Zinc Lozenges & the Flu

The thought of several days of fever, sore throats and headaches remain highly unappealing for all. However, during the next flu season, a fair proportion of the population will succumb to the virus, which continues to affect individuals each year. Zinc lozenges may help prevent such an occurrence. Always speak to your physician before using supplements.

Zinc

Zinc plays a major role in the body, affecting the function of more than 80 enzymes. As well as supporting hormonal balance and a healthy appetite, the mineral also boosts antioxidant function within cells. Charles Polquin, a Canadian strength coach who has worked with 16 Olympic medal-winning athletes, explains how zinc deficiency remains rife among new clients and that deficiencies of the mineral can result in colds and the flu.

Lozenges

Unlike many minerals, your body can absorb zinc sublingually. Put in other words, this means the mineral will diffuse into your bloodstream if you hold it under your tongue. Patrick Holford, the founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, explains that sublingual products like lozenges can operate effectively and bypass the digestive tract, where competition for absorption may otherwise occur.

Flu Virus

Academics at the University of California Berkeley note how the body tends to deal well with strains of the flu virus that it recognizes. However, the influenza virus often mutates to create new strains; these unrecognized varieties can challenge the immune system. If an effective response from the immune system is not forthcoming, infection may occur.

Effect of Zinc

Zinc can help encourage an appropriate response from the immune system by supporting the sections that deal with infectious agents. Dr Parris Kidd, a research scientist with extensive studies in immunology, subdivides the immune system function into two branches: Th1 and Th2. The former takes responsibility for countering viruses and bacteria. Zinc deficiency may result in dominance of the Th2 branch, which makes colds and the flu more likely. Kidd's research was featured in a 2003 edition of the "Alternative Medicine Review."

Effectiveness

In 1997, scientists from Austin, Texas, looked into the effectiveness of zinc lozenges in boosting the immune system. They divided volunteers suffering from illness into groups, giving the groups different zinc preparations. Their results, which were featured in the "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy," showed that a zinc acetate preparation was able to shorten the duration of viral infections by an average of seven days.