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Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review

Zinc for Gum Disease?

March 20, 2025

Did a zinc supplement decrease gum bleeding or inflammation in men and women with moderate to severe gum disease in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review, which includes our Top Picks for zinc.

Also see our article about supplements for gum disease and our Top Pick toothpaste and mouthwash for bleeding gums.

Zicam “Cold Remedy” Legal Settlement

February 20, 2025

The maker of Zicam agreed to a multimillion dollar settlement over claims that Zicam products can shorten colds. Consumer claims must be filed by the end of today – February 21st. Get the details in our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review, which includes our Top Picks among zinc lozenges, pills, and liquids.

Zinc Caution

June 20, 2023

Taking very high doses of zinc, even short-term, can cause dangerously low blood sugar in people with no previous history of low blood sugar, as recently highlighted in a series of reports. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review, which includes our Top Picks among zinc products.

Zinc Absorption

May 02, 2023

Which forms of zinc are best absorbed? Find out what a recent study showed in the What to Consider When Buying section of our Zinc Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among zinc supplements and lozenges.

Copper Deficiency from Zinc

April 25, 2023

Taking high-dose zinc long-term can cause copper deficiency, resulting in a range of adverse effects. Because testing for copper deficiency is not routine, it may go undiagnosed, as shown in a recent study. Find out how to avoid copper deficiency when taking zinc in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review.

Zinc Orotate for Colds?

March 21, 2023

Does zinc orotate shorten colds or have other benefits? Find out what research has shown in the For Colds section of our Zinc Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks for zinc lozenges, and learn about other supplements for colds in our answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

Zinc Deficiency & Bowel Disease

October 28, 2022

A recent study showed zinc deficiency to be extremely common among people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). Find out more and if zinc supplements may help in the Zinc deficiency section of our Zinc Supplements Review.

Learn more about supplements for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

How Much Zinc Causes Copper Deficiency?

October 14, 2022

High zinc intake can cause copper deficiency. A CL member asked us how much zinc (from zinc carnitine) would require them to supplement with copper. Find out in our Zinc Carnosine article and learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements Review, which also lists food sources of copper.

B-6 or Zinc for Pyrrole Disorder?

July 22, 2022

Can supplementing with vitamin B-6 or zinc improve psychiatric conditions associated with pyrrole disorder? Find out by using the links.

Zinc Rash

April 12, 2022

Zinc supplementation can trigger an allergic skin rash in some people, as seen in a recent case report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements Review.

Danger from Too Much Zinc

July 26, 2021

Getting too much zinc can cause neurologic symptoms, and this can occur even with zinc-containing dental adhesives. Learn more, including the symptoms, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements & Lozenges Review.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

November 03, 2020

Zinc deficiency can cause a wide range of problems involving the skin, hair, mouth, and immune system. A recent report showed that it can also cause an eczema-like rash. Get the details and learn about the symptoms of zinc deficiency in the What It Is section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc supplements and lozenges.

Zinc and Risk of COVID Death

October 12, 2020

A recent study found low blood levels of zinc to be associated with a greater chance of severe symptoms and death in COVID-19 patients. Does this mean that people should supplement with zinc or use zinc lozenges? Find out in the COVID-19 section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc supplements and lozenges.

Zinc for Lowering Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?

August 17, 2020

Zinc may help lower blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels, according to a recent analysis, but the dose and duration of zinc supplementation made a big difference. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc.

Do Zinc Lozenges Help?

June 13, 2020

Several individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 began using zinc lozenges after they became sick. Find out if this was reported to help or not in the COVID-19 section of the Zinc Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc supplements and lozenges.

Zinc Concern

April 13, 2020

Zinc is a popular supplement right now due to COVID-19, but be aware that taking large doses of zinc for a long period of time can suppress the immune system by causing or exacerbating copper deficiency. Certain people may be more at risk for this. Get the details in the Cautions and Concerns section of the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review.

How to Use Zinc Lozenges for Colds

January 27, 2020

Zinc lozenges have been shown to reduce cold symptoms, but effectiveness appears to depend on the lozenge formulation and how it is used. Learn more in the What It Does section of the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc lozenges and pills.

Zinc and Folate for Infertility?

January 06, 2020

Did supplementing with zinc and folate improve semen quality and fertility for men in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of the Zinc Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among zinc supplements.

Denture Adhesive Concern

October 23, 2017

Copper deficiency can result from continued use of zinc-containing denture adhesives, according to a new report. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Zinc Supplements Review >>

Zinc for Shortening Colds

May 03, 2017

Two different forms of zinc were found to work equally as well for reducing the duration of colds -- by as much as three days. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review >>

Zinc Lozenges for Colds

March 16, 2015

A recent review of placebo-controlled studies of zinc lozenges given at the start of a cold shows that they not only shorten the duration of symptoms in the throat, but in the nose and muscles as well. It is critical, however, that the right type of zinc, dose, and dosing schedule be used. Get the details, as well as our reviews of zinc lozenges and supplements, in the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review >>

Zinc for Colds -- Be Careful

February 26, 2011

The use of zinc for colds has been in the news lately due to a study indicating benefit. Some of the coverage, however, might suggest the wrong conclusion. Be aware that taking zinc pills won't help with a cold; only forms that allow zinc to act directly in the throat or nose can help — and only when taken appropriately. See the Zinc Product Review for details on formulations and dosing that can help with colds. More >>

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