Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Science M, Johnstone J, Roth DE, Guyatt G, Loeb M
Published in CMAJ
Methodology
Random-effects meta-analysis of 17 randomised controlled trials of oral zinc versus placebo/no treatment for the common cold
Key Findings
Oral zinc shortened cold duration by a mean of 1.65 days overall (95% CI -2.50 to -0.81), with a clear effect in adults (-2.63 days) but no significant effect in children (-0.26 days). Adverse events, bad taste and nausea were all more common with zinc.
Conclusions
Oral zinc formulations may shorten the duration of common cold symptoms in adults, but heterogeneity is very high and adverse effects are common.
Limitations
Heterogeneity I2 = 95% persisted in every subgroup analysis (age, dose, formulation); trials were small and of variable quality.
Supplements Studied
Compared with patients given placebo, those receiving zinc had a shorter duration of cold symptoms (mean difference -1.65 days, 95% CI -2.50 to -0.81).
Outcomes Measured
Oral zinc formulations may shorten the duration of symptoms of the common cold.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic/institutional
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.