Article of Interest

Can Zinc Shorten Your Colds? Studies Are Getting Clearer…

The common cold is a nuisance that disrupts our days and nights with sniffles, coughs, and fatigue. While there's no magic cure, zinc has emerged as a potential option to shorten the duration and severity of cold symptoms. But how effective is it, and what does the research say?

Zinc is a mineral essential for a healthy immune system. It plays a role in various immune functions, including the production of white blood cells that fight infection [1]. Research suggests that zinc may directly combat the rhinoviruses, the most common culprits behind colds, by hindering their ability to replicate [2].


Shortening Colds with Zinc: Evidence from Studies

Studies investigating zinc's effect on colds present encouraging findings. A review analyzing multiple trials concluded that zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours of experiencing cold symptoms could shorten their duration by an average of 1.65 days [3]. Notably, the effect appeared more pronounced in adults compared to children [3].

Another area of exploration involves zinc's potential to reduce the number of colds altogether. While the evidence is less conclusive, some studies suggest that daily zinc supplementation might decrease the incidence of colds, particularly in populations deficient in the mineral [4].


Important Considerations

While research shows promise, it's important to consider some caveats. Firstly, timing seems crucial. Studies suggest zinc is most effective when taken at the first signs of a cold, not after symptoms have fully developed [1].

Secondly, dosage matters. Taking too much zinc can lead to side effects like nausea and stomach cramps [5]. It's vital to consult a healthcare professional before starting zinc supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.


Conclusion

Zinc lozenges or syrups, when used appropriately, might offer a safe and natural approach to shortening the duration and severity of the common cold. However, consulting a doctor for personalized advice and ensuring proper dosage is crucial.


NIH – National Institute of Health : Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Zinc, which can inhibit rhinovirus replication and has activity against other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus, is a potential treatment for the common cold. The exact mechanism of zinc’s activity on viruses remains uncertain. Zinc may also reduce the severity of cold symptoms by acting as an astringent on the trigeminal nerve.


A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that zinc was effective at reducing the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Read Meta-Analysis Randomized Controlled Trials here


PubMed – National Library of Medicine : Zinc for the common cold -Main results: We included 13 therapeutic trials (966 participants) and two preventive trials (394 participants). Intake of zinc is associated with a significant reduction in the duration. Read Full Study here


NIH – National Library of Medicine : Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells: Zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, neutrophils, and NK cells. Macrophages also are affected by zinc deficiency. Read Full Study Info here


NIH – National Library of Medicine : Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function:Read All info here, it is fascinating.


Science Direct States : Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection . Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. The immunologic mechanisms whereby zinc modulates increased susceptibility to infection have been studied for several decades. It is clear that zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells. Zinc deficiency also affects development of acquired immunity by preventing both the outgrowth and certain functions of T lymphocytes such as activation, Th1 cytokine production, and B lymphocyte help. Likewise, B lymphocyte development and antibody production, particularly immunoglobulin G, is compro-mised. The macrophage, a pivotal cell in many immunologic functions, is adversely affected by zinc deficiency, which can dysregulate intracellular killing, cytokine production, and phagocytosis. The effects of zinc on these key immunologic mediators is rooted in the myriad roles for zinc in basic cellular functions such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, cell division, and cell activation. Apoptosis is potentiated by zinc defi-ciency. Zinc also functions as an antioxidant and can stabilize membranes. This review explores these aspects of zinc biology of the immune system and attempts to provide a biological basis for the altered host resistance to infections observed during zinc deficiency and supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 68(suppl):447S–63S. ScienceDirect


Other References:


See All Lifesource Vitamins Zinc Productshere


Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulation standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 )as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).


LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122


LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…



www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: info@LifesourceVitamins.com

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer:None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this article and our entire website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!

Related Articles