Cold three
A review published by the prestigious Cochrane Collaboration found that zinc in the form of syrup, lozenges or tablets taken within a day of the onset of cold symptoms could reduce the severity and length of the illness.
According to researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India, report that the total economic impact of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion per year. As a result, Americans spend around $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs (and another $400 million on prescription medicines) for symptomatic relief of cold.
To read our coverage of the review, please click here.