The Cochrane Database for Evidence-Based Medicine just released a systematic review of the oral zinc therapy in the treatment of the common cold. Their findings suggest that there is sufficient evidence for the recommendation of taking zinc at the first sign of cold or upper respiratory tract infection to reduce the severity and duration. Not that this is big news to most people; at least we now have further evidence to support this treatment. My recommendation is to take 30mg of zinc twice per day for the duration of your cold. Don’t forget ginger tea, vitamin C, and plenty of rest!
- By Dr. Justin Lafreniere, ND