Here’s some good news for those still struggling with late-winter colds: A new analysis of cold remedy studies finds high-dose zinc acetate lozenges may help shorten diverse symptoms associated with the 100-plus viruses that cause the common cold.
According to the review, published in the journal BMC Family Practice, zinc lozenges have been shown to shorten the duration of nasal discharge by 34 percent, nasal congestion by 37 percent, sneezing by 22 percent, scratchy throat by 33 percent, sore throat by 18 percent, hoarseness by 43 percent, and cough by 46 percent.
In addition, the research showed zinc shortens the duration of muscle ache by 54 percent.
"Zinc acetate lozenges releasing zinc ions at doses of about 80 [milligrams]/day may be a useful treatment for the common cold, started within 24 hours, for a time period of less than two weeks," concluded lead researchers Harri Hemilä from Helsinki, Finland, and Elizabeth Chalker from Sydney, Australia.
When zinc acetate lozenges dissolve in the mouth, zinc ions are released into the throat, which may explain why the benefits are greatest on symptoms such as sore throat, and less on nasal symptoms.
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