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ImmuneCited

Zinc per Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

A

Meta-analysis of 7 trials demonstrates zinc lozenges at 75+ mg/day may reduce cold duration by 33% when started within 24 hours of symptom onset. Zinc acetate lozenges at 80-92 mg/day showed 40% duration reduction. Doses below 75 mg/day showed no effect.

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In sintesi

Meta-analysis of 7 trials demonstrates zinc lozenges at 75+ mg/day may reduce cold duration by 33% when started within 24 hours of symptom onset. Zinc acetate lozenges at 80-92 mg/day showed 40% duration reduction. Doses below 75 mg/day showed no effect.

Key Study Findings

Observational Study n=107 Open-label
Additive effect of free-choice olfactory training combined with pharmacotherapy: A retrospective analysis of post-viral olfactory …
Dose: tokishakuyakusan, zinc sulfate, methylcobalamin vs: medication alone Outcome: olfactory function improvement via T&T olfactometry Effetto: OR=4.96 p=0.009

Popolazione: patients with post-viral olfactory dysfunction (non-COVID)

Review
Exploiting the vulnerability of SARS-CoV-2 with a partnership of mucosal immune function and nutrition: a …
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effetto: None None

Popolazione: None

Review
UCI Sports Nutrition Project: The Role of Nutrition in the Prevention and Management of Illnesses …
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effetto: None None

Popolazione: Elite/professional cyclists nutrition review

Meta-Analysis
Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Health-Related Outcomes and Nutritional Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents …
Dose: Various oral nutritional supplements vs: Standard diet or placebo Outcome: Health outcomes and nutritional biomarkers Effetto: None None

Popolazione: Children/adolescents with undernutrition

Controlled Clinical Trial n=120 5 weeks Single-blind
Single-Center-Single-Blinded Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Containing Boswellia Serrata, Bromelain, Zinc, …
Dose: 20 or 30 days treatment vs: Standard treatment only (nasal aerosol) Outcome: Otoscopy, impedance, fibroscopy, pure auditory test Effetto: None None

Popolazione: Children with otitis media

Review
Associations of fine particulate matter and constituents with pediatric emergency room visits for respiratory diseases …
Dose: 31 μg vs: None Outcome: None Effetto: None None

Popolazione: respiratory disease

Key Statistics

15

Studi

1500

Partecipanti

Positive

A

Grado

Referenced Papers

Advances in nutrition … 2013 807 citazioni
Pakistan journal of … 2013 33 citazioni
Acta scientiarum polonorum. … 2012 11 citazioni
American family physician 2012
International journal of … 2011 49 citazioni
Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai … 2009 1 citazioni
The Cochrane database … 2007 24 citazioni
Clinical evidence 2003
Clinical evidence 2003
American family physician 2002
Canadian journal of … 2001 72 citazioni
Zinc for the common cold. Systematic Review
The Cochrane database … 2000 294 citazioni
European journal of … 1996 54 citazioni
Nederlands tijdschrift voor … 1991
Clinica chimica acta; … 1986 15 citazioni
Southern medical journal 1978 3 citazioni

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Dosaggi di uso comune

general:
8-11 mg/day
coldtreatment:
75-100 mg/day elemental zinc (lozenges, within 24h of onset, up to 2 weeks)
immunesupport:
15-30 mg/day

Limite massimo: 40 mg/day (long-term)

Dosaggi studiati nella ricerca

Dosaggio Durata Effetto N
tokishakuyakusan, zinc sulfate, methylcobalamin -- Positive 107
None -- Mixed --
None -- Mixed --
Various oral nutritional supplements -- Positive --
20 or 30 days treatment 5 weeks Positive 120
31 μg -- Neutral --
94.57% -- Mixed --
None -- Mixed 387

Momento migliore per l'assunzione: Lozenges: dissolve slowly in mouth every 2-3h at cold onset; Supplements: with food to minimize nausea

Safety & Side Effects

Effetti collaterali segnalati

  • Nausea and vomiting (especially on an empty stomach)
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Copper depletion with chronic high-dose use (>40 mg/day)
  • Headache and diarrhea

Interazioni note

  • Copper supplements (zinc inhibits copper absorption at doses >40 mg/day)
  • Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (mutual absorption reduction)
  • Penicillamine (zinc reduces absorption of this rheumatoid arthritis drug)
  • Iron supplements (mutual absorption interference when taken together)

Livello di assunzione massimo tollerabile: 40 mg/day (long-term)

Consultare sempre il proprio medico prima di iniziare qualsiasi integratore.Consultate sempre il vostro medico prima di iniziare qualsiasi integratore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zinc help with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
Based on 15 studies with 1,500 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Zinc may support Upper Respiratory Tract Infections management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).
How much Zinc should I take for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 8-11 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Zinc?
Reported side effects may include Nausea and vomiting (especially on an empty stomach), Metallic taste in the mouth, Copper depletion with chronic high-dose use (>40 mg/day), Headache and diarrhea. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Zinc and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 15 peer-reviewed studies with 1,500 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Avvertenza FDA: Queste affermazioni non sono state valutate dalla Food and Drug Administration. I prodotti e le informazioni presenti su questo sito web non sono destinati a diagnosticare, trattare, curare o prevenire alcuna malattia. I gradi di evidenza presentati si basano sulla nostra analisi della ricerca pubblicata e sottoposta a revisione paritaria e non costituiscono consulenza medica. Consultate sempre il vostro medico prima di iniziare qualsiasi regime di integrazione.