Vitamin C May not be the Best Remedy for the Common Cold

Zinc May Help Fight Colds

In a recently released study including over 1300 people, researchers have amassed enough evidence to conclude that zinc may be very beneficial in the battle against the common cold. The research, published in the Cochrane Systematic Review, covered 15 trials which showed that taking zinc, from any number of sources, within the first day of cold symptoms shortens the duration and severity of the illness.

The authors indicated that more research in needed to determine the proper levels of the mineral. They also caution that taking excess zinc on a regular basis is not a good idea. Soluble vitamins, like Vitamin C, will be expelled by the body when in excess and not needed. Zinc however will build up in the body over long term use, and can become toxic, leading to stomach problems and diarrhea.

It is not exactly clear just how the zinc works its magic, but in some lab tests the mineral has been able to stop the replication of the flu virus.