Last update
5/12/2025

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 5 Researches
8.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.5

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Zinc treatment impacts flu virus entry
In our study, we examined how epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), which includes the use of zinc chloride, affects the expression of a key molecule known as Cav1.2. This molecule is essential for the influenza virus to enter cells, making it a crucial target in flu prevention strategies.

We compared two groups of patients: those who received EAT and those who did not. Our findings revealed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT group, at a striking 4.19 times less than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT—which is a process of changing the epithelium—could be a beneficial approach to limiting flu infections.

The results of the study highlight zinc's potential indirect role in flu prevention by remarking on its contribution to lowering the expression of a critical receptor for the virus. Although we didn't isolate the effects of zinc alone, the findings indicate that treatments involving zinc, like EAT, may offer a straightforward way to help limit the impact of influenza.
Read More
8
Euglena extract aids flu defense
We set out to uncover how Euglena extract might help combat influenza, particularly focusing on its components like zinc. This microalga, known for its nutritional benefits, has shown promise in alleviating flu symptoms in mice. Our investigation revealed that Euglena extract significantly inhibited various strains of the influenza virus, including those that resist traditional antiviral medications like oseltamivir and amantadine.

Through our research involving Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we discovered that the extract doesn't disrupt the virus's replication cycle directly. Instead, it appears to bolster the host's defenses, which means it enhances our body's natural ability to fight off the virus. One of the key contributors to this antiviral activity seems to be the minerals present in the extract, particularly zinc.

Overall, this study suggests that Euglena extract could be a promising tool for flu prevention and treatment. Its potential benefits highlight the need for new approaches in tackling influenza, especially with the rise of drug-resistant strains. Our findings advocate for further exploration into how zinc and other components in Euglena can enhance our defenses against influenza.
Read More
We explored the role of zinc in supporting our immune system, especially in the fight against influenza. The studies suggest that zinc might be beneficial in reducing the viral load during flu infections.

Evidence shows that zinc can decrease the severity of symptoms associated with viral pneumonia, which is often a complication of influenza. Additionally, it appears to have a positive impact on the overall recovery process, potentially shortening the duration of illness.

We also noted that zinc may enhance the effectiveness of certain COVID-19 treatments, which gives further credence to its immune-boosting properties. However, the precise relationship between zinc levels and vaccine effectiveness, particularly for flu vaccines, remains complex and requires more investigation.

Ultimately, our understanding indicates that incorporating zinc into our regimen could provide an additional layer of defense against the flu virus while supporting our immune health.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Knocks out cold quickly
12 people found this helpful
This is a must-have for colds! Zinc will eliminate a cold if you feel symptoms coming on, and if you already have one, it shortens the duration. It has always worked for me, and I recommend it to everyone I know. Even that flu or cold this season that has lingered for others took a bit longer, but it ultimately worked to rid me of it!
Read More
7.5
Unbeatable quality price
5 people found this helpful
Best zinc throat lozenge on the market and great price! I have used these for my throat and mouth health for years. The price is unbeatable and the quality of the zinc is fantastic. It has helped with gum infections, sore throats, and of course, flu and cold symptoms. During Covid, they were hard to find, so I ensure I have a backup bottle. These are not those sugary substitutes that contain a fraction of the zinc and do little, like airborne. These genuinely work for throat health and more.
Read More
10
Cure for flu onset
1 people found this helpful
Cure For The Common Cold! I'm not overstating things. Zinc lozenges ARE the cure for the onset of the common cold and flu. I can assert this because I've used zinc lozenges (Nature's Way are the best) since 1980, and I haven't had a cold or flu in over twenty years. This brand is also inexpensive – about half a penny per lozenge. I pair them with 2,000 mg of Vitamin C at the first sign of a cold virus, usually just a sore throat. I take this combo until the sore throat vanishes. Sometimes, I add Solaray's Under The Weather vitamins if a stronger flu strain tries to attack my immune system.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 5 Researches
8.2
  • All Researches
We investigated the potential of zinc in combination with herbal polyphenols and copper to reduce the infectivity of respiratory RNA viruses, including the flu. This study is particularly timely due to the ongoing challenges posed by viruses like SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic solutions.

Zinc ions are known to play a role in modulating viral RNA replication, which makes them an appealing option for decreasing viral loads and infectivity. However, a significant challenge is that the natural concentration of zinc in our cells is often too low for effective results. To tackle this, we combined zinc picolinate, a form of zinc that’s easier for the body to absorb, with a range of flavonoids—natural compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties and existing antiviral effects.

We ensured that these combinations were safe by assessing their impact on cultured cells, confirming that they didn’t harm cell viability. When tested further, our results revealed an impressive 50-95% reduction in viral genome replication levels across a variety of respiratory RNA viruses, including the flu virus, which suggests that this combination therapy could be promising in the fight against such illnesses.

Overall, our findings highlight an innovative approach to treating viral infections that is non-toxic, derived from nature, and may remain effective against emerging viral strains.
Read More
In our evaluation of how zinc can impact flu symptoms, we observed a study that examined the effects of gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride.

A total of 150 individuals participated, divided into two groups: one group followed a regular oral hygiene routine with fluoride toothpaste, while the other group followed the same routine but added gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% zinc.

The results revealed that regular gargling with this mouthwash helped reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, with participants using the mouthwash showing a 21.5% lower frequency and 11% reduced severity in symptoms.

However, it's important to note that the study did not isolate the effects of zinc, leaving questions about the specific contributions of this mineral to the overall findings. Therefore, while we can see that the mouthwash appears beneficial, we cannot definitively attribute its effects solely to zinc.
Read More
8
Zinc treatment impacts flu virus entry
In our study, we examined how epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), which includes the use of zinc chloride, affects the expression of a key molecule known as Cav1.2. This molecule is essential for the influenza virus to enter cells, making it a crucial target in flu prevention strategies.

We compared two groups of patients: those who received EAT and those who did not. Our findings revealed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT group, at a striking 4.19 times less than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT—which is a process of changing the epithelium—could be a beneficial approach to limiting flu infections.

The results of the study highlight zinc's potential indirect role in flu prevention by remarking on its contribution to lowering the expression of a critical receptor for the virus. Although we didn't isolate the effects of zinc alone, the findings indicate that treatments involving zinc, like EAT, may offer a straightforward way to help limit the impact of influenza.
Read More
8
Euglena extract aids flu defense
We set out to uncover how Euglena extract might help combat influenza, particularly focusing on its components like zinc. This microalga, known for its nutritional benefits, has shown promise in alleviating flu symptoms in mice. Our investigation revealed that Euglena extract significantly inhibited various strains of the influenza virus, including those that resist traditional antiviral medications like oseltamivir and amantadine.

Through our research involving Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we discovered that the extract doesn't disrupt the virus's replication cycle directly. Instead, it appears to bolster the host's defenses, which means it enhances our body's natural ability to fight off the virus. One of the key contributors to this antiviral activity seems to be the minerals present in the extract, particularly zinc.

Overall, this study suggests that Euglena extract could be a promising tool for flu prevention and treatment. Its potential benefits highlight the need for new approaches in tackling influenza, especially with the rise of drug-resistant strains. Our findings advocate for further exploration into how zinc and other components in Euglena can enhance our defenses against influenza.
Read More
We explored the role of zinc in supporting our immune system, especially in the fight against influenza. The studies suggest that zinc might be beneficial in reducing the viral load during flu infections.

Evidence shows that zinc can decrease the severity of symptoms associated with viral pneumonia, which is often a complication of influenza. Additionally, it appears to have a positive impact on the overall recovery process, potentially shortening the duration of illness.

We also noted that zinc may enhance the effectiveness of certain COVID-19 treatments, which gives further credence to its immune-boosting properties. However, the precise relationship between zinc levels and vaccine effectiveness, particularly for flu vaccines, remains complex and requires more investigation.

Ultimately, our understanding indicates that incorporating zinc into our regimen could provide an additional layer of defense against the flu virus while supporting our immune health.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.5
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Knocks out cold quickly
12 people found this helpful
This is a must-have for colds! Zinc will eliminate a cold if you feel symptoms coming on, and if you already have one, it shortens the duration. It has always worked for me, and I recommend it to everyone I know. Even that flu or cold this season that has lingered for others took a bit longer, but it ultimately worked to rid me of it!
Read More
7.5
Unbeatable quality price
5 people found this helpful
Best zinc throat lozenge on the market and great price! I have used these for my throat and mouth health for years. The price is unbeatable and the quality of the zinc is fantastic. It has helped with gum infections, sore throats, and of course, flu and cold symptoms. During Covid, they were hard to find, so I ensure I have a backup bottle. These are not those sugary substitutes that contain a fraction of the zinc and do little, like airborne. These genuinely work for throat health and more.
Read More
10
Cure for flu onset
1 people found this helpful
Cure For The Common Cold! I'm not overstating things. Zinc lozenges ARE the cure for the onset of the common cold and flu. I can assert this because I've used zinc lozenges (Nature's Way are the best) since 1980, and I haven't had a cold or flu in over twenty years. This brand is also inexpensive – about half a penny per lozenge. I pair them with 2,000 mg of Vitamin C at the first sign of a cold virus, usually just a sore throat. I take this combo until the sore throat vanishes. Sometimes, I add Solaray's Under The Weather vitamins if a stronger flu strain tries to attack my immune system.
Read More
9
Helped recover from flu
1 people found this helpful
Very effective for me. Had the flu, and I'm sure these helped me recover and feel better faster. Will buy more.
Read More
9
Prevents flu effectively
1 people found this helpful
Good to have it at home. It prevents flu and the common cold if you start taking it immediately when you feel unwell.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.

References

  1. Muniz FWMG, Casarin M, Pola NM, Rösing CK, Silveira TMD, et al. Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms. PLoS One. 2025;20:e0316807. 10.1371/journal.pone.0316807
  2. Nishi K, Yoshimoto S, Nishi S, Nishi T, Nishi R, et al. Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy Down-regulates the Expression of Cav1.2: A Key Molecule in Influenza Virus Entry. In Vivo. 2022;36:2357. 10.21873/invivo.12967
  3. 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
  4. Nakashima A, Horio Y, Suzuki K, Isegawa Y. Antiviral Activity and Underlying Action Mechanism of Euglena Extract against Influenza Virus. Nutrients. 2021;13. 10.3390/nu13113911
  5. Sadeghsoltani F, Mohammadzadeh I, Safari MM, Hassanpour P, Izadpanah M, et al. Zinc and Respiratory Viral Infections: Important Trace Element in Anti-viral Response and Immune Regulation. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022;200:2556. 10.1007/s12011-021-02859-z
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