Can Zinc Help You Get Over a Cold Faster?

You Should Know: With cold and flu season in full swing already, you’re likely thinking about ways to get well quickly or — even better — prevent yourself from getting sick in the first place. Zinc is a common supplement people turn to at this time of year, but does the mineral actually work to shorten your symptoms?

Going Deeper: The research on zinc is mixed, making it an unreliable remedy. Some older studies found taking a zinc lozenge effectively reduced cold symptoms, while others found it didn’t. When it has worked, zinc hasn’t produced wildly significant results. Plus, side effects from zinc are common: nausea, diarrhea, and a gross or metallic taste in your mouth.

Takeaway: Zinc cannot prevent you from getting sick, nor is a reliable method for reducing symptoms. Viruses, like the common cold or the flu, need to run their course, but there are plenty of over-the-counter remedies to help you feel less miserable, including pain relievers, fever reducers, cough medicine, and decongestants.

Bottom Line: If you’re popping the mineral to prevent catching a cold or the flu, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Research has found it’s also not guaranteed to shorten the duration of your illness.