researchers have studied the use of zinc as a cold remedy and as a way to treat the cold virus. still the data from years of scientific studies are mixed. in some studies researchers found that zinc lozenges nasal sprays or nasal gels decreased the duration of colds or the severity of cold symptoms. one recent study looked at using zinc not only as a cold treatment but also as a preventive when taken daily. in other studies researchers found no differences in cold symptoms between those who took zinc and those who took a placebo or sugar pill. what do these findings on zinc and colds mean to you and your family? for now the study results on using zinc as a cold remedy are inconclusive. for every study showing a positive benefit with zinc there’s another study showing no benefit at all. in fact it’s believed that if there is any benefit in taking zinc or zinc lozenges it is very minor. there are a few important factors about the use of zinc for the common cold. one is that the formulation (gluconate sulfate acetate) and some flavoring additives may make a difference; this detail is still being worked out by researchers. also zinc works best when taken regularly (every two hours) at the first sign of a cold and using 9 to 24 milligrams of elemental zinc per dose; underdosing zinc makes it less likely to help.
is zinc an effective cold remedy?