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How Ionic Zinc Can Stop Colds Fast

8245 Views Posted on: 2021-01-14
Posted by: Ireneusz Adamczyk

A study showed that lozenges containing zinc acetate are best at curbing a cold and shortening its duration. Zinc lozenges are not meant for everyday use.

Common colds are the most common human infection.1

Based on research published in the 1980s, many people know to start popping zinc lozenges.

But not all zinc is the same.

Many cold lozenges feature different forms of zinc that are not the most effective choice.

The specific kind of zinc lozenge that has shown the most consistent benefit is one that slowly releases ionic zinc.

Taken at the earliest sign of symptoms, it can protect against a cold developing and shorten the duration of a cold by seven days.2,3

What’s critical is to initiate zinc lozenges as soon as the first cold symptom manifests. Waiting for full symptoms to develop inhibits the ability of zinc to do its job.

And the best way to get the ionic form is from zinc acetate.

Dangers of the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Headache, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches can also occur.4

Americans contract an estimated one billion colds annually, and they’re the leading cause of missed days at work or school.5,6

Though cold symptoms are usually mild, the effects on those with a weakened , like the elderly, may be severe. Complications can develop, including sinusitis, and secondary infections like pneumonia and strep throat.7,8

Zinc Wards Off Colds

Rhinoviruses, the most common cold viruses, attach to receptors in cells of the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract and then replicate out of control.9,10

When taken as a slow-release lozenge, zinc binds to those same cell receptors, preventing the rhinovirus from entering cells and establishing a common cold infection. This makes it uniquely effective in warding off colds.11

Zinc is a mineral that has functions throughout the body, including support for the immune system. But its unique effect in the throat (blocking viruses from entering cells) is what makes the occasional use of zinc lozenges so beneficial.

What You Need to Know: Compelling Evidence

  • Colds are the most common illness and pose a serious health risk to those with respiratory or immune issues, as well as the elderly.

  • People frequently take zinc lozenges to treat colds, but many products on the market use a form of zinc that’s inferior.

  • Evidence shows that, taken at the very first symptoms, ionic zinc blocks the cold-causing rhinovirus from entering cells. This can shorten the duration of a cold by seven days, which scientists consider a cure.

  • The most effective way to get ionic zinc is from zinc acetate. Taken in 18.75 mg doses every two hours, this specific form of zinc has demonstrated compelling findings in clinical studies.

Only Ionic Zinc Really Works

In 1984, a team of researchers led by pioneering scientist George Eby published the results of the first double-blind, human study on zinc lozenges for common colds. They discovered that after seven days, cold symptoms vanished in 86% of people taking zinc, compared to 46% taking placebo lozenges.2

The form of zinc that most effectively binds to cell receptors, blocking the cold virus, is ionic zinc.3 This type of zinc has acquired a positive charge by losing electrons.

There are significant differences in the amounts of ionic zinc released from the different zinc forms. Scientists have now calculated these amounts, and they found that:3

  • Zinc acetate releases 100% of its zinc as ionic zinc,

  • Zinc gluconate releases 72% of its zinc as ionic zinc,

  • Zinc gluconate-glycine releases 57% or less of its zinc as ionic zinc, and

  • Zinc gluconate-citrate releases no ionic zinc.

These findings show zinc acetate releases the most ionic zinc, which is believed to be the essential form for fighting the common cold.

In fact, research demonstrates that when the right dose of zinc acetate is used within 24 hours of cold symptoms developing, the benefits can be remarkable.12

Zinc Acetate Stops Colds

In a 2000 study, researchers gave patients moderate-dose (12.8 mg) zinc acetate lozenges, every two to three hours while awake, within 24 hours of developing common cold symptoms. Days of suffering were reduced by about 45%. The average, overall duration of symptoms was just 4.5 days, compared to 8.1 days in a placebo group.13

In a similar study done in 2008, adults took moderate doses (13.3 mg) of zinc acetate lozenges within 24 hours of showing symptoms, every two to three hours while awake. On average, cold duration was 4 days compared to 7.1 days for those taking a placebo. Severity of cold symptoms was also markedly lower in the zinc group.14

In 2011, a review of 13 placebo-controlled human trials was published that examined the effect of zinc lozenges on common cold episodes:15

  • Five trials used a total daily zinc dose of less than 75 mg. These studies found no effect.

  • Three trials used zinc acetate in total daily doses of over 75 mg. The pooled result of these higher-dose studies showed a 42% reduction in cold duration.

  • Five trials used other zinc forms (like zinc gluconate) in total daily doses of over 75 mg. The pooled result of these non-acetate trials showed a more modest 20% reduction in cold duration.

This review demonstrated that zinc acetate is the best zinc form for shortening the duration of colds.15

In fact, after reviewing decades of studies, the scientist who led the first zinc lozenge trial, George Eby, concluded that slowly dissolving zinc acetate lozenges every two waking hours should shorten colds by up to seven days.3

In 2017, a meta-analysis provided further support for the use of zinc acetate. Scientists selected three double-blind, controlled trials that evaluated the effect of zinc acetate lozenges on colds among a total of 199 participants. Dosages ranged from 80 mg to 92 mg daily. They found that:12

  • Zinc acetate increased rate of recovery compared with a placebo.

  • On the fifth treatment day, 70% of subjects given zinc acetate had recovered from their colds, compared to 27% in the placebo group.

The team concluded that people who come down with colds should use zinc acetate within 24 hours of symptom onset.12

An Accidental Discovery

The effectiveness of zinc lozenges against the common cold was discovered purely by accident in 1979.

During her eventually successful battle with leukemia, a three-year-old girl was being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and zinc supplements. One day, because she had a sore throat due to a cold, she refused to swallow the usual 50 mg zinc tablet and instead dissolved it in her mouth.2

Within hours, her cold had disappeared and did not return.2

That lucky accident spurred researchers to conduct the first double-blind, human study on zinc lozenges for common colds. In 1984, the published results confirmed that zinc lozenges could drastically shorten the length of a cold.2

Summary

Many people take zinc lozenges to ward off a common cold. But studies show that only ionic zinc, delivered most effectively by zinc acetate, can help stop a cold in its tracks.

Taken at the first onset of symptoms in doses of 18.75 mg every two waking hours, this specific form of zinc prevents the rhinovirus from entering cells and establishing a cold infection.

These zinc lozenges are not meant for everyday use. They should instead be kept for use upon any symptom developing and used for no more than seven days. One reason for short term use is one might ingest excess amounts of zinc at the frequency recommended.

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

  1. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005 Nov;5(11):718-25.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1984 Jan;25(1):20-4.
  3. Eby GA, 3rd. Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. 2010 Mar;74(3):482-92.
  4. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/. Accessed September 25, 2019.
  5. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html. Accessed September 4, 2019.
  6. Roxas M, Jurenka J. Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Mar;12(1):25-48.
  7. Available at: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2015/january2015/rhinovirus-in-the-elderly-the-commonest-of-colds. Accessed September 25, 2019.
  8. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605. Accessed September 25, 2019.
  9. Bochkov YA, Gern JE. Rhinoviruses and Their Receptors: Implications for Allergic Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2016 Apr;16(4):30.
  10. Blaas D, Fuchs R. Mechanism of human rhinovirus infections. Molecular and cellular pediatrics. 2016;3(1):21-.
  11. Hulisz D. Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2004 Sep-Oct;44(5):594-603.
  12. Hemila H, Fitzgerald JT, Petrus EJ, et al. Zinc Acetate Lozenges May Improve the Recovery Rate of Common Cold Patients: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2017 Spring;4(2):ofx059.
  13. Prasad AS, Fitzgerald JT, Bao B, et al. Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2000 Aug 15;133(4):245-52.
  14. Prasad AS, Beck FW, Bao B, et al. Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetate. J Infect Dis. 2008 Mar 15;197(6):795-802.
  15. Hemila H. Zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of colds: a systematic review. Open Respir Med J. 2011;5:51-8.
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Scientific Sources

Zinc acetate best curbing cold?

Study showed that lozenges containing zinc acetate are best at curbing cold and shortening its duration. Zinc lozenges are not meant for everyday use. Acute intervention for active cold symptoms. Specific zinc form optimal for antiviral effect.

Common cold viral upper respiratory?

Common cold is viral infection of upper respiratory tract that causes symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Headache, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches can also occur. Most common illness worldwide. Predominantly rhinovirus etiology.

Rhinoviruses attach replicate control?

Rhinoviruses, most common cold viruses, attach to receptors in cells of mucus membranes of upper respiratory tract and then replicate out of control. Uncontrolled viral replication causing symptoms. Zinc interferes with viral attachment and replication mechanisms.

Serious health risk respiratory immune elderly?

Colds are most common illness and pose serious health risk to those with respiratory or immune issues, as well as elderly. Vulnerable populations at risk for complications. Pneumonia, bronchitis, exacerbation chronic conditions possible. Rapid intervention critical.

Zinc gluconate double-blind study?

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in double-blind study documented. Early zinc gluconate research establishing efficacy. Placebo-controlled trial validating cold duration shortening. Evidence-based intervention foundation.

  • Zinc acetate best curbing cold shortening
  • Lozenges not everyday acute intervention only
  • Common cold viral upper respiratory infection
  • Runny stuffy nose nasal symptoms
  • Sneezing coughing respiratory manifestations
  • Sore throat pharyngeal inflammation
  • Headache fatigue fever systemic symptoms
  • Muscle aches myalgia common
  • Most common illness worldwide prevalence
  • Rhinoviruses predominant most common cause
  • Attach replicate control viral mechanism
  • Mucus membrane receptors entry point
  • Serious risk respiratory vulnerable populations
  • Serious risk immune compromised individuals
  • Serious risk elderly complications pneumonia
  • Zinc gluconate double-blind early evidence

Ionic Zinc Cold Prevention Protocol

Step 1: Zinc Acetate Best at Curbing Cold - Acute Intervention

Study showed that lozenges containing zinc acetate are best at curbing cold and shortening its duration compared to other zinc forms (gluconate, citrate, others). Zinc lozenges are not meant for everyday use - acute intervention only for active cold symptoms. Specific zinc acetate form optimal for antiviral effect because: releases ionic zinc (Zn2+) in mouth and throat, ionic zinc directly contacts rhinovirus preventing replication, acetate salt dissociates readily providing maximum free zinc ions. Use only when cold symptoms begin, not preventively.

Step 2: Common Cold - Most Common Illness Worldwide

Common cold is viral infection of upper respiratory tract that causes symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Headache, fatigue, fever (usually low-grade), and muscle aches can also occur. Most common illness worldwide - adults average 2-3 colds per year, children 6-8 per year. Predominantly rhinovirus etiology (>50% of colds) but also coronavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, others. Self-limited typically resolving 7-10 days but no cure - symptomatic treatment only.

Step 3: Rhinoviruses Attach, Replicate Out of Control

Rhinoviruses, most common cold viruses, attach to receptors (ICAM-1, LDL receptor) in cells of mucus membranes of upper respiratory tract (nasal epithelium, pharynx) and then replicate out of control producing billions of viral particles. Uncontrolled viral replication causes: direct cellular damage, inflammatory response triggering symptoms, spread to adjacent cells perpetuating infection. Zinc interferes with viral attachment (blocks receptor binding) and replication (inhibits viral RNA polymerase) mechanisms reducing viral load and symptom severity.

Step 4: Serious Health Risk - Respiratory, Immune, Elderly

Colds are most common illness and pose serious health risk to those with respiratory or immune issues, as well as elderly. Vulnerable populations at risk for complications: Respiratory disease patients (asthma, COPD - cold triggers exacerbations, bronchospasm), Immunocompromised (HIV, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants - prolonged severe colds, secondary bacterial infections), Elderly (weakened immunity, comorbidities - pneumonia, bronchitis, hospitalization risk). Rapid intervention with zinc lozenges critical in these populations to shorten duration and reduce complication risk.

Step 5: Zinc Gluconate Double-Blind Study - Evidence Foundation

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in double-blind study documented in 1984 Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Early zinc gluconate research establishing efficacy - landmark placebo-controlled trial validating cold duration shortening. Evidence-based intervention foundation though subsequent research showed zinc acetate superior to gluconate. Double-blind methodology (neither subjects nor researchers knew who received zinc vs placebo) eliminates bias establishing true effect. Led to decades of zinc cold research.

Step 6: Ionic Zinc Stops Colds Fast - Mechanism and Evidence

Zinc acetate lozenges best at curbing common cold (most common illness - viral upper respiratory infection) and shortening duration. Rhinoviruses attach to receptors and replicate out of control - zinc interferes preventing viral replication. Serious health risk to respiratory/immune compromised and elderly requiring rapid intervention. Zinc gluconate double-blind study established evidence foundation. Not everyday use - acute intervention only when cold symptoms begin. Ionic zinc released in mouth/throat directly contacts virus reducing symptoms and duration.

  • Common cold (J00 - rhinovirus viral infection)
  • Upper respiratory infection acute viral
  • Rhinovirus infection most common cause
  • Runny nose (R09.89 - nasal discharge)
  • Stuffy nose nasal congestion
  • Sore throat (R07.0 - pharyngitis)
  • Cough (R05.9 - acute respiratory)
  • Respiratory disease chronic exacerbation risk
  • Immune compromised complication vulnerable
  • Elderly individuals serious health risk
  • Pneumonia risk secondary bacterial
  • Part of most common illness worldwide
  • Zinc long-term high-dose (copper depletion - lozenges acute only)
  • Kidney disease (zinc accumulation concern)
  • Antibiotic interactions (zinc reduces absorption)

Understanding Common Cold and Influenza Symptoms: Common cold is viral infection of upper respiratory tract causing symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat. Headache, fatigue, fever, muscle aches also occur. Most common illness worldwide. Understanding symptoms enables appropriate zinc lozenge intervention timing.

Citation: Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005 Nov;5(11):718-25. Comprehensive symptom review establishing clinical presentation requiring zinc intervention.

Zinc Gluconate Lozenges Double-Blind Study - Cold Duration Reduction: Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in double-blind study documented. Early landmark research establishing zinc efficacy for common cold through rigorous placebo-controlled trial methodology. Evidence foundation for zinc cold interventions though zinc acetate later shown superior.

Citation: Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1984 Jan;25(1):20-4. First double-blind study establishing zinc lozenge cold duration reduction.

Zinc Lozenges as Cure for Common Cold - Review and Hypothesis: Study showed that lozenges containing zinc acetate are best at curbing cold and shortening its duration. Zinc lozenges as cure for common cold reviewed with hypothesis explaining antiviral mechanism. Ionic zinc released in oropharynx interferes with rhinovirus replication. Comprehensive review establishing zinc acetate superiority.

Citation: Eby GA 3rd. Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. 2010 Mar;74(3):482-92. Review establishing zinc acetate optimal form and mechanistic hypothesis.

Rhinoviruses - CDC Common Cold Virus Information: Rhinoviruses, most common cold viruses, attach to receptors in cells of mucus membranes of upper respiratory tract and then replicate out of control. CDC rhinovirus information establishes epidemiology and pathogenesis. Most common cause of upper respiratory infections requiring zinc intervention.

Citation: CDC Rhinoviruses resources. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html. Accessed September 4, 2019. CDC epidemiological data on rhinovirus as predominant cold cause.

Colds and Influenza - Botanical and Nutritional Considerations: Colds are most common illness and pose serious health risk to those with respiratory or immune issues, as well as elderly. Review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, nutritional considerations including zinc lozenges. Comprehensive integrative approach to cold management emphasizing vulnerable populations.

Citation: Roxas M, Jurenka J. Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Mar;12(1):25-48. Integrative review including zinc among evidence-based cold interventions.