Zinc Lozenges and Common Cold Duration: A Meta-Analysis
Hemilä H
Open Forum Infectious Diseases • April 2017
Plain Language Summary
This analysis found that taking zinc lozenges at the start of a cold can reduce how long you’re sick by about one-third. To work, you need to start taking zinc within 24 hours of first symptoms, and take lozenges (around 75-90mg daily total) every 2-3 hours while awake. Zinc acetate lozenges appear most effective. After 5 days, people taking zinc were 3 times more likely to have recovered compared to those taking placebo.
Key Findings
- 1Zinc lozenges reduced cold duration by 33% on average
- 2Zinc acetate lozenges at 80-92mg/day were most effective
- 3Treatment must start within 24 hours of symptom onset
- 4Benefits seen for cough, nasal discharge, and sore throat
- 5Recovery rate 3x higher on day 5 compared to placebo
Abstract
This meta-analysis examined the effect of zinc lozenges on the duration of common cold symptoms. The analysis included randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials using zinc acetate lozenges.
Study Limitations
- Difficulty blinding zinc taste
- Heterogeneity in zinc formulations and doses
- Some studies with small sample sizes
- Optimal lozenge form not definitively established