J C Godfrey, B Conant Sloane, D S Smith, J H Turco, N Mercer, and N J Godfrey . Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Limited data are available concerning claims that zinc gluconate is efficacious in treating symptoms of the common cold. Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which thrives and multiplies in the nasal passages and throat (upper respiratory system). Zinc gluconate was the second best choice, but zinc … But if you are trying to get zinc to your nasal passages and throat to prevent a cold, then zinc gluconate is a … Zinc gluconate tablets are available in most pharmacies. Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues. Zinc acetate lozenges that are sold without chelating additives do not have an objectionable taste and may be highly useful in combatting common colds. Science weighs in on using zinc to fight and prevent colds. Limited data are available concerning claims that zinc gluconate is efficacious in treating symptoms of the common cold. First, zinc interferes with the ability of rhinoviruses, which are responsible for about 80% of all colds, to reproduce. Seven randomized trials with zinc acetate and zinc gluconate lozenges found that the duration of colds was shortened on average by 33%. But only two kinds of zinc are actually effective against colds. 1. Zinc gluconate or zinc acetate 45-100 mg daily for immunity. George Eby, MS George Eby Research Institute Austin, Texas References. If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Dr. Ananda Prasad first turned up zinc's benefits to human growth back in the 1960s.

In addition, 2 prevention trials found that zinc can reduce the incidence of colds in children, whether it is taken as a syrup or in tablet form. Years later, his study and others found that the right dose of zinc can cut a cold's duration by days. Zinc gluconate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency.. Zinc gluconate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Runny nose, sore throat, aches and congestion are the all too familiar symptoms of the common cold. Recently an analysis of several studies showed that zinc lozenges or syrup reduced the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. Normal growth and tissue repair depend upon adequate zinc intake. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc gluconate administered by the intranasal route for prevention of rhinovirus infection and illness. There are several kinds of zinc that you can take for colds. Farr BM, Conner EM, Betts RF, Oleske J, Minnefor A, Gwaltney JM., Jr Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus colds… Years later, his study and others found that the right dose of zinc can cut a cold's duration by days. Other forms of zinc, such as zinc sulfate, have been administered to patients to treat delayed wound healing associated with zinc deficiency. Normal growth and tissue repair depend upon adequate zinc intake. Or maybe you would do anything to prevent those symptoms from starting. Dr. Ananda Prasad first turned up zinc's benefits to human growth back in the 1960s. Zinc acetate lozenges that are sold without chelating additives do not have an objectionable taste and may be highly useful in combatting common colds. Zinc Gluconate and the Common Cold: A Controlled Clinical Study. If zinc has an effect on rhinovirus colds that is mediated by inhibition of rhinovirus replication, it might be expected that this effect would be optimized by direct intranasal administration of zinc. If you are taking zinc to build up the zinc levels of your whole body, you can take a much smaller pill if the zinc is in the form of zinc carbonate or zinc sulfate. When you're miserable and sniffling and sneezing, you may be ready to try anything — anything — to make it stop. Zinc However, they have a foul taste and may induce nausea and vomiting. However, they have a foul taste and may induce nausea and vomiting. advertisement. Zinc supplements are widely available over the counter, so you can recommend that patients take zinc the next time they develop a cold. Other forms of zinc, such as zinc sulfate, have been administered to patients to treat delayed wound healing associated with zinc deficiency. We recommend zinc for helping with cold infections, and for older adults looking to boost their overall immunity.

The company that makes your supplement can put more zinc in the form of zinc carbonate or zinc sulfate in a smaller pill. However, they have a foul taste and may induce nausea and vomiting. Zinc gluconate or acetate are ideal. Journal of International Medical Research 2016 20: 3, 234-246 Download Citation.