Researchers tested whether zinc acetate could help people suffering from persistent, hard-to-treat cough. In this randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, 34 participants received either zinc acetate or placebo for 6 weeks, with improvements measured using four different cough and quality-of-life scales.
While zinc successfully increased serum zinc levels in treated participants, both groups improved similarly across all measures. The improvements in cough symptoms and quality of life were too small to meet clinically meaningful thresholds, suggesting zinc acetate offers no real advantage over placebo for chronic cough sufferers.
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Most Useful Reviews
9
Flu resistance
88 people found this helpful
I often fall ill, so I decided to try zinc as an immune booster after reading about its benefits. I took it alongside Ester C for 1.5 months. Recently, I was exposed to flu, yet despite the infection in the house, I did not get sick! My son experienced a mild form of the illness, but he began taking zinc and recovered quickly. In contrast, my father-in-law, who refuses to take supplements, suffered significantly from the flu. It seems zinc truly works wonders for immunity!
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9
Immunity boost
4 people found this helpful
I've been using this form of zinc for nearly a year and didn't fall ill at all, unlike the previous year when I caught the flu often. It's an excellent immune booster. I recommend this form as it is well absorbed.
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9
Skin inflammation
The supplement is fine, but the dosage was too high for me. I prefer zinc glycinate with pumpkin seed oil. I typically take zinc in winter, as it reduces skin inflammation and chronic cough frequency. For the last two years, I’ve managed without antibiotics during flare-ups.
Researchers tested whether zinc acetate could help people suffering from persistent, hard-to-treat cough. In this randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, 34 participants received either zinc acetate or placebo for 6 weeks, with improvements measured using four different cough and quality-of-life scales.
While zinc successfully increased serum zinc levels in treated participants, both groups improved similarly across all measures. The improvements in cough symptoms and quality of life were too small to meet clinically meaningful thresholds, suggesting zinc acetate offers no real advantage over placebo for chronic cough sufferers.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.6
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Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Flu resistance
88 people found this helpful
I often fall ill, so I decided to try zinc as an immune booster after reading about its benefits. I took it alongside Ester C for 1.5 months. Recently, I was exposed to flu, yet despite the infection in the house, I did not get sick! My son experienced a mild form of the illness, but he began taking zinc and recovered quickly. In contrast, my father-in-law, who refuses to take supplements, suffered significantly from the flu. It seems zinc truly works wonders for immunity!
Read More
9
Immunity boost
4 people found this helpful
I've been using this form of zinc for nearly a year and didn't fall ill at all, unlike the previous year when I caught the flu often. It's an excellent immune booster. I recommend this form as it is well absorbed.
Read More
9
Skin inflammation
The supplement is fine, but the dosage was too high for me. I prefer zinc glycinate with pumpkin seed oil. I typically take zinc in winter, as it reduces skin inflammation and chronic cough frequency. For the last two years, I’ve managed without antibiotics during flare-ups.
Read More
6
Mixed results
I wasn't sure how effective vitamin zinc is at promoting rapid cell regeneration. While I didn’t see notable changes, my husband, who took it alongside multivitamins, stopped his chronic cough after a week. So, perhaps it works differently for each individual. I shall continue taking it as zinc is said to be necessary for viral infections.
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7.5
Cold relief
I take zinc at the first signs of a cold, sore throat, or cough. It also provides great benefits for skin radiance. I used it to maintain my health during COVID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A chronic cough is defined as a persistent cough that lasts for more than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in children. Unlike an acute cough, which typically resolves within a few weeks and is often linked to temporary conditions like colds or the flu, a chronic cough can indicate an underlying health issue that may require medical attention. Common causes of chronic cough include asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, or even environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution.
When dealing with a chronic cough, it's essential to evaluate the problem holistically. Observing patterns, accompanying symptoms, and any potential triggers can be instrumental in diagnosis. If you're experiencing a lingering cough, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the root cause and the most effective treatment options, which may range from lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications or further diagnostic tests.
Zinc is a versatile metal known for its various applications in industry and health. It is a bluish-white metallic element represented by the symbol Zn and atomic number 30 on the periodic table. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting, in the manufacturing of alloys, and as a component in batteries. Additionally, zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes, making it an essential trace element in the human diet. It is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Zinc has been studied for its potential benefits in various respiratory conditions, including chronic cough. Some research suggests that zinc may play a role in modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. However, the evidence is not definitive, and zinc alone may not be a standalone treatment for chronic cough. It's important to note that chronic cough can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as asthma, allergies, or infections, and addressing the root cause is crucial for effective management.
If you're considering zinc supplementation as a remedy for chronic cough, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional first. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and determine if zinc or other treatments may be appropriate for you. In summary, while zinc may have some benefits in respiratory health, relying on it to treat chronic cough without understanding the underlying causes may not yield the desired results.
Based on user reviews, the time it takes to see results from zinc supplementation for chronic cough can vary. One user reported that their husband stopped his chronic cough after just a week of taking zinc alongside multivitamins, suggesting a relatively quick response for some individuals Read Review. However, other users did not mention rapid results or specific timelines, making it difficult to establish a standard duration across the board.
In general, while some users have experienced benefits quickly, others may find that it takes longer to notice an impact. For instance, another reviewer pointed out that they have effectively managed their chronic cough and reduced the need for antibiotics over a two-year period using zinc, indicating a more gradual buildup of benefits Read Review. Therefore, those considering zinc for chronic cough might expect varying timelines depending on their individual health circumstances.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report significant improvements in their symptoms after incorporating zinc into their regimen. One user noted that after taking zinc for about 1.5 months, they were exposed to the flu without falling ill, while a family member who also took zinc recovered quickly from a mild version of the illness Read Review. Another long-term user mentioned not falling sick at all over the past year, attributing their immune resilience to the supplementation Read Review.
In addition to immune support, zinc has been reported to aid in managing chronic cough and skin inflammation. One reviewer highlighted using zinc to effectively reduce the frequency of their chronic cough and maintain health during flu season with no need for antibiotics over two years Read Review. While experiences vary, these anecdotal reports suggest that zinc may provide a range of benefits, particularly in enhancing immune defense and alleviating respiratory issues.
Users report a positive experience when combining zinc with other supplements for managing chronic cough. One reviewer highlighted the effectiveness of zinc when taken with Ester C, noting that after 1.5 months, they were able to avoid illness during a flu outbreak in their home, while a family member who also began taking zinc recovered quickly after a mild illness Read Review. Another user mentioned a successful combination of zinc glycinate with pumpkin seed oil, which helped them manage chronic cough and reduce skin inflammation, allowing them to navigate winter without needing antibiotics Read Review.
Moreover, some users have noted that zinc supplementation can enhance immune support when taken alongside multivitamins. One user observed that their husband ceased his chronic cough within a week of starting zinc with multivitamins, indicating that individual responses may vary Read Review. Overall, the reviews suggest that incorporating zinc with other supplements can yield beneficial effects for those struggling with chronic cough and may enhance overall immune function.
Based on user reviews, the right dose of zinc for treating chronic cough appears to vary among individuals, with some users reporting benefits while others experience sensitivity to the dosage. One review highlights that the user found a high dosage too much, expressing a preference for zinc glycinate, which they take in winter to manage chronic cough and skin inflammation. They noted a significant reduction in the need for antibiotics during flare-ups, suggesting that proper dosing can have substantial effects on respiratory health Read Review.
Additionally, another user mentioned that zinc helped their husband stop a chronic cough after a week, indicating that it can be effective but may work differently for everyone Read Review. Furthermore, several reviews suggest that taking zinc at the early signs of a cold or cough can boost the immune system and potentially alleviate symptoms Read Review. Overall, while no specific dose is universally recommended, users have reported varying experiences that indicate finding the right dosage might be an individualized process.
6
Mixed results
I wasn't sure how effective vitamin zinc is at promoting rapid cell regeneration. While I didn’t see notable changes, my husband, who took it alongside multivitamins, stopped his chronic cough after a week. So, perhaps it works differently for each individual. I shall continue taking it as zinc is said to be necessary for viral infections.
9
Skin inflammation
The supplement is fine, but the dosage was too high for me. I prefer zinc glycinate with pumpkin seed oil. I typically take zinc in winter, as it reduces skin inflammation and chronic cough frequency. For the last two years, I’ve managed without antibiotics during flare-ups.
9
Flu resistance
88 people found this helpful
I often fall ill, so I decided to try zinc as an immune booster after reading about its benefits. I took it alongside Ester C for 1.5 months. Recently, I was exposed to flu, yet despite the infection in the house, I did not get sick! My son experienced a mild form of the illness, but he began taking zinc and recovered quickly. In contrast, my father-in-law, who refuses to take supplements, suffered significantly from the flu. It seems zinc truly works wonders for immunity!
9
Immunity boost
4 people found this helpful
I've been using this form of zinc for nearly a year and didn't fall ill at all, unlike the previous year when I caught the flu often. It's an excellent immune booster. I recommend this form as it is well absorbed.
7.5
Cold relief
I take zinc at the first signs of a cold, sore throat, or cough. It also provides great benefits for skin radiance. I used it to maintain my health during COVID.
References
Balasubramanian A, Holbrook JT, Canning BJ, Que LG, Castro M, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of zinc acetate for treatment of chronic refractory cough: pilot randomised futility trial. ERJ Open Res. 2023;9. 10.1183/23120541.00678-2022