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Zinc gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical study
J C Godfrey1, B Conant Sloane, D S Smith
1Dartmouth College Health Service, Hanover, New Hampshire.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Zinc supplements may shorten common cold duration when using a specific glycine-based formulation. This study found faster symptom resolution in adults taking zinc compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Previous studies on zinc gluconate for common colds yielded conflicting results.
- Inactivation of zinc in earlier formulations may explain the discrepancies.
Observation:
- A novel non-chelating zinc formulation with glycine was developed.
- This formulation releases 93% of zinc into saliva, enhancing bioavailability.
Findings:
- A randomized, double-blind trial in 73 young adults demonstrated zinc's efficacy.
- Zinc-treated patients experienced symptom resolution 1.2 days sooner than placebo.
- Early treatment (within 1 day of onset) showed a more pronounced effect on cold duration.
Implications:
- Optimized zinc formulations may offer a viable option for managing common cold symptoms.
- Further research into zinc's therapeutic potential for upper respiratory infections is warranted.
- Specific formulations are crucial for achieving therapeutic benefits.