As seen on the BBC on 16th February 2011 taking zinc syrup, tablets or lozenges can lessen the severity and duration of the common cold.A systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration concludes that zinc supplements can somewhat reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms when taken by otherwise healthy adults within 24 hours of onset of symptoms, and that supplementation for at least five months reduces incidence.
Optimum dosing and formulation have not been determined. The studies included in the review used a variety of forms and doses of zinc, including zinc gluconate or zinc acetate lozenges and zinc sulphate syrup. The doses ranged from 30 to 160 milligrams per day.
Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001364.html
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Carina Harkin BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu.
Cert IV TAE. ARCHTI mem.
