Evidence brief · Supplement
Zinc for Cold duration (lozenges at onset)
Evidence grade B — Form/dose sensitive
- Overall grade
- Grade B
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
Assembled by the app from other entries in this library. It adds no evidence of its own — follow the links to the entries it draws on.
1 at grade B — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Cold duration (lozenges at onset)Evidence grade B
Form/dose sensitive
Moderatemixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Studies disagree: Cold duration (lozenges at onset) (mixed agreement).
The evidence in words
The verdict
For cold duration (lozenges at onset), Zinc earns evidence grade B (moderate effect, mixed consistency) — there is real evidence here. Form/dose sensitive
How it might work
Zinc stabilizes 'zinc-finger' proteins that read DNA, supports immune-cell function and wound healing, and is a cofactor in testosterone and thyroid metabolism. Zinc lozenges are thought to interfere directly with rhinovirus replication in the throat.
How to use it
8–15 mg/day covers requirements. For colds, ~75 mg/day of ionic zinc as lozenges, split, only during the illness. Do not take 40 mg+/day long-term without balancing copper.
Safety & cautions
Acute high doses nauseate; chronic high intake causes copper deficiency (anemia, neuropathy). Keep long-term supplemental zinc modest and pair with copper if dosing high.
Bottom line
Fix a deficiency, shorten a cold with lozenges at onset — but respect the ceiling: sustained 40 mg+/day quietly drains copper.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Maintenance
- 8–15 mg/day.
- Cold
- ~75 mg/day ionic lozenges, split, during illness only.
Goes with
- ZincRead the full Zinc monographEvidence grade B
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Zinc for Correcting deficiencyEvidence grade A — Immune, growth, wound healingEvidence grade A
- Zinc for Testosterone (replete men)Evidence grade D — Only helps if deficientEvidence grade D
- Zinc: dosage and how to take it8–15 mg/day.Evidence grade B
- Zinc: side effects, safety & interactionsAcute high doses nauseate; chronic high intake causes copper deficiency (anemia, neuropathy). Keep long-term supplementaEvidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own — it is assembled from the entries it links to, whose sources are on their pages.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.