Zinc can be an 'effective treatment' for common colds

BBC ^ | February 15, 2011 | Michelle Roberts

[decimon]

Taking zinc syrup, tablets or lozenges can lessen the severity and duration of the common cold, experts believe.

A review of the available scientific evidence suggests taking zinc within a day of the onset of cold symptoms speeds recovery.

It may also help ward off colds, say the authors of the Cochrane Systematic Review that included data from 15 trials involving 1,360 people.

Now more work is needed to determine the exact dosing required, they say.

Adults catch between two to four colds a year and children up to 10 a year.

>

There is no proven treatment for the common cold, but experts believe zinc medications may help prevent and lessen infections by coating the common cold viruses and stopping them from entering the body through the thin lining of the nose.

It also appears to stop the virus from replicating, at least in laboratory tests.

There is also the suggestion that zinc aids the immune system and may dampen down some of the unpleasant reactions the body has to an invading virus.

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[decimon]

If I drink enough hot toddies, I don’t even remember the cold.

Maybe the zinc will help with the hangovers.

[goseminoles]

Wow.. Just wow.. And yes I’m making fun of you. Every two hours every day people would think I’m nuts. I’d rather get sick and have a couple days guaranteed off every year. Yes, I hate my job..

[Silentgypsy]

I don’t get hangovers, but will remember your suggestion if I ever do get one.

[Silentgypsy]

Maybe if you went to work foaming out of your nose and ears, they’d conclude that you had hydrophobia and not allow you back to work until the Kennel Club lifted your quarantine.

[GOP Poet]

bookmark

[MV=PY]

Be careful with zinc. There have been cases of loss of sense of smell and taste: Link here.

[Die Zaubertuba]

My Dad actually swears by Zicam. We’re trying it out now...let you know if it works or not. ;)

[Einherjar]

Environmentalist Gore allowed zinc mine

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-18-goremine_N.htm

[decimon]

Thanks. That loss of smell involves topical application. The article mentions ingested zinc.

[Spudx7]

I homeschool our 5 children, I don't get any days “off”. If something can keep me from having a miserable head cold while I keep the household running I'll do it.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

Near-Cure for the Common Cold — How Trump can Help [aw!m vanity]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3614648/posts?page=1