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Zinc
Zinc shortened the duration of cold symptoms by an average of 1.65 days in a total of 934 adults in 8 different studies, but no significant effect was seen among children. A reduction in the duration of cold symptoms was greater with high doses (≥75 mg versus <75 mg) of ionic zinc. In addition, the researchers reported more common instances of side effects– most notably bad taste and nausea, in the zinc group compared to placebo group. (2)
In 5 trials lozenges were found to reduce cold symptom duration and severity. Lozenges containing 13-24 mg of zinc taken every 2 hours were associated with a reduced cold duration of 1.3-6.9 days. Severity also improved. (3)
According to the Food and Nutrition Board Institute of Medicine, zinc intake was suggested by this source to be consumed in 2-fold greater amounts than those eating a non-vegetarian diet to meet requirements. Daily allowance of zinc may be found at the following link for all ages: (5) http://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/DRI_Elements.pdf
In 50 subjects aged 55 to 87 years, 45 mg zinc gluconate orally on a daily basis for 12 months reduced the incidence of infections. (6)
Patients with normal zinc concentration had lower rates of pneumonia, almost 50% fewer antibiotic prescriptions, a shorter duration of pneumonia, and fewer days of antibiotic use (3.9 d compared with 2.6 d) (7)
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found an increased mortality risk among participants with advanced age-related macular degeneration. Those subjects assigned to receive 80 mg zinc with 2 mg cupric oxide were note to have a 27% lower relative risk of mortality for zinc alone, and a 12% lower relative risk for those who took zinc combined with beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. The beneficial effect of zinc on mortality was associated with less death from respiratory causes. (8)
Pregnant women with zinc deficiency may pose a risk of reduced fetal growth, lower birth weight, and lower head circumference. (9)
Zinc deficiency is associated with lower degree of immune response. (10)
Zinc and Alzheimer’s disease: Over a placebo, zinc given to zinc deficient elderly patients age 70 and older at a dose of 150 mg oral daily (unknown zinc formula) for 6 months resulted in protection from cognitive decline believed due to either restoration of neuronal zinc levels or reduction in serum copper levels by the zinc supplement or both (12).
