Homeopathic zinc remedies like Zicam effectively treat the common cold
the verdict
CONTESTED
the evidence cuts both ways
confidence 32/100
While clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that properly formulated oral zinc lozenges can modestly reduce the duration of the common cold, the evidence is mixed due to variations in dosage and formulation, and intranasal zinc remedies have been strongly linked to permanent loss of smell.
Evidence for · 4
Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage
2017 · cited by 88
A meta-analysis of randomised trials indicates that zinc lozenges can shorten the duration of common colds when properly composed.
Evidence against · 4
Intranasal Zinc and Anosmia: The Zinc‐Induced Anosmia Syndrome
2006 · cited by 69
Clinical case series document that commercial intranasal zinc gluconate preparations can induce permanent loss of smell (anosmia).
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More for · 3
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
2024 · cited by 0
A comprehensive systematic review indicates that zinc supplements, when used for cold treatment rather than prevention, may reduce the duration of ongoing colds.
Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis.
2010 · cited by 0
Analysis of lozenge solution chemistry demonstrates that free ionic zinc effectively inhibits rhinoviruses and correlates with shortened cold durations.
Zinc gluconate and the common cold. Review of randomized controlled trials.
1998 · cited by 0
Review of randomized controlled trials suggests that adequate doses of zinc gluconate lozenges have a therapeutic effect in reducing cold duration.
More against · 3
Intranasal Zinc in the Management of the Common Cold
2006 · cited by 0
Review of intranasal zinc highlights conflicting study results alongside severe adverse effects such as permanent anosmia.
Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold in children: a randomized controlled trial.
1998 · cited by 0
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc gluconate glycine lozenges were not effective in treating cold symptoms in children and adolescents.
Position on zinc delivery to olfactory nerves in intranasal insulin phase I-III clinical trials.
2015 · cited by 0
Analysis of public health adversities notes that intranasal zinc formulations applied to prevent colds have caused partial or complete loss of smell.