10 papers analyzed
Some studies suggest that vitamin C, zinc, garlic, and Juice Plus+® may help reduce the duration or severity of common cold symptoms, while other studies emphasize the importance of physical barriers like masks and handwashing for prevention.
The common cold is a prevalent viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and economic consequences. Various interventions have been studied to prevent the common cold, including dietary supplements, physical barriers, and antiviral agents. This synthesis aims to present the key findings from multiple research papers on effective strategies to prevent the common cold.
Zinc Supplementation:
Vitamin C:
Garlic:
Physical Barriers:
Dietary Supplements:
Antiviral Agents:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
Preventing the common cold involves a multifaceted approach. Zinc lozenges and vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, particularly under specific conditions. Garlic and certain dietary supplements may offer some preventive benefits, but more research is needed. Physical barriers like handwashing and masks are effective and practical preventive measures. While antiviral agents show potential, they are not yet commercially available. Complementary and alternative medicines such as Echinacea and zinc lozenges may also be beneficial for treatment. Overall, a combination of these strategies may offer the best protection against the common cold.
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