Primary Research · 2017
Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage
Hemilä H · JRSM Open, 2017
Key finding
Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (n=575) found zinc lozenges (≥75mg/day elemental zinc) shortened cold duration by ~33%, with no significant difference between acetate and gluconate forms.
About the supplement
Zinc
Dose · mechanism · evidence grade · safety →
Read the paper
Open on PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28515951/
Cited in 2 guides
Guide
Zinc for Immune Support: Timing and Form Matter More Than Dose
Zinc genuinely shortens colds, but only when taken correctly. Lozenges within 24 hours of first symptoms — not pills, not after you're already sick.
Guide
Zinc Supplement Guide 2026: Evidence-Based & Ranked
Learn which zinc forms actually shorten colds, how dosing affects testosterone and copper balance, and who faces the highest deficiency risk.
About this page
Formulate maintains a registry of clinical studies cited across its guides and evidence grades. This page links the study metadata to the content that cites it — one canonical entry per landmark study.
The full citation chain is public so readers can verify claims without hunting through individual guide pages. Browse all cited studies →
Note: Study summaries on this page are editorial interpretations of the research. Always consult the primary source before drawing clinical conclusions.