Cold how much zinc

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Note that in the meta-analysis, it was a dosage of 80 to 92 milligrams per day that led to faster recovery from a cold — this is significantly above the recommended upper limit.

The meta-analysis notes that more research is needed to establish the most effective zinc dosage. Even though zinc may help reduce symptoms and duration of a cold, this is one supplement you don't want to overdo.

Take too much zinc, and you'll prevent the absorption of copper, another essential element, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine and Engineering.

Plus, too much zinc can cause gastrointestinal issues, Dr. The taste of zinc supplements can be metallic and unpleasant, and it can lead to nausea , per Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health. Track your daily nutrients by logging your meals on the MyPlate app.

My husband 71 and I 65 have been taking zinc the mineral tablets, not the lozenges for years at first signs of a cold.

Sorry to disappoint you but for us, it totally works. We may still get a cold, but not nearly as severe…. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

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Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Harvard Health Blog Zinc for the common cold? Not for me. Print This Page Click to Print. However, the researchers noted that in other studies participants have been given daily doses of mg for months without serious side effects. They said in their analysis 70 percent of people who took zinc had recovered from their cold after five days compared with 27 percent of the participants who were given a placebo.

They added the zinc lozenges were effective in people regardless of their age, gender, race, allergies, or cold severity. They also noted that most lozenges sold over the counter do not contain the levels of zinc used in these studies.

The researchers said further studies should be done on the best formula for zinc lozenges, as well as the optimum frequency of taking the medication. Harri Hemila, from the University of Helsinki in Finland. Read more: Are we getting closer to a cure for the common cold? He also noted that the high doses of zinc might be effective in the short run, but he would be concerned about some of the long-term toxicity.

She also noted that there are different strains of cold viruses that make the ailment tough to treat. She said zinc is known to have antiviral effects similar to the anti-bacterial effects of silver.

William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, thinks along the same lines. He noted the inconsistency of past studies, but also observed that zinc seems to produce few side effects. He cautioned that the lozenges are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA , so the effectiveness may vary.

He also told Healthline there needs to be more study on what the proper dosage should be, how often the lozenges should be taken, and if they should be administered before cold symptoms appear or afterward.