Additionally, taking zinc lozenges has been shown to reduce the severity of a cold. If you would like to take zinc, do so within 24 hours of a cold’s onset — at first sniffle or cough. The patients in those studies took 80-92 milligrams of zinc per day after the onset of cold symptoms. A 2015 analysis of clinical trials found that oral zinc helps to reduce the length of colds when taken within 24 hours after symptoms start. He found that 1,000 mg or more of vitamin C each day reduced the duration of colds and eased cold symptoms. Then, take the zinc lozenges every two to three hours until the symptoms go away. Years later, his study and others found that the right dose of zinc can cut a cold's duration by days. What is zinc? Authors S Maggini 1 , S Beveridge, M Suter. Zinc, as an ingredient, is essential for numerous aspects of an individual’s health—including immunity, eye, and skin health. Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. Research on oral zinc for specific conditions shows: Zinc that's used topically is known as zinc oxide. Zinc for Flu controls respiratory infection in children by up to 50%. Regularly you can take 10-15mg of Zinc to curb cold. I usually just take zinc lozenges and follow the directions for use. Will Vitamin C or Zinc Help Me Get Over My Cold Faster? Zinc is a mineral your body needs in order for your immune system to function properly, among other things. Consuming zinc lozenge can prevent influenza from multiplying. 2021 The common cold continues to place a great burden on society in terms of suffering and economic loss. If you would like to take zinc, do so within 24 hours of a cold’s onset — at first sniffle or cough. People with low copper levels might experience neurological issues, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. Adult women without a deficiency should take … Because there are serious risks associated with taking zinc through the nose, such as losing the sense of smell, experts recommend taking the supplement orally as a lozenge. Zinc oxide: Drug information. Zinc in Diet. The dose may change due to the severity of the health conditions like the common cold. The Relationship Between Zinc and Low Testosterone Level. , Science weighs in on using zinc to fight and prevent colds. Zinc gluconate (13.3mg) reduced the symptoms of a common cold by more than three days in 100 employees in Cleveland. How much zinc should I take for a cold? Zinc is a mineral that is essential in small amounts. Works every time. Journal of Family Practice. He found that 1,000 mg or more of vitamin C each day reduced the duration of colds and eased cold symptoms. Zinc supplements may help to heal the common cold. 5 Tips: Natural products for the flu and colds: What does the science say? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Zinc. Zinc may work by preventing the rhinovirus from multiplying. Read some studies that suggested taking zinc supplements when you feel like you have a cold can shorten the cold but it didn’t say how much. These include an upset stomach or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Don't use intranasal zinc. The National Institutes of Health suggest that adult women get around eight milligrams of zinc each day, but warns against taking more than 40 milligrams daily. How much zinc you should take per day depends on the type, as each supplement contains a different amount of elemental zinc. HOW MUCH ZINC SHOULD I TAKE FOR A COLD. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. Should you? "But there still needs to be consensus about the dose.". ZINC: WHEN YOU HAVE A COLD. Copyright © Since then, research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds. MedlinePlus. It is cold season and most professionals will recommend taking zinc, rather than vitamin C to treat it. The National Institutes of Health says adult men should get 11 mg of zinc per day and adult women should get 8 mg of zinc per day. . Runny nose, sore throat, aches and congestion are the all too familiar symptoms of the common cold. The current U.S. Zinc is no magic bullet. Moreover, zinc is not easy to take as a supplement, especially in lozenge form, and can cause nausea and stomach upset. If your doctor determines that you have a deficiency, they will tell you the specific dose you should take. How Much Zinc is Appropriate? The recommended dietary allowance for elemental zinc is 11 mg daily for men and 8 mg for nonpregnant women. Zinc is available in two forms—oral zinc (e.g., lozenges, tablets, syrup) and intranasal zinc (e.g., swabs and gels). For maximum effectiveness, people who also take iron or calcium supplements should take them separately from zinc supplements. Learn more about using zinc as a cold remedy. However, the general guidelines are as follows: Adult men without a deficiency should take no more than 15 mg. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. One 2015 meta-analysis found that zinc lozenges can be effective in treating a cold, while a 2012 review concluded that taking zinc orally within 24 hours of a cold onset can shorten the cold… 2012;40(1):28-42. doi: 10.1177/147323001204000104. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse November 6, 2019. However, don't use intranasal zinc, which has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell. If you take zinc within 24 hours of the onset of a cold, it might shorten the duration. Zinc cuts the length of a cold A meta-analysis of research published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases in 2017 found that zinc acetate lozenges can speed up recovery from colds. Zinc is often touted as a way to fight colds. This content does not have an English version. However, there are currently insufficient data to recommend either for or against the use of zinc … Dr. Shah told POPSUGAR that while zinc may decrease cold severity and duration, it's not officially recommended due to "uncertain benefits and known toxicities." Your body is incapable of storing zinc, so you need to ingest a certain amount daily. Should I take zinc? The benefits of zinc are associated with the immune system as well as testosterone production and other androgens. Regularly you can take 10-15mg of Zinc to curb cold. After an overview of the literature … A combination of high-dose vitamin C plus zinc for the common cold J Int Med Res. I did some research just now and wasn't able to find information on recommended doses of zinc (in tablets) to reduce cold symptoms. A Finnish study of 575 cold-ridden people found those who were given 80 to 92 mg of zinc daily noticed a 33 percent reduction in cold symptoms. While an old study on its use in treating colds was promising, the results were questioned because a zinc product manufacturer funded the research. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for zinc, which includes both foods and supplements combined, is 40 mg per day for all adults 19 and over. Two-time Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling conducted extensive research during the 1970s on vitamin C and the common cold. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. An unresolved controversy, however, is how much vitamin C to take. You’ve tried chicken soup, decongestant pills and tea with honey, but your cold symptoms still stubbornly persist. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Rao G, Rowland K. Zinc for the Common Cold — Not if, but When. The best thing to do if you want to take zinc for a cold is: … The National Institutes of Health considers 40 mg of zinc a day to be the upper limit dose for adults and 4 mg of zinc a day for infants under age 6 months. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell.With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Consuming sufficient amounts of zinc may lower your risk for age-related macular degeneration and shorten the length of time you suffer from infections like the common cold, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The safe upper limit for zinc in adults is 40 milligrams per day, as determined by the Institute of Medicine. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Munny says: April 4, 2019 at 3:58 am. Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. Then someone helpfully tells you to try zinc. Should you spring for an over-the-counter product? Zinc and Vitamin C - Fighting Colds with a One-Two Punch. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Rachel Nall began writing in 2003. Copyright Policy "Over all, it appears that zinc does have an effect in controlling the common cold," said Dr. Meenu Singh, the lead author of the Cochrane study in an interview with "The New York Times." WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of Americans pop zinc supplements at the first sign of the common cold. ANSWER: For the common cold, zinc lozenges -- 10 mg to 15 mg daily -- are supposed to be started within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms. I always always always take zinc the moment I feel a cold and it’s never failed me. After you have obtained your physician's permission, start taking the zinc as soon as you experience cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes or sneezing. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Taking high amounts of zinc, such as the recommended dosages for a cold, also may interfere with your body's ability to absorb copper. While zinc has been found to treat the common cold, there are some catches that will keep it … How Much Zinc Should You Intake for a Cold? Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer — Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Time running out - 40% off Online Mayo Clinic Diet ends soon, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine how much vitamin D you may need with an over-the-counter pill. Topical zinc preparations do not interfere with nutrient absorption, however they can cause skin irritation that prolongs the duration of cold sores and increases the risk of complications, such as secondary bacterial infections. On the fifth day of the cold, 70% of sufferers who took zinc had recovered compared with 27% of those who took a placebo. Zinc has … This content does not have an Arabic version. Always speak to your physician before taking zinc or any supplement to ensure zinc will not interfere with medications you currently take. Find out more about zinc and zinc supplements. http://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Find out why you need zinc and how to get more in your diet! I count myself among the advocates for zinc, and my protocol in The Food and Supplement Guide for the Coronavirus, supplies 46-78 milligrams of zinc per day, depending on how it's implemented, with an extra 36 milligrams of zinc around each potential exposure to the virus, and then additional zinc added for anyone experiencing any symptoms of cold, flu, or … Maybe low saliva content or you’re not sucking much. How much zinc to take The amount of zinc you need varies by age. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.” How Much Zinc Should You Take? Zinc is an effective treatment for Flu. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. How Much Zinc a Day?. There are several leading theories. As a result, you may wish to increase your copper intake while you are taking zinc. Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. Though the proper dose has not been determined, the meta-analysis found a … The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men. It’s found naturally in proteins, including red meat, chicken, oysters, beans and nuts. Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. Reply. 2. But I would not recommend going over what the directions say because it is easy to accidentally take too much zinc… Are there any side effects? A 50-milligram dose of zinc exceeds the tolerable upper intake level for zinc for every age group, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to take this dose, you should not take 50-milligram zinc supplements. The best thing to do if you want to take zinc for a cold is: 1. Reply. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that keeps your immune system strong. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. So what is the best product to use? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. How to take the supplement. Zinc lozenges, such as the popular brand Cold Eeze, are home common cold remedies. Sucking on a zinc lozenge every two or three hours the very first day cold symptoms start coats the back of the mouth, the upper nostrils, and the throat with a fine film of zinc dissolved in saliva. 1000mg Vitamin C • How much vitamin C and zinc should I take for a cold? People use oral zinc to help treat colds, but it can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs and cause side effects. If you are feeling sick and decide to start supplementing with zinc lozenges, there is no persuasive evidence to suggest that it will be harmful, but neither is there good evidence to suggest it will offer you much benefit. Zinc supports your immune system by fighting viruses and bacteria. ; March 2011, CBS News; Zinc a "Promising Treatment" for Common Cold; February 2011, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals. Taken soon after cold symptoms appear, zinc might also shorten the length of a cold. You can take zinc for a cold, but you should know that it's not 100 percent approved by doctors. Office of Dietary Supplements, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/#h8. The university does not recommend taking this dosage for more than one week unless your physician recommends it. Although zinc is a mineral found in relatively small amounts in your body, it may have applications in reducing the severity and duration of the common cold. Oral zinc supplements might benefit people with low levels of zinc. What kind of zinc is best for colds? Many people take zinc supplements, and though zinc has many health benefits, supplements are not for everyone. She is a former managing editor for custom health publications, including physician journals. The University of Missouri Extension recommends taking between 13.3 and 23mg of zinc every two hours while you have cold symptoms. The recommended intake of zinc per day varies from 8-14 milligrams, depending on the individual. Here’s everything you need to know. While studied for many years, the exact mechanism of action by which zinc works to shorten the common cold is unknown. “Obviously the resear Zinc oxide cream, ointment or paste is applied to the skin to prevent conditions such as diaper rash and sunburn. The majority of adults should take no more than 10 to 25 milligrams of elemental zinc daily. In a novel experiment on 15 healthy adults, … Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. There are two common ways to take zinc: through an oral tablet or the nose, such as in a swab or gel. While some studies have shown that zinc does not reduce the common cold, a review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that taking zinc lozenges within the first 24 hours of experiencing cold symptoms could help to reduce the duration of a cold by a day or more, according to "The New York Times." LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Zinc acetate is preferred over zinc gluconate to reduce the symptoms and speed up the recovery from the common cold. This form of zinc has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell. Nall is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Tennessee. ANSWER: For the common cold, zinc lozenges -- 10 mg to 15 mg daily -- are supposed to be started within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms. Should you? http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Use a form of zinc that has been studied and shown to be effective. ----- Our mission is to create educational content. The recommended daily dose of zinc is 8 mg/day for the female while 11 mg/day for male. There's been a lot of talk about taking zinc for colds ever since a 1984 study showed that zinc supplements kept people from getting as sick. “Research is really supporting that zinc supplementation does reduce the severity, the frequency and the duration of the common cold,” Gussler said. Zinc is one of the most popular supplements for fighting a cold. Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. When oral zinc is taken long term and in high doses it can cause copper deficiency. Research published in the … 3. Looked up the RDA and it’s 8mg but couldn’t find any supplements less than 30mg. 4. The findings: the zinc group cleared symptoms more than three days earlier – 4.4 days versus 7.6 days of the placebo group, and, until that point, suffered fewer days with cough, headache, hoarseness, nasal congestion, and sore throat (fever, muscle aches, scratchy throat and sneezing remained similar during the cold’s duration). Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, a family of more than 100 … Most recently, a meta-analysis published in 2017 by Harri Hemilä at the University of Helsinki concludes that 80 to 92 milligrams per day of … And 40 milligrams is the maximum daily intake of zinc that the body can take. Noticeably absent from the Cochrane study is a recommendation concerning the proper dose for zinc when treating a cold. The table below lists the products that fit this description and compares the cost to Zicam. Terms of Use While it’s OK to exceed that limit … 2. How Much Zinc Should You Intake for a Cold? Then, take the zinc lozenges every two to three hours until the symptoms go away. 4. Zinc lozenges are (at least for me) more effective at reducing common-cold symptoms. You can take zinc for a cold, but you should know that it's not 100 percent approved by doctors. Gussler said needs can vary from 1,00 IUs to 50,000 IUs. Two-time Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling conducted extensive research during the 1970s on vitamin C and the common cold. Consuming zinc lozenge can prevent influenza from multiplying. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. It combats disease and speeds up wound healing. An unresolved controversy, however, is how much vitamin C to take. Here's how much you should be taking: Yuqing Liu/Insider. and Accessed Aug. 8, 2017. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. diagnosis or treatment. Zinc … Continuing to take dosages of more than 100mg a day is associated with adverse side effects, such as increased risk for prostate cancer and suppressed immune system function. Zinc was shown to inhibit the activity and replication of another coronavirus (SARS-CoV which caused an outbreak in 2002) in the laboratory. Another systematic review included 17 trials that compared zinc to placebo or no treatment. She has written for The Associated Press and "Jezebel," "Charleston," "Chatter" and "Reach" magazines. Follow recommended dosing for each product. Zinc. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Zinc is an effective treatment for Flu. Takes a little over a half hour for me. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/flucold.htm. Some cold and flu prevention products contain zinc. Privacy Policy Zinc for Flu controls respiratory infection in children by up to 50%. Zinc is an essential mineral that our body cannot make itself. Because a cold should not last longer than roughly seven days, ceasing zinc supplementation after this time should help you avoid adverse effects.