Zinc is a metal present in trace amounts in the body but essential for significant functions and protection. Zinc boosts the immune system, helps heal wounds and speed blood clotting, prevents macular degeneration and night blindness, and has roles in treating cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, psoriasis, acne, eczema and the common cold. Zinc lozenges are popular over-the-counter remedies for colds and flu that may cause reactions in some people.
Sniffles and Side Effects
Studies of zinc's effect on colds and flu are mixed. There does seem to be some benefit to zinc as a flu medication, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But there are no definitive studies that prove zinc will prevent or cure a cold virus, although the National Institutes of Health says zinc lozenges do appear to shorten the duration of a cold and ease symptoms. Lozenges can cause uncomfortable side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, bad taste and constipation.
Serious Reactions
Zinc lozenges can trigger severe reactions, and the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions zinc lozenge users to get medical attention if they experience dehydration, severe vomiting or restlessness and inability to sleep. The National Institutes of Health warns that doses of zinc higher than 40 mg per day could result in fever, fatigue, coughing and stomach pain. Extremely high amounts of zinc over a long period can increase the risks for prostate cancer and interfere with the absorption of iron, leading to anemia.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Zinc lozenges can cause a contact allergy in the mouth, just as topical zinc can affect the epidermis if there are scrapes or breaks in the skin. A local reaction to lozenges could take the form of sensations of tingling, burning, stinging and itching, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Interactions
Zinc lozenges can interfere with antibiotics, drugs used for rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancer drugs. High doses of zinc may reduce the intake of iron, copper and magnesium but double the absorption of manganese from supplements. The NIH says that doses over 450 mg a day will interfere with blood iron, increasing the risk for anemia. Zinc lozenges contain between 9 and 24 mg of elemental zinc, so you would have to ingest large quantities of the lozenges to reach risk levels. The NIH does caution that zinc nasal sprays used for cold treatment may result in a permanent loss of smell and should be avoided.
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