The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study now shows that zinc, when initiated at the first signs of infection, can significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

At least, that's what writer Dale Keifer reported in the January 2009 issue of Life Extension magazine. It was proven like this:

"Fifty subjects received zinc lozenges containing 13.3 mg zinc acetate, or placebo, within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms. Lozenges were taken every two to three hours during waking hours. Compared with the placebo group, zinc lozenge users experienced a shorter average overall cold duration (4 days versus 7.1 days). Duration of cough was just 2.1 days in the zinc group; nasal discharge occurred for three days. In contrast, placebo subjects endured five full days of coughing and 4.5 days of nasal discharge. Zinc therapy also significantly decreased biomarkers associated with cold-induced inflammation."

"Symptom severity scores were decreased significantly in the zinc group," researchers noted.

Okay. Now, that's all well and good. I'm glad they're spending money on experiments that prove the utility of an essential nutrient. But, here's the rub. Do we really need proof after all this time? Homeopaths and champions of alternative medicine have known about the powers of zinc and have been passing the information down since antiquity. In addition, I think it is generally common knowledge, even for the most uninformed of laypersons, that zinc can reduce cold symptoms.

In conclusion, it is smart to consume zinc through a balanced diet or through some kind of nutritional supplement. They've proven it…again. However, perhaps we should be spending more money on research that exposes the benefits of using alternative methods to treat diseases like HIV, Cancer, heart disease, HPV, etc. These are the big ones – the real killers, both statistically and emotionally. In the meantime, at least we know we have the common cold under control.

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