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Health Articles > Latest research supports zinc for shortening the symptoms of the common cold
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Latest research supports zinc for shortening the symptoms of the common cold
The common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses and is a leading cause of visits to the doctor and absenteeism from school and work.
A new review by The Cochrane Collaboration concludes that Zinc, when taken within 24 hours of the first runny nose, sore throat or other cold symptoms, shortens the length of the cold by an average of one day and reduces the severity of the symptoms. When supplemented for at least five months, Zinc reduces cold incidence, school absenteeism and prescription of antibiotics in children. Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews of primary research in human health care. They investigate the effects of inteventions for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. All the existing primary research on a topic that meets certain criteria is searched for and collated, and then assessed using stringent guidelines, to establish whether or not there is conclusive evidence about a specific treatment. The reviews are updated regularly, ensuring that treatment decisions can be based on the most up-to-date and reliable evidence. The main objective of the research conducted was to assess the effect of Zinc on common cold symptoms. Data was analysed from 15 trials involving 1360 people using zinc tablets, syrup or lozenges. 966 participants supplemented with Zinc for at least five consecutive days to treat the common cold. At seven days, more of the patients who took Zinc had cleared their symptoms compared to those who took placebos. "This review strengthens the evidence for Zinc as a treatment for the common cold", said lead researcher Meenu Singh of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India. The authors also noted that Zinc appeared to lessen the need for antibiotics in children.
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