Katharine DeGeorge, MD
Katharine DeGeorge, MD, a family medicine physician at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, recently spoke with Time about the effectiveness of zinc as a cold remedy.
While there’s no definitive cure for the common cold, many people rely on various remedies they believe help when they’re feeling unwell. One popular approach is using tablets or lozenges that contain zinc, a natural mineral thought to support the immune system in fighting off bacteria and viruses.
However, many experts advise against taking zinc tablets as soon as you feel a sniffle. Dr. DeGeorge is among those experts. “Some people might benefit,” Dr. DeGeorge said. “But that comes at a cost—a monetary cost, and a risk of adverse events, too.”
According to Dr. DeGeorge, not everyone benefits from taking zinc, and it often causes side effects like an upset stomach, headaches and a lingering aftertaste.
Read full article in Time.
Filed Under: Media Highlights