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Journal of Education, Health and Sport

Zinc for the Common Cold: Is It Worth a Try?
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Zinc for the Common Cold: Is It Worth a Try?

Authors

  • Monika Sroczyńska Uniwersytecki Szpital Kliniczny im. Wojskowej Akademii Medycznej – Centralny Szpital Weteranów https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8888-9056
  • Anna Luchowska Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5207-3936
  • Aleksandra Żaczek Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego SPZOZ w Lublinie https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7104-1454

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.13.03.010

Keywords

Common Cold, Zinc supplementation, Upper respiratory tract infections, Viral infection

Abstract

Introduction: Common cold is a viral infection of upper respiratory tract, caused by over 200 strains of viruses, mainly rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and rotaviruses. The common cold is the most frequent infection among the human population and is responsible for up to 20% of all medical visits in developed countries. Despite this fact, no vaccine nor cure currrently exists. In recent years a number of studies have been published, describing effects of zinc supplementation on reduction of a duration of a common cold.

Aim of the study: A summary of the current state of knowledge, treatment efficacy and future possibilities regarding the use of zinc during the common cold.

Methods and materials: A review of the available literature on PubMed database, using keywords: „common cold”, „zinc supplementation”, „viral infection”

Results: Usage of zinc in appropriate dose during common cold leads to shortening the duration of an infection, as well as reducing severity of symptoms. Zinc supplementation has also a documented effect on decresing risk of viral infection.

Conculusions: Common cold, while being the most frequent viral infection among human population in developed world, leads to serious socioeconomic consequences. Therefore any aid in shortening the duration of this illness is much needed. Since zinc supplements have a documented positive effect on the speed of healing during acute viral infections and do not carry a significant number of side effects, they can be successfully used to treat the common cold.

References

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Published

2023-01-19

How to Cite

1.
SROCZYŃSKA, Monika, LUCHOWSKA, Anna & ŻACZEK, Aleksandra. Zinc for the Common Cold: Is It Worth a Try?. Journal of Education, Health and Sport [online]. 19 January 2023, T. 13, nr 3, s. 74–78. [accessed 31.3.2023]. DOI 10.12775/JEHS.2023.13.03.010.
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Vol. 13 No. 3 (2023)

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Short Articles

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Copyright (c) 2023 Monika Sroczyńska, Anna Luchowska, Aleksandra Żaczek

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