A new Cochrane Collaboration analysis of 15 trials on the effects of zinc on the common cold suggests that zinc, if taken within a day of the onset of cold symptoms, can speed recovery, lessen symptoms and maybe even fend off infections by cold viruses. These effects were found regardless of the zinc formulation, be it syrup, lozenges or pills. However, study subjects who took zinc were more likely to have side effects such as nausea and unpleasant aftertaste. How does zinc work? Researchers believe it may help prevent and lessen infections by coating common cold viruses and stopping them from entering the body through the thin lining of the nasal passageways. And in laboratory testing, zinc has been shown to stop cold viruses from replicating. The questions remaining to be answered now pertain to dosing, formulation and duration of treatment. However, given that we don't yet have a treatment for the common cold, these findings are certainly welcomed news. [via BBC]
Thanks to RightHealth
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