strikes.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
8.3
Cold prevention essential
Excellent zinc! A must-have at the onset of a common cold or virus.
Read More
9.5
Effective prevention
I take this supplement with vitamin C, as recommended by my doctor, to prevent colds during an epidemic and at the first sign of illness. It helps from the first day of taking the capsules. I always keep it in my medicine cabinet and highly recommend it to others!
Read More
8.8
Reduces symptoms
Zinc gluconate at a high dosage of 50 mg is what I take when I sense I might get sick, as it lowers the chance of contracting a viral cold. If symptoms arise, it helps to reduce both the duration and severity of the common cold. However, be cautious not to take it alongside certain antibiotics or minerals. For continuous use, the dosage should be lower to avoid drawbacks.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.3
9
Zinc's potential in virus treatment
Inhibition of Respiratory RNA Viruses by a Composition of Ionophoric Polyphenols with Metal Ions.
Zinc's effect combined, not isolated
We explored the effectiveness of zinc in combination with herbal polyphenols against respiratory RNA viruses, including the common cold. In this study, the researchers combined zinc picolinate with various flavonoids to see if it could reduce viral replication and load without harming healthy cells.
The results were quite promising, showing a significant reduction of 50-95% in the genome replication levels of viruses like the human coronavirus OC43, influenza A virus, and human metapneumovirus. This suggests that zinc, when paired with appropriate compounds, may play a beneficial role in treating infections that lead to the common cold.
However, it's important to note that while the study shows a notable decrease in viral activity, it did not specifically isolate the effects of zinc alone. Thus, we cannot definitively state that zinc by itself is effective against the common cold without considering the contributions of the other substances involved.
Overall, this research opens the door for developing a potential treatment that is not toxic and sourced from natural ingredients, which could be effective against various RNA viruses with the hope of remaining effective even amidst mutating strains.
The results were quite promising, showing a significant reduction of 50-95% in the genome replication levels of viruses like the human coronavirus OC43, influenza A virus, and human metapneumovirus. This suggests that zinc, when paired with appropriate compounds, may play a beneficial role in treating infections that lead to the common cold.
However, it's important to note that while the study shows a notable decrease in viral activity, it did not specifically isolate the effects of zinc alone. Thus, we cannot definitively state that zinc by itself is effective against the common cold without considering the contributions of the other substances involved.
Overall, this research opens the door for developing a potential treatment that is not toxic and sourced from natural ingredients, which could be effective against various RNA viruses with the hope of remaining effective even amidst mutating strains.
Read More
9
Zinc shortens cold duration variability
Quantile Treatment Effect of Zinc Lozenges on Common Cold Duration: A Novel Approach to Analyze the Effect of Treatment on Illness Duration.
Direct effect on cold duration
We explored how zinc lozenges affect the duration of the common cold through a detailed analysis of multiple trials. In particular, we focused on the Mossad (1996) trial involving zinc gluconate lozenges, which revealed an average reduction of cold duration by about 4.0 days. While that sounds promising, our findings through a quantile treatment effect (QTE) analysis tell a more nuanced story.
Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.
Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.
Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.
Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.
Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Read More
8
Zinc reduces cold duration
Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation.
Directly addresses zinc effectiveness
We explored the impact of zinc supplementation on common cold symptoms through an extensive review of 20 randomized controlled trials. These studies focused on observing how micronutrients, especially zinc, can help manage the cold in healthy adults.
Our findings suggest that while zinc did not significantly prevent the incidence of cold or reduce symptom severity when compared to other micronutrients, it showed promising results in potentially shortening the duration of a cold. Specifically, we observed that zinc could cut down the duration of cold symptoms by approximately 2.25 days when used alone.
This reduction in duration could have a meaningful impact on daily life and overall productivity for those affected by the common cold. It's noteworthy that while zinc proves beneficial, other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D did not show the same effectiveness in this context.
Our findings suggest that while zinc did not significantly prevent the incidence of cold or reduce symptom severity when compared to other micronutrients, it showed promising results in potentially shortening the duration of a cold. Specifically, we observed that zinc could cut down the duration of cold symptoms by approximately 2.25 days when used alone.
This reduction in duration could have a meaningful impact on daily life and overall productivity for those affected by the common cold. It's noteworthy that while zinc proves beneficial, other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D did not show the same effectiveness in this context.
Read More
7
Zinc's unclear role in colds
Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19.
Research lacks direct evidence
We explored the potential effects of zinc on the common cold based on a collection of research studies that investigated its role in treating acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
Importantly, we found that while zinc showed some promise in improving conditions related to pneumonia in children under five, there wasn't enough clear evidence linking zinc directly to a reduction in the incidence or duration of the common cold.
Typically, vitamins C, D, and E were examined alongside zinc, with findings indicating that these vitamins did not lower the common cold's occurrence. However, we noted that vitamin C did help shorten its duration and lessen its severity for some individuals, particularly those under physical or environmental stress.
Ultimately, while zinc has been shown to support health in various contexts, its specific impact on the common cold remains uncertain, suggesting that additional research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
Importantly, we found that while zinc showed some promise in improving conditions related to pneumonia in children under five, there wasn't enough clear evidence linking zinc directly to a reduction in the incidence or duration of the common cold.
Typically, vitamins C, D, and E were examined alongside zinc, with findings indicating that these vitamins did not lower the common cold's occurrence. However, we noted that vitamin C did help shorten its duration and lessen its severity for some individuals, particularly those under physical or environmental stress.
Ultimately, while zinc has been shown to support health in various contexts, its specific impact on the common cold remains uncertain, suggesting that additional research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
Read More
7
Zinc's mixed effectiveness for colds
Treatment of the Common Cold.
Related to zinc's treatment potential
We observed that zinc has been highlighted as a potential remedy for alleviating symptoms of the common cold. The information indicates that zinc may play a significant role in treating cold symptoms, especially in adults. While conclusive and thorough evidence specifically isolating zinc's effects isn't entirely clear, it is often included among over-the-counter treatments that have shown effectiveness.
Zinc is typically administered to support quicker recovery from cold symptoms, which also include nasal congestion and sore throat. It’s essential that we keep in mind that not all evidence is of high quality, but some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that incorporating zinc may lead to some improvement in symptom management.
Furthermore, it's important to emphasize that when advising patients, we should be mindful of the limitations and mix of other treatments. Although zinc appears promising, it's crucial to inform individuals that effective treatment strategies extend beyond just zinc alone. While the potential benefits of zinc are appealing, more reliable research is necessary to fully endorse its effectiveness in cold treatment.
Zinc is typically administered to support quicker recovery from cold symptoms, which also include nasal congestion and sore throat. It’s essential that we keep in mind that not all evidence is of high quality, but some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that incorporating zinc may lead to some improvement in symptom management.
Furthermore, it's important to emphasize that when advising patients, we should be mindful of the limitations and mix of other treatments. Although zinc appears promising, it's crucial to inform individuals that effective treatment strategies extend beyond just zinc alone. While the potential benefits of zinc are appealing, more reliable research is necessary to fully endorse its effectiveness in cold treatment.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 36 Reviews
8.6
9.5
Effective prevention
I take this supplement with vitamin C, as recommended by my doctor, to prevent colds during an epidemic and at the first sign of illness. It helps from the first day of taking the capsules. I always keep it in my medicine cabinet and highly recommend it to others!
9.5
Speeds recovery
I've been ordering zinc for years and can clearly feel its effect, particularly when I have a cold—it always passes quicker and feels easier right away.
9.5
Strengthened immunity
I've only been taking this supplement for a short while, but I've noticed an improvement in my immune system. I caught a viral infection, but my symptoms were mild and resolved within two days. I used to suffer from longer colds, so I’m pleased with this outcome.
9.5
Prevents common cold
Glory to Ukraine! Zinc has been beneficial during last year's cold season for my family. It helps us through seasonal illnesses and minimises symptoms if we do get sick. I've ordered it again for the coming season.
9.5
Clearer skin
I've been taking these zinc capsules for a few weeks and I'm noticing positive effects. They've improved my immune system; I haven’t caught a cold despite exposure to sick individuals, and my skin looks clearer. I'm satisfied with this purchase.
