In addition to different brands and potencies, there are different forms of supplements as well. For example, there is zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate and zinc acetate, all of which have different prices and effectiveness for treatment for colds. Vitamin C, long accepted as an immune system booster and an anti-oxidant, has come under recent fire in regards to effectiveness and optimal dose for warding off colds. In addition, a recent report suggests that it may have a pro-oxidant effect in cigarette smokers. Thirdly, Echinacea is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial for treating a cold when you feel one coming on.
Many people swear by it for shortening the duration of an illness.
This story will also address recently published scientific literature on the effectiveness of zinc lozenges, vitamin C and Echinacea on the prevention or treatment of colds and flu. Dr. Prasad is the lead author on a primary research article, published in August 2000 in Annals of Internal Medicine, addressing duration of symptoms associated with the common cold and zinc. The study found reduced duration and severity of cold symptoms with use of zinc acetate lozenges. Dr. Prasad is an expert in this area and has published articles on this topic. I have arranged and interview with Amanda Prasad, M.D., Ph.D. to discuss her research and recent article on zinc and colds.