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Zinc lozenges for colds — the evidence
A Cochrane review found zinc taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms shortens a cold by roughly a day in healthy adults, at the cost of a bad taste and some nausea. The effect is dose- and timing-dependent, and the lozenge form matters — tablets swallowed whole do not touch the throat where the virus is replicating.
What the evidence says
Verdict: Some evidence. A Cochrane review found zinc taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms shortens a cold by roughly a day in healthy adults, at the cost of a bad taste and some nausea. The effect is dose- and timing-dependent, and the lozenge form matters — tablets swallowed whole do not touch the throat where the virus is replicating.
What to actually do
If you use it: start at the very first symptom, use lozenges (typically 75-90 mg of zinc per day, split through the day), and stop after a few days — long-term high-dose zinc causes copper deficiency and can blunt smell. Skip it if it makes you nauseous; the benefit is modest.
Source: Cochrane — zinc for the common cold (CD001364) · checked 2026-09-07
Self-care reference, not medical advice. Children, older adults, pregnancy and anyone with a long-term condition should have a lower bar for calling a clinician. Severe or worsening symptoms, trouble breathing or confusion: get medical help.