Question 1

how many mg of zinc per tablet?

Accepted Answer

Per a 12/6/10 LA Times article on Zicam; a service rep told the reporter that a tablet has 10mg of zinc.

A 2011 Concordia College Journal of Analytical Chemistry study (Determination of Zn2+ in Zicam and Multivitamins Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy), confirms that Zicam has 11.05mg of zinc per tablet.

The indicated dose is 1 lozenge per 2-3 hours or about 7 per day = 77mg a day for the duration of the cold.

JUST FYI:
1. A 2009 NIH meta-analysis of zinc studies indicates that lozenges with18mg+ of ionic zinc (iZn) acetate (or gluconate - slightly less effective)  dissolved slowly over 20–30 min every 2 h are hypothesized to shorten common colds by 6–7 days.

2. A 2011 NIH meta-analysis of 13 placebo-controlled comparisons showed that, generally, daily doses OVER 75mg of zinc acetate shortened the length of a cold by 42%, and only 20% in other zinc salts. Those under 75mg, on average, were ineffective.

3. A 2017 NIH meta-"survival" analysis of 3 placebo-controlled comparisons (included in the 13 above) showed that daily doses of OVER 75mg of zinc acetate (and to a lesser extent zinc gluconate) resulted in a 3-fold increase in the rate of recovery from the common cold.

4. The NIH Zinc Factsheet states that:
 a) Long-term intakes above the Upper Intake Levels (ULs) (Adults 19+=40mg) increases the risk of adverse health effects. A very generic and undefined statement. 
 b) Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day for long periods have been associated with significant chronic effects
 c) The AREDS study (80mg zinc OXIDE daily for 6.3 years on average) was associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations for genitourinary causes.

Generally, a homeopathic remedy is defined by a "high dilution" of which 1x (1:10) is not, and 2x (1:100) would really be stretching it according to the great majority of those debating it, and certainly according to the many things I have read on homeopathy, here and there, in the past 45 years of my life.  There is still no official or legal definition and, ergo, the "hot" debate continues.

In my 15 hours or so of general research specifically on Zicam and on ionic zinc acetate and gluconate in the past year, with 1/3 of it occurring today, I have little doubt that Zicam's use of the term “homeopathic” is solely for the purpose of skirting regulation, avoiding legal skirmishes and hiding it's formula. Nonetheless, it has been directly and indirectly been proven effective against the cold.  Personally, I will be trying some of the very few other formulas that may possibly be more effective based on the numerous studies that have been done.

Keys to remember:  *Acetate; *Ionic (iZn); *18mg lozenges at 20-30 minutes each (good luck); *per every 2 hours immediately upon onset of a cold.  That is 126mg per day, but only for a short duration which is 100% okay if you do not have any issues.

Question 2

How much zinc is in these tablets?  I read a medical report that recommended supplementation during a cold of 50 mg to 100 mg (no longer than 2 weeks)

Accepted Answer

"Zicam CR Rapid Melt Citrus:  Dose is 1 tablet provides 11 mg ionized zinc." 
When I posed the question to Zicam by email, Zicam responded by email with the above.

Question 3

What is the difference between the regular and the ultra?

Accepted Answer

This is the only one I have used.

Question 4

Are these considered to be lozenges?

Accepted Answer

I consider them to be lozenges. You let them dissolve in your mouth, not chew them. They have been effective for me with a regular colds, some of which could be a corona type virus.

Units	18 count
Brand	Zicam
Format	Tablets, Cream
Age Range Description	Adult

ZicamUltra Cold Remedy Orange Cream -Quick Dissolve Tablets- 18 Count

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