Zinc is a trace mineral that is necessary in the human body to aid in the carbon dioxide exchange between the bloodstream and lungs, help with liver and kidney functions and is essential to bone and teeth mineralization. Zinc also has its place in the fight against the common cold. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, throat lozenges that contain zinc gluconate or zinc acetate spell relief for cold sufferers.
The Cold Connection
Over 200 viruses are responsible for causing the common cold. The rhinovirus and coronavirus are the most notorious cold-causing viruses, resulting in stuffy nose, low-grade fever, headache, watery eyes, fatigue, chills and sore throat. According to the University of Missouri, zinc stops the virus in its tracks, preventing it from replicating. The antiviral properties of the zinc help to reduce cold symptoms and cuts the duration of the common cold by up to 50 percent.
Directives
The best time to take zinc lozenges is at the first sign of cold symptoms, according to St. Edward's University Student Health Center. One zinc lozenge taken every two hours will calm and soothe a sore throat and help relieve cold symptoms. Allow the zinc lozenges to slowly dissolve -- never chew or swallow. The longer the lozenge is in contact with the throat and mouth the better the chances of destroying the virus that is causing the cold.,
Skip the Sweeteners
Zinc lozenges that contain citric acid or tartaric acid flavorings are counter productive when it comes to fighting the viruses that cause the common cold. Both citric and tartaric acid interfere with the antiviral properties of the zinc, limiting its ability to battle cold viruses, according to the University of Missouri. Instead, choose lozenges that contain sorbitol, dextrose or sucrose sweeteners, which do not hinder the beneficial results of the zinc.
Too Much Zinc
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that too much zinc intake carries health risks. Patients taking zinc lozenges must read the packaging label to ensure that they do not exceed recommended dosages. For example, between 13 and 23 mg of zinc taken every two hours to relieve cold symptoms is within the reasonable range, with a safe upper limit of 40 mg. per day. Lozenges taken on a daily basis to fight colds and sore throat should never exceed a dosage of more than 50 mg. of zinc per day.
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