This review demonstrated that zinc acetate is the best zinc form for shortening the duration of colds. The pooled result of these non-acetate trials showed a more modest 20% reduction in cold duration. The pooled result of these higher-dose studies showed a 42% reduction in cold duration.įive trials used other zinc forms (like zinc gluconate) in total daily doses of over 75 mg. Three trials used zinc acetate in total daily doses of over 75 mg. In 2011, a review of 13 placebo-controlled human trials was published that examined the effect of zinc lozenges on common cold episodes: 15įive trials used a total daily zinc dose of less than 75 mg. Severity of cold symptoms was also markedly lower in the zinc group. On average, cold duration was 4 days compared to 7.1 days for those taking a placebo. In a similar study done in 2008, adults took moderate doses ( 13.3 mg) of zinc acetate lozenges within 24 hours of showing symptoms, every two to three hours while awake. The average, overall duration of symptoms was just 4.5 days, compared to 8.1 days in a placebo group. Days of suffering were reduced by about 45%. In a 2000 study, researchers gave patients moderate-dose ( 12.8 mg) zinc acetate lozenges, every two to three hours while awake, within 24 hours of developing common cold symptoms. In fact, research demonstrates that when the right dose of zinc acetate is used within 24 hours of cold symptoms developing, the benefits can be remarkable. These findings show zinc acetate releases the most ionic zinc, which is believed to be the essential form for fighting the common cold. Zinc gluconate-citrate releases no ionic zinc. Zinc gluconate-glycine releases 57% or less of its zinc as ionic zinc, and Zinc gluconate releases 72% of its zinc as ionic zinc, Zinc acetate releases 100% of its zinc as ionic zinc, Scientists have now calculated these amounts, and they found that: 3 There are significant differences in the amounts of ionic zinc released from the different zinc forms. 3 This type of zinc has acquired a positive charge by losing electrons. The form of zinc that most effectively binds to cell receptors, blocking the cold virus, is ionic zinc. They discovered that after seven days, cold symptoms vanished in 86% of people taking zinc, compared to 46% taking placebo lozenges. In 1984, a team of researchers led by pioneering scientist George Eby published the results of the first double-blind, human study on zinc lozenges for common colds. Taken in 18.75 mg doses every two hours, this specific form of zinc has demonstrated compelling findings in clinical studies. The most effective way to get ionic zinc is from zinc acetate. This can shorten the duration of a cold by seven days, which scientists consider a cure. People frequently take zinc lozenges to treat colds, but many products on the market use a form of zinc that’s inferior.Įvidence shows that, taken at the very first symptoms, ionic zinc blocks the cold-causing rhinovirus from entering cells. What You Need to Know Compelling EvidenceĬolds are the most common illness and pose a serious health risk to those with respiratory or immune issues, as well as the elderly. But its unique effect in the throat (blocking viruses from entering cells) is what makes the occasional use of zinc lozenges so beneficial. Zinc is a mineral that has functions throughout the body, including support for the immune system. This makes it uniquely effective in warding off colds. When taken as a slow-release lozenge, zinc binds to those same cell receptors, preventing the rhinovirus from entering cells and establishing a common cold infection. Rhinoviruses, the most common cold viruses, attach to receptors in cells of the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract and then replicate out of control. Complications can develop, including sinusitis, and secondary infections like pneumonia and strep throat. Though cold symptoms are usually mild, the effects on those with a weakened immune system, like the elderly, may be severe. 4Īmericans contract an estimated one billion colds annually, and they’re the leading cause of missed days at work or school. Headache, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches can also occur. The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat.
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