Zinc Maintains Immune Function

A new meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials concluded that zinc reduces symptoms related to the common cold. Earlier analysis of research regarding zinc and cold symptoms has provided mixed results. Zinc is an essential mineral and required for approximately 100 enzymatic reactions in the body.

In this new analysis, researchers combined the data from 13 clinical trials in which zinc was supplemented for at least 5 consecutive days or at least 5 months.

The new meta-analysis revealed that zinc supplementation significantly reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Compared to the control group, there were significantly less subjects with cold symptoms after 7 days in the group receiving zinc. Furthermore, the study showed that there was a significant decrease in the incidence of developing a cold, school absences, and antibiotic prescriptions in the group receiving zinc compared to the control group. Reported side effects of zinc supplementation included bad taste and nausea.

The study authors concluded, “Zinc administered within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people. When supplemented for at least five months, it reduces cold incidence, school absenteeism and prescription of antibiotics in children. There is potential for zinc lozenges to produce side effects.”

Reference:

Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16;2:CD001364.