Zinc Lozenges for Cold Relief

Zinc lozenges are a form of zinc supplement that can be dissolved in the mouth. They are often used to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Zinc lozenges are available in pharmacies and health stores as over-the-counter supplements.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Zinc Lozenges FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

Why do you need zinc lozenges & supplements?

Many people turn to zinc lozenges and supplements when they feel sick, and for good reason. It is one of the most abundant trace minerals in your body and plays a key role in nearly every aspect of your health. For example, zinc is required as a cofactor for more than 300 different enzymes, meaning it’s needed for their proper functioning.

Are there any side effects of zinc lozenges?

No serious side-effects were reported, although researchers noted a 40% increase in the risk of temporary side-effects such as nausea and irritation of the nose or mouth. There were also some notable limitations regarding the effectiveness of zinc lozenges in protecting from respiratory tract infections.

Can zinc lozenge help a cold?

Zinc lozenge supplements claim to treat the symptoms of a cold. Zinc is a mineral in your body that helps your immune system and metabolism do their jobs. This supplement comes as a lozenge that you place in your mouth to let it dissolve slowly. Follow the instructions on the supplement to take this medicine as directed. What is this medication?

How effective are zinc gluconate lozenges?

Properly composed zinc gluconate lozenges may be as effective as zinc acetate lozenges. There is no evidence that zinc doses over 100 mg/day might lead to greater efficacy in the treatment of the common cold. Common cold patients may be encouraged to try zinc lozenges for treating their colds.

Do zinc lozenges affect common cold duration?

Meta-analysis. Placebo-controlled zinc lozenge trials, in which the zinc dose was > 75 mg/day. The pooled effect of zinc lozenges on common cold duration was calculated by using inverse-variance random-effects method. Seven randomised trials with 575 participants with naturally acquired common colds. Duration of the common cold.

Can a lozenge reduce a cold?

Some lozenge formulations do not contain enough zinc to effectively reduce the lengths of colds; some of them contain ingredients that bind zinc, like citric acid, which prevent the zinc from working. There have been several cases of people using zinc nasal sprays and suffering a loss of sense of smell.

Zinc Lozenges References

If you want to know more about Zinc Lozenges, consider exploring links below:

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