Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Article Abstract:

Symptoms associated with the common cold may not last as long in patients who take lozenges containing zinc gluconate. Researchers randomly assigned 100 patients with common cold symptoms to receive either zinc gluconate lozenges or placebo lozenges. The group taking zinc lozenges experienced significantly fewer days with nasal drainage and congestion, headache, sore throat and cough as compared to the placebo group. Muscle ache, fever and sneezing symptoms, however, lasted for a similar number of days in the two groups. Nausea and bad after-taste were significantly more common in the group taking zinc lozenges.

---

Zinc: the biology and therapeutics of an ion

Article Abstract:

Studies have shown that zinc therapy may prove promising for treating diseases including the common cold, sickle cell anemia, and Wilson's disease. Zinc has been recognized as an essential dietary metal that plays an important role in the biological activity of more than 300 enzymes. Zinc deficiency, whether dietary or disease-related, may be relatively common and can delay growth, cause long-term diarrhea, and affect immune system function. Zinc therapy may be effective by reversing low-level zinc deficiencies in some patients. Future studies should address the potential toxicity of excess dietary zinc.

Editorial, Physiological aspects, Zinc deficiency diseases

---

Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold in Children

Article Abstract:

Zinc gluconate lozenges appear to be ineffective in treating the common cold in children. Zinc lozenges have been promoted as a cold remedy, but research has produced conflicting results. Researchers randomly assigned 249 students with colds to take either zinc lozenges or placebo lozenges throughout the duration of their colds. In both groups, symptoms resolved in an average of nine days. Students taking zinc reported more nausea, oral discomfort, a bad mouth taste, or diarrhea than those taking the placebo. Zinc may be more effective in a different formulation or dosage.

Care and treatment, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Cold (Disease) in children, Children's colds, Zinc gluconate, Cold-Eeze (Medication)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Wait-and-see prescription for the treatment of acute otitis media: A randomized controlled trial. Impact of the Mexican program for education, health, and nutrition (Progresa) on rates of growth and anemia in infants and young children
• Abstracts: Surgery for seizures. Finally, a randomized, controlled trial of epilepsy surgery. Lorazepam for the prevention of recurrent seizures related to alcohol
• Abstracts: Reduction in carotid arterial wall thickness using lovastatin and dietary therapy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
• Abstracts: Questions for surveys. Randomised controlled trials: Questions for valid evidence. Management of leg ulcers
• Abstracts: Special consultation on syringe laws addresses epidemics, airs controversy. When physicians ask, women tell about domestic abuse and violence

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.