Zinc

Description

What Research Shows

Likely Effective

• Growth outcomes in children—likely to improve growth outcomes in young children
• Hemodialysis—likely to benefit the nutritional status of people having hemodialysis
• Newborn jaundice—likely to reduce the duration of phototherapy
• Pneumonia—likely to prevent in young children and to improve outcome when used with standard treatment 

May Be Effective

• Common cold—may shorten time of sickness 
• Diarrhea in children—may ease symptoms 

May Not Be Effective

• Beta thalassemia—may not provide benefit 
• Dysmenorrhea—may not provide benefit 
• Pressure ulcers—may not prevent or treat

Unlikely to Be Effective

• Birthweight—unlikely to have an effect 
• Cognitive function in children—unlikely to provide benefit
• Leg ulcers—unlikely to promote healing 
• Mental and motor development in children—unlikely to provide benefit 
• Tinnitus—unlikely to improve symptoms 

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Birthweight
• Burns
• Diabetic kidney disease
• Ear infection
• Measles 
• Pregnancy outcomes
• Sickle cell disease
• Taste disturbances

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use zinc products on the skin and to take zinc orally in small doses for a short time, but nausea is possible when used as a lozenge. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take large doses of zinc.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.