Name of Article: Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Up to now, there is still no cure for the common cold. There is, however, some evidence suggested that zinc may be an effective treatment.

In the United States, 100 employees from the Cleveland Clinic who developed symptoms of the common cold within 24 hours before enrollment were placed under observation. The patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the zinc group (50 patients) received lozenges (one lozenge every 2 hours while awake) containing 13.3 mg of zinc from zinc gluconate. Patients in the placebo group (50 patients) received similarly administered lozenges that contained 5% calcium factate pentahydrate instead of zinc gluconate.

Results: Number of days to improve the following symptoms:

• Complete resolution of symptoms - the zinc group was significantly fewer days than placebo group
  (median, 4.4 days compared with 7.6 days, p < 0.001)
• Coughing - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 2.0 days compared with 4.5 days, p = 0.04)
• Headache - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 2.0 days compared with 3.0 days, p = 0.02)
• Hoarseness - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 2.0 days compared with 3.0 days, p = 0.02)
• Nasal decongestion - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 4.0 days compared with 6.0 days, p = 0.002)
• Nasal drainage - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 4.0 days compared with 7.0 days, p< 0.001)
• Sore throat - zinc group > placebo group
  (median, 1.0 days compared with 3.0 days, p < 0.001)

The two groups did not differ significantly in the resolution of fever, muscle ache, scratchy throat, or sneezing. The tested group had few drawbacks in terms of the treatment.

• Side effects (90% compared with 62%, p < 0.001)
• Nausea (20% compared with 4%, p = 0.02)
• Bad-taste reactions (80% compared with 30%, p < 0.001)

Conclusion:

In this study, zinc lozenges significantly reduced the duration of symptoms of the common cold. Nevertheless the mechanism of such action of zinc ions are still not yet fully understood.

LifeTech's Herbal Lozenges contain zinc (10mg/lozenge). They are made entirely from Chinese herbs and quality honey, soothe your throat. It is also a good companion when you are suffering from cold & flu.

Finally, this product has been registered with the Hong Kong Department of Health:
HK 45200.

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