Zinc Acetate Lozenges
A recent
analysis of randomized, placebo controlled trials of zinc lozenges, recently
published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, showed that zinc
acetate lozenges may reduce the duration of the common cold by nearly 3 days. The
common cold is an infection caused by many different viruses.
The effect of
zinc lozenges was not changed by allergy status, smoking, symptom severity,
age, sex or ethnic group. High
dose zinc acetate lozenges shortened the duration of common cold symptoms of
nasal discharge by 34% nasal congestion by 37%, scratchy throat by 33% and
cough by 46%. Zinc lozenges
also shortened the duration of muscle aching by 54%. However, there was no evidence of zinc effect on headache or
fever. Because high doses of
zinc can cause side effects such as nausea, dosage of lozenges should not
exceed 100 mg per day. Most zinc
acetate lozenges have 18.75 mg of zinc; taking two daily is helpful for most
people. Simply taking supplemental
zinc in pill form may not have the same effects, because it is the zinc
dissolved in saliva that is believed to be effective.
Vitamin
C
According to an updated review of vitamin C and the common cold,
vitamin C halved the incidence of contracting the common cold among people
undergoing physical stress, such as marathon runners, or people working in the
cold. Vitamin C may also reduce
bronchoconstriction (asthma-like
symptoms) caused by exercise. Some, but not all studies, indicate that taking vitamin C shortens the duration of a cold.
Vitamin D
A recent report from the University of Colorado School of
Medicine looked at the use of vitamin D among older, long-term care residents
of nursing homes. There was a 40
percent reduction in acute respiratory illness among those who were given
100,000 IU of vitamin D per month (averaging 3,300-4,300IU daily) compared to
those receiving 12,000 IU per month (averaging 400-1000 units daily). However, there were more falls,
although not more fractures, in patients receiving the higher doses. Further study will look at giving
patients a daily dose of vitamin D rather than very high dosages monthly. Numerous other studies of vitamin D have
shown that supplements of D have lowered the incidence of respiratory
infections in children and adults.
Most studies have shown that a blood level of at least 30 ng/ml of vitamin
D is desirable. Check with your
primary care provider for a test of your vitamin D blood level. In the meantime, taking a vitamin D
supplement of 1000 IU is probably safe and desirable for most people,
especially in the winter months when sun exposure is minimal at our
latitude. Have some zinc acetate
lozenges on hand. Keep up your
vitamin C intake with citrus fruits and other raw fruits and vegetables, or
take a supplement.
Probiotic Supplement
Consider taking a probiotic supplement as well – a study
from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey showed that
students taking a probiotic supplement had a shorter duration of colds and
symptoms that were 34% less severe.
Include fermented foods such as yogurt in your daily diet as well.
Finally – if you haven’t had a flu shot this year – it’s
still not too late. Go for it!
Sadja Greenwood, MD,
MPH back issues on this blog
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