Zinc Acetate Lozenges May Improve the Recovery Rate of Common Cold Patients: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Hemila H, Fitzgerald JT, Petrus EJ, Prasad AS
Published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Methodology
Individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of high-dose zinc acetate lozenges started early in a common cold, modelling time to recovery.
Key Findings
Individual patient data pooling of three zinc acetate lozenge trials found colds resolved about three times faster with zinc acetate than placebo, with benefit consistent across cold severity, allergy status, smoking and baseline zinc intake.
Conclusions
Zinc acetate lozenges increased the rate of recovery from the common cold threefold.
Limitations
Only three trials from a small number of research groups (n=199 total), high-dose lozenge formulations not widely available, taste-related unblinding risk, and adverse effects such as bad taste and nausea.
Supplements Studied
Zinc acetate lozenges increased the rate of recovery from the common cold 3-fold.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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