Zinc, a mineral, is required in small quantities for many metabolic processes. Dietary sources include oysters, beef, and fortified cereals.

Medicinal Claims: People most often take zinc in the form of lozenges to reduce the duration of cold symptoms. Scientific studies are inconsistent, but if zinc has an effect, it probably is small and occurs only when it is taken very soon after cold symptoms develop.

Some people take zinc to help heal wounds because zinc deficiency delays wound healing. Mild zinc deficiency impairs growth in children and can be corrected with zinc supplementation. For more on zinc deficiency, see Minerals: Zinc.

Possible Side Effects: Zinc is generally safe, but toxicity can develop if high doses are taken. The common side effects of zinc lozenges include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, mouth sores, and bad taste. Because zinc is a trace metal and can remove other necessary metals from the body, zinc lozenges should not be taken for more than 14 days. Zinc sprays may cause nose and throat irritation. The effects of certain antibiotics may be lowered by the consumption of zinc supplements.

Last full review/revision February 2009 by Ara DerMarderosian, PhD