Rethinking Zinc

By Health Day

Story Created: May 11, 2012 at 7:00 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 14, 2012 at 7:00 AM CDT

Given that colds are so common in adults Ð and even more so in children experts are curious whether zinc can help.

Researchers reviewed the findings of 17 earlier studies that included more than 2,000 people. They took zinc preparations or a placebo when they had a cold.

Adults who took zinc saw their cold symptoms go away about 2 ? days earlier. However, the remedy didn't offer this benefit for children.

In addition, people who took zinc were more likely to have nausea and a bad taste in their mouths.

These findings raise important questions about the usefulness of zinc for treating colds, according to the researchers. They point out that side effects may outweigh any benefits.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.

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