Several years ago I realized that I had a zinc deficiency – a very common mineral deficiency these days due to our ever worsening diets.
In addition to eating foods high in zinc, like pumpkin seeds, legumes and meat, I also started taking supplements when I felt a cold coming on.
I personally found that if I took too much at once (15mg+), especially without food, I would get severe nausea for a few minutes.
Instead, I eat a few of the 5mg zinc lozenges, spaced throughout the day. They’re chewable, taste good, and may actually help with absorption by spreading it out over time.
A recent study has shown that of all “common” supplements (vitamin C, echinacea, ginseng, etc.) only zinc had a substantial effect:
At least two trials indicated that children who took 10 or 15mg of zinc sulphate daily had lower rates of colds and fewer absences from school due to colds.Read more: Zinc not Vitamin C is best for fighting colds - Telegraph