Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 159 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Zinc (as Zinc bisglycinate)
30 mg
273%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
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
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
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
9
Easier cold recovery
230 people found this helpful
Given my health issues, particularly primary immunodeficiency and dermatitis, I continually take this supplement, especially through winter. The chelated form works well for me, and I noticed that colds are easier and quicker to recover from, improving my skin condition too.
Read More
9
Satisfactory quality
115 people found this helpful
This zinc is exactly what I need! The quality is good, and I appreciate the 30 mg dosage. It’s especially helpful during common colds, and I love the packaging. I will definitely purchase it again.
Read More
9
Quick cold relief
47 people found this helpful
My husband and I find this dosage perfect. We take three capsules at the first sign of a common cold, followed by three capsules daily for three days. It really helps us recover quickly.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.3
- All Researches
9
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
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
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
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
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 159 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Easier cold recovery
230 people found this helpful
Given my health issues, particularly primary immunodeficiency and dermatitis, I continually take this supplement, especially through winter. The chelated form works well for me, and I noticed that colds are easier and quicker to recover from, improving my skin condition too.
Read More
9
Satisfactory quality
115 people found this helpful
This zinc is exactly what I need! The quality is good, and I appreciate the 30 mg dosage. It’s especially helpful during common colds, and I love the packaging. I will definitely purchase it again.
Read More
9
Quick cold relief
47 people found this helpful
My husband and I find this dosage perfect. We take three capsules at the first sign of a common cold, followed by three capsules daily for three days. It really helps us recover quickly.
Read More
9
Herpes prevention
18 people found this helpful
This zinc form is excellent for preventing common colds and herpes. I follow a regimen with various supplements, and at the first sign of herpes, I increase my intake. Over the past two years, my relapse frequency has significantly decreased.
Read More
10
Healthy winter
14 people found this helpful
I rarely boast, but this zinc supplement works wonders during winter! Our family stays healthy, avoiding the common cold, thanks to pairing it with vitamin D and C. I recommend avoiding it on an empty stomach to prevent nausea.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Fast recovery
5 people found this helpful
I began taking zinc at the first sign of a common cold, along with vitamin C, and by day three, all symptoms were gone! As someone prone to sinusitis, I found that taking it after meals is crucial to avoid nausea. It's now an essential item in my cold-fighting arsenal.
9
Quick cold relief
47 people found this helpful
My husband and I find this dosage perfect. We take three capsules at the first sign of a common cold, followed by three capsules daily for three days. It really helps us recover quickly.
9
Effective prevention
6 people found this helpful
Zinc, alongside vitamins D and C, is my first aid for the common cold. This combination has helped me avoid getting sick several times. I take courses of zinc every six months since our bodies can't produce it. After a course, I noticed better skin tone and faster healing.
9
Easier cold recovery
230 people found this helpful
Given my health issues, particularly primary immunodeficiency and dermatitis, I continually take this supplement, especially through winter. The chelated form works well for me, and I noticed that colds are easier and quicker to recover from, improving my skin condition too.
10
Healthy winter
14 people found this helpful
I rarely boast, but this zinc supplement works wonders during winter! Our family stays healthy, avoiding the common cold, thanks to pairing it with vitamin D and C. I recommend avoiding it on an empty stomach to prevent nausea.
9
Supports immunity
6 people found this helpful
I always keep zinc in our family medicine cabinet as first aid for the common cold. I take it with vitamins D and C, and it works at the first signs of illness. Zinc is also crucial for protein synthesis, iron absorption, maintaining vision, and men's health, so I take it regularly to stay healthy.
8
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.
9
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.
9
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.
7
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.
4
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.
References
- Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, Antiporta DA, Hamel C, et al. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5:CD014914. 10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2
- Kreiser T, Zaguri D, Sachdeva S, Zamostiano R, Mograbi J, et al. Inhibition of Respiratory RNA Viruses by a Composition of Ionophoric Polyphenols with Metal Ions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15. 10.3390/ph15030377
- Hemilä H, Chalker E, Tukiainen J. Quantile Treatment Effect of Zinc Lozenges on Common Cold Duration: A Novel Approach to Analyze the Effect of Treatment on Illness Duration. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:817522. 10.3389/fphar.2022.817522
- Murni IK, Prawirohartono EP, Triasih R. Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19. Glob Pediatr Health. 2021;8:2333794X211021739. 10.1177/2333794X211021739
- Wang MX, Win SS, Pang J. Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020;103:86. 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0718
- DeGeorge KC, Ring DJ, Dalrymple SN. Treatment of the Common Cold. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100:281.
