Zinc for colds? Researchers are skeptical

Zinc may be a popular over-the-counter supplement to reduce the severity and duration of common colds, but according to Harvard Health, the benefits may be modest at best. In a recent study published in BMJ Open, researchers examined data from 28 different studies and found that the effects of zinc ranged from minor to none at all. The bright side: When taken in safe amounts, zinc doesn’t appear to cause any harm — good news for those who swear by it.