Zinc for Fever

No trial has shown zinc reduces fever. The evidence relates to shortening common cold symptom duration when high-dose lozenges are started within 24 hours of onset.

Overview

No trial has shown zinc reduces fever. The evidence relates to shortening common cold symptom duration when high-dose lozenges are started within 24 hours of onset.

Verdict

Not supported

Zinc does not treat fever. Lozenges may shorten common cold duration slightly if started immediately, which is a different claim.

How It Works

Zinc ionises in the nasopharynx and may interfere with rhinovirus attachment and replication, and it supports normal neutrophil and lymphocyte function. Neither mechanism affects the hypothalamic set point that generates fever.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 75mg elemental zinc daily as lozenges, started within 24 hours of symptoms
Expected timeframe: Any cold-duration effect appears over the first few days; no fever effect should be expected.

Protocol

form: Lozenges for cold duration only
notes: Must be started within 24 hours of first cold symptoms to have any effect
duration: Lozenge courses limited to under one week
starting dose: Not applicable for fever

Evidence

What the studies say

Cochrane reviews of zinc for the common cold report a modest reduction in symptom duration, on the order of one to two days, with high heterogeneity and frequent adverse effects including nausea and taste disturbance. Fever specifically has not been a responsive endpoint. Prophylactic zinc reduces infection incidence in children in zinc-deficient populations, which does not transfer to well-nourished adults with a febrile illness.

Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage

Score: 7/10

2017

meta_analysis

Hemila H

High-dose zinc acetate or gluconate lozenges shortened common cold duration by about 33 percent.

View source

Safety

Caveats

Prolonged high-dose zinc causes copper deficiency, anaemia and neuropathy. Nausea and metallic taste are common. Intranasal zinc has been linked to permanent loss of smell and should be avoided.

Less likely to help if

Anyone with fever from bacterial infection, drug reaction or inflammatory disease will see no benefit at all.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.