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Do Zinc Lozenges help us fight Viral Infections?
The Studies seem to suggest that they do.
The benefits of taking zinc as a lozenge or liquid are double pronged. Zinc ingested helps to support immune function but zinc also acts directly on viral particles, inhibiting their replication. So when it is present in the mouth and throat, such as when taking a liquid, chew or lozenge, it may greatly reduce levels of virus in the oral cavity.
According to Medscape* author Joseph Adrian L Buensalido, MD. Short-term oral zinc treatment has been shown to reduce the duration of rhinovirus colds when taken at the appropriate dose by adults,
The treatment appears to be most effective when at least 75mg of elemental zinc is taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms developing, Dr. Buensalido stated "Zinc has also been associated with faster resolution of nasal congestion, nasal drainage, and sore throat, as well as improvement of cough,". Zinc has been proposed as an antiviral medication in the past, according to MedicineNet medical author Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD., because evidence suggests zinc can work as a lozenge, tablet, or syrup to reduce the severity and duration of colds.
No studies have yet been done on the effects of Zinc on the latest Coronavirus , it is in the same family as the viruses that cause the common cold.
*Medscape is a website providing reputable, referenced medical information for doctors and those in the medical profession.
The National Institute of Health states that children and the elderly with zinc deficiency in the developing world have been shown to be more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections. The agency reports that zinc enables body to produce and activate T-cells (t-lymphocytes), white blood cells that play an important role in our response to infections.
But be cautious.
Doses greater than 150mg/day of zinc can be toxic, and result in side effects including reduced immune function, which would defeat the object of taking it. Also doses of more than 40mg a day could result in toxicity if taken for more than a few days and long term use can result in other deficiencies. If you plan on taking zinc for more than 4 weeks it is advisable to take copper alongside. Many combined Zinc and Copper supplements are available.
