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Science Corner

Zinc Lozenges May Shorten the Duration of the Common Cold

In this systematic review, the authors analyzed results from 13 placebo-controlled trials examining the effects of zinc lozenges on the duration of the common cold, and they found a 42% reduction in the duration of the common cold associated with use of zinc acetate in daily doses over 75 mg, and a 20% reduction in the duration of colds associated with zinc salts other than acetate in daily doses over 75 mg. In the 5 trials where less than 75 mg zinc was used, no beneficial effect was found. The authors state, “This study shows strong evidence that the zinc lozenge effect on common cold duration is heterogeneous so that benefit is observed with high doses of zinc but not with low doses.” Click here to read the full text of the study.

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