There’s still no outright cure for the common cold — but research has identified a few nutrients that may help reduce its duration and severity. With cold and flu season peaking between December and February, it’s worth knowing what the science says. Here are three nutrients that have shown promise.
1. Vitamin C
Research has long suggested that vitamin C can reduce both the duration and severity of cold symptoms. A typical studied dosage is 1,000–2,000 mg per day.
2. Zinc
Zinc can interfere with the replication of most cold viruses. Zinc lozenges or pills, when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset, may reduce both the duration and severity of a cold. A commonly studied dosage is 50 mg, taken one to three times a day.
3. Quercetin
Quercetin gained attention as an ionophore used alongside zinc during COVID-19. Research suggests it also inhibits the replication of common cold viruses and works synergistically with zinc.
As always, check with your doctor to determine whether these remedies are appropriate for you. Dr. Shintani will be sharing future posts on herbal approaches to the common cold as well.
For more natural health strategies, download the free eBook Health Secrets at club120.shintanimd.com.
About Dr. Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH
Dr. Terry Shintani is a Harvard-trained physician and nutritionist, named a Living Treasure of Hawai’i and recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Award for Excellence. He is the creator of the Peace Diet and the landmark Waianae Diet — published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and cited over 137 times — and the author of 16 books on natural health and nutrition, drawing on more than 35 years of clinical practice in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Learn more about Dr. Shintani’s work and recognition: NLM Native Voices
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