Zinc Against the Common Cold

Zinc is an important mineral that is involved in cellular build-up and repair. Zinc thus participates in the boosting up of the immune system and it enhances the natural defenses of the body. At any given time a normal person contains two to three grams of Zinc. The mineral is predominantly found in the salivary gland, prostate gland, and the pancreas. Although Zinc is known as a supplemental treatment for children with diarrhea, the mineral has been found to fight the common cold.

Zinc vs. the common cold

The common cold or the ordinary “sipon” is more often than not, caused by virus. Children have 6 to 10 colds per year while adults have 2 to 4 colds annually. The frequency of common cold in both adults and children equates to losses in work and productivity in adults and affects school attendance in children. Common cold is also a common reason for a hospital or clinic visit that amounts to unnecessary medical expense. Sad to say, even prescribing habits of clinicians and doctors are affected because patients often expect their doctor to prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobials for their common cold. This practice has somehow resulted to antibiotics misuse that may lead to antibiotics resistance.

Zinc that is naturally present in foods and available as vitamin tablet or dietary supplement helps in decreasing the severity and duration of the common cold. Zinc’s ability to stimulate white blood cell (or the ‘soldiers of the body’) activity makes it ideal for reducing colds and infections. Zinc prevents cold virus to attach to the nasal mucosa (inner skin of the nose) and it inhibits multiplication of virus. During an active bout of cold, Zinc blocks nerve conduction on the face and the nasal areas, thus reducing nasal congestion and sneezing.

Sources of Zinc

Oysters contain more Zinc per serving than any other food. Red meat and poultry also contains the mineral. Other foods that contain Zinc include beans, nuts, crab and lobster, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products (milk and cheese).

How much of Zinc is needed per day?

The daily recommended dietary allowance for Zinc is 11 milligrams (mg) for males and 8 mg for females. An ordinary multivitamin capsule/tablet or a dietary supplement usually contains the needed amount of Zinc for day-to-day combat against the common cold.