Although its administration methods are still unclear, zinc helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections such as cough or sore throat.
- Respiratory tract infections refer to colds, flu, sinusitis, pneumonia and Covid-19.
- Zinc is a trace element.
Cough, sore throat… Zinc helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections and decrease the duration of this type of disease, according to a new study published in the BMJ.
Symptoms disappeared two days earlier
To reach this conclusion, the researchers compiled data from 28 clinical trials involving 5,446 adults. Concretely, they found that, compared to a placebo treatment, the symptoms disappeared two days earlier with the use of a zinc-based spray or liquid. These effects were greatest for the most severe symptoms, such as fever. Participants who took zinc were also nearly twice as likely to recover as those who used a placebo.
Side effects, including nausea or irritation of the mouth and nose, were about 40% more common among people who took zinc, although no serious treatment-related consequences were reported.
An additional treatment option
“Zinc offers clinicians an additional option for patients who are desperate for faster recovery,” say scientists. This would also avoid antibiotic prescriptions. “However, clinicians and consumers should be aware that considerable uncertainty remains regarding the clinical effectiveness of different zinc formulations, doses, and routes of administration,” they warn.
Zinc plays a key role in immunity, inflammation, injury, blood pressure, and tissue responses to lack of oxygen.
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