Zinc Based Cold-Remedies Cause Lose of Smell

Consumers may want to check the label of their favorite cold remedy before buying it again. A new study finds that zinc based cold-remedies may cause the user to lose their sense of smell even if used properly.

A study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology followed 25 patients who used zinc-based cold remedies. The authors of the study found no indication zinc-based nasal gels or oral tablets reduced the length or the severity of the common cold. Researchers went through previous studies and could only find one study that suggested zinc may help common cold sufferers. Researchers did find that zinc lead to a reduced sense of smell or that the user may lose his sense of smell entirely after prolonged usage.

The studies findings may cause homeopathic remedies for serious diseases to go through more stringent testing requirements than the United States Food and Drug Administration currently requires. One proposal suggests limiting the treatment for serious diseases only to homeopathic specialists who have gone through specialized training and who are licensed to do so. Homeopathic treatments for minor conditions can still be sold over the counter according to the proposed roles.

The people who conducted the study believe that requiring homeopathic medicines that go through the same rigorous testing as normal or allopathic drugs do may reduce the risk of dangerous homeopathic remedies from being marketed.