A study suggests that zinc does not significantly impact the treatment and prevention of the common cold.
Zinc is known to reduce oxidative stress damage caused by active oxygen. It is effective in nutrient absorption, waste removal, and alleviating symptoms of the common cold since zinc operates similarly to antiviral drugs interfering with the proliferation of the cold virus.
Indeed, cold remedies containing zinc, such as tablets, sprays, and syrups, are on the market.
Researchers from the University of Maryland reviewed more than 30 documents related to more than 1,000 patients who took zinc to prevent or treat a cold. The study confirmed that zinc is ineffective in preventing the common cold.
Upon reviewing eight documents regarding cold treatment, it was found that zinc could shorten the duration of a cold by a few days, but the level of evidence was not high.
Based on these results, the researchers concluded that while zinc may help treat and prevent a cold, there is no scientifically proven evidence.
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