Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of zinc gluconate glycine lozenges (Cold-Eeze) in reducing cold duration.

Also, do not eat or drink for 15 minutes after consuming Cold-EEZE® products. Otherwise, drink plenty of fluids. Ask a doctor before use if you are taking minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline or are on coumadin therapy, zinc treatment may inhibit the absorption of these medicines.

Ingredients. Per Lozenge Active Ingredients: †Zinc Gluconate 2x HPUS (13.3 mg zinc) (2.3 %), Cold Remedy. Inactive Ingredients: Corn Syrup, Glycine, Natural Flavors, Sucrose. †The letters HPUS indicate that the active ingredient is in the official Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States.

Clinically proven to shorten the duration of the common cold Cold-EEZE Pluse Defense Cold Remedy Lozenges are the pharmacist recommended brand of cold-shortening products. They also contain Vitamin C, Sambucus, and Echinacea for immune system support.

There is no guarantee that zinc will help you feel better faster. In some studies, zinc did nothing to shorten how long people with colds felt bad. In other studies, zinc may have shortened symptoms by a few days. But the side effects from taking zinc can be uncomfortable or serious in some cases.

One study showed that zinc shortened the duration of symptoms by an average of two days compared with a placebo. In another, zinc lowered the severity of symptoms by a cold's third day, around the peak of illness.

Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.

So, what we can take away from these findings is that zinc may be beneficial for sleep, meaning it may be more advantageous and effective to take it at night-time - even more so if you were to take it alongside magnesium and melatonin - two other effective sleep aids!

Side effects. Zinc supplements can irritate the stomach and mouth. Zinc lozenges can alter your sense of smell and taste for a few days. If taken long-term, zinc lozenges may lower copper levels in the body. Zinc nasal sprays have been associated with a loss of smell, which may be permanent.

At the top of the list are vitamin C and zinc. But if you've ever tried these nutrients to speed up your own recovery time, you've likely wondered just how effective they really are. The truth is, vitamin C and zinc are not effective home remedies in treating a common cold.

You should not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 40 mg of zinc per day and take breaks from zinc supplementation. During those breaks, get zinc from a well-balanced diet.

Avoid taking zinc at the same time you eat whole-grain bread or cereal, bran, milk, yogurt, cheese, or ice cream. These foods can keep your body from absorbing enough zinc.

Like many other medications, vitamins, and mineral supplements, zinc is usually better taken with food. Taking it on an empty stomach can trigger nausea. Unless specifically instructed to take a supplement on an empty stomach, try taking it following a decent-sized meal, like after breakfast or dinner.

Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.

The upper limit dosage of zinc is 40 milligrams/day for adults. If you take more zinc than you should for a long period, you can have low copper levels, which can affect your nervous system.

One study showed that zinc shortened the duration of symptoms by an average of two days compared with a placebo. In another, zinc lowered the severity of symptoms by a cold's third day, around the peak of illness.