According to a systematic review of 15 clinical studies, Zinc supplements taken with a day of the onset of cold symptoms seemed to reduce the length and the severity of the illness.
Researchers pooled the results of 13 therapeutic trials (with over 900 participants) and 2 preventive trials (with over 350 participants) for this review. Trial results showed that Zinc reduced the severity of the symptoms of the common cold and the duration of cold symptoms when used therapeutically. Zinc was also shown to reduce the incidence of the common cold, antibiotic use, and school absences when used as a preventative measure in healthy children when supplemented for at least 5 months.
The common cold in considered to be the most widespread illness in the world. It is believed that adults might suffer from between 2 to 4 colds per year. Children who attend school may experience approximately 12 cold episodes yearly. Given that there is no proven treatment for the common cold, Zinc supplementation may reduce morbidity and economic losses associated with this illness.
Interest in using Zinc as a means to reduce cold symptoms grew after a study undertaken in 1984. This study suggested that supplementing a 23 mg Zinc Lozenge every second waking hour beginning within 3 days of the onset of cold symptoms reduced the duration of these symptoms by approximately 7 days.
Researchers noted that in-vitro studies indicate Zinc has antiviral properties which reinforce the results of the study results reviewed.
Further studies are needed.
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