Overview
- The recommendation was made on his No Appointment Necessary podcast co-hosted with Cherry Healey.
- Coverage summarizes studies indicating zinc lozenges, particularly acetate or gluconate, may reduce cold duration by about one to two days.
- Study guidance highlights early use, slowly dissolving lozenges, and an adult daily intake around 75 mg of elemental zinc for any effect.
- Zinc supplements are widely available and inexpensive, with one Boots example priced at about 5p per tablet and options also at Holland & Barrett and Superdrug.
- Reports advise consulting a clinician because high-dose zinc can interact with some antibiotics and rheumatoid arthritis medications and may be unsuitable for people with digestive issues, low copper, pregnancy or breastfeeding.