Summary: Doctors used to suggest zinc to help shorten the length of your cold, but does it really help?Zinc is an essential mineral that is needed by your body's cells. Zinc has numerous benefits for your health, like boosting your immune system, preventing respiratory infections and eye diseases, and aiding in cell reproduction. Researchers and doctors used to suggest using zinc to help treat your common cold, but not all clinical trials using zinc lozenges have been successful. Some researchers suggest that by taking zinc (as a syrup or lozenge) would shorten the length of your cold, as well as prevent you from catching a cold. On the other hand, more research conducted has found no difference in cold symptoms between individuals who took zinc or a placebo. So what are three reasons your zinc lozenges fail? Timing of your cold Type of cold Dose you're using Dr. Mike discusses the importance of zinc, and the medical debate on whether zinc lozenges can help or hinder your cold.
