Hey, Adam. In one review (link below) the author described, in detail, their hypothesis that the zinc needs to be released in ionic form in the mouth when it dissolves in order to effectively combat common colds. They went on to describe how they felt many common zinc supplements consisted of inadequate formulas that do not allow for ionic zinc to be released due to the zinc complex used. In particular, they described how zinc acetate is the ideal formula in terms of breaking down into ionic zinc when consumed via lozenges:
“Of the 40 different brands of over-the-counter zinc lozenges and many variations of them currently available in the US, very few − based upon this analysis and ingredients listed on their labels − appear to release useful amounts of iZn regardless of total zinc content, and none of them can be considered as a cure for common colds. With several exceptions, nearly all appear likely to have a null effect on colds.
Consistent with the notion that a cure for common colds is exceedingly rare, only highly astringent and drying zinc acetate lozenges having 18 or more mg iZn described herein used each two wakeful hours are recommended as a safe and effective common cold cure. Additional high-dosage zinc acetate lozenge for common cold research is needed to confirm and extend these findings.”
I remember reading elsewhere that the author, Dr. Eby, recommended lozenges from the brand Life Extension because they had the proper formula in terms of the type of zinc complex used and the quantity of zinc per lozenge.
Two things of note:
1. If I remember correctly, Dr. Eby is somewhat of a founder of the hypotheses around zinc lozenges supplementation and the common cold, as he published the first paper suggesting this was an effective method.
2. I vaguely remember him having financial conflicts of some sort because he started a zinc lozenges company, and I—again, vaguely—remember the Life Extension formula being the same or similar to the one Dr. Eby used to use.
Was that helpful, and did I answer your questions?
I'll go back and read the studies you cited, I just wanted to know whether it was possible to get Zinc acetate lozenges.
Often with supplements there are not adequate formulas, like you said, so I'm very critical when buying them. The only brand I was able to find was Life Extension...
Interesting analysis! Did the studies specify any particular “brand” of lozenge?
Hey, Adam. In one review (link below) the author described, in detail, their hypothesis that the zinc needs to be released in ionic form in the mouth when it dissolves in order to effectively combat common colds. They went on to describe how they felt many common zinc supplements consisted of inadequate formulas that do not allow for ionic zinc to be released due to the zinc complex used. In particular, they described how zinc acetate is the ideal formula in terms of breaking down into ionic zinc when consumed via lozenges:
“Of the 40 different brands of over-the-counter zinc lozenges and many variations of them currently available in the US, very few − based upon this analysis and ingredients listed on their labels − appear to release useful amounts of iZn regardless of total zinc content, and none of them can be considered as a cure for common colds. With several exceptions, nearly all appear likely to have a null effect on colds.
Consistent with the notion that a cure for common colds is exceedingly rare, only highly astringent and drying zinc acetate lozenges having 18 or more mg iZn described herein used each two wakeful hours are recommended as a safe and effective common cold cure. Additional high-dosage zinc acetate lozenge for common cold research is needed to confirm and extend these findings.”
I remember reading elsewhere that the author, Dr. Eby, recommended lozenges from the brand Life Extension because they had the proper formula in terms of the type of zinc complex used and the quantity of zinc per lozenge.
Two things of note:
1. If I remember correctly, Dr. Eby is somewhat of a founder of the hypotheses around zinc lozenges supplementation and the common cold, as he published the first paper suggesting this was an effective method.
2. I vaguely remember him having financial conflicts of some sort because he started a zinc lozenges company, and I—again, vaguely—remember the Life Extension formula being the same or similar to the one Dr. Eby used to use.
Was that helpful, and did I answer your questions?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Adam.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19906491/#:~:text=A%207%2Dday%20reduction%20in,and%20the%20remainder%20showing%20failure.
Yes, thank you Aiden, this is very helpful!
I'll go back and read the studies you cited, I just wanted to know whether it was possible to get Zinc acetate lozenges.
Often with supplements there are not adequate formulas, like you said, so I'm very critical when buying them. The only brand I was able to find was Life Extension...