Posted on August 5th, 2009 by Craig Maltby, Editor
What’s up with the anti-cold/flu supplements? Balance or boost?
We recently received a comment to the post on the coming fall/winter season and how preventive methods such as 
chiropractic could have an impact on immune health. The commenter touted the benefits of echinacea and zinc in helping prevent colds and flu. I was skeptical to a degree. I’ve taken megadoses of zinc when I sensed a cold or something more severe coming on, and it may have had a beneficial effect in slowing down or halting symptoms. I’ve not ever taken echinacea. Years ago, the science was practically nil on these products. Now, the scientific community is acknowledging that some studies may show an impact in symptom alleviation, but there’s no real evidence of prevention. A recent overview of both is here and here.
My take is these ingredients may spur a upsurge in some immune response, a boost if you will, but it is temporary, and side effects may be somewhat significant, especially if someone tries taking megadoses over a longer term.
Any other thinking or experiences out there about these two supplements?
