Zinc lozenges may shorten cold

HELSINKI, Finland, July 26 (UPI) -- Zinc lozenges may shorten a cold by as much as 40 percent, depending on the total dosage of zinc and the composition of lozenges, Finnish researchers say.

Dr. Harri Hemila of the University of Helsinki conducted a meta-analysis of all the placebo-controlled trials that have examined the effect of zinc lozenges on natural common cold infections. Of the 13 trials identified, five used a total daily zinc dose of less than 75 mg and uniformly those five comparisons found no effect of zinc.

Three trials used zinc acetate in daily doses of more than 75 mg, with the average indicating a 42 percent reduction in the duration of colds. Five trials used zinc salts other than acetate in daily doses of more than 75 mg, with the average indicating a 20 percent decrease in the duration of colds, the study found.

Several studies indicate zinc lozenges caused adverse effects, such as bad taste, but there is no evidence that zinc lozenges might cause long-term harm.

In the most recent trial on zinc acetate lozenges, there were no significant differences between the zinc and placebo groups in the occurrence of adverse effects although the daily dose of zinc was 92 mg.

Hemila concludes that since a large proportion of trial participants have remained without adverse effects, zinc lozenges might be useful for them as a treatment option for the common cold.