Heidi Rula, M.D., is a physician at Integrative Care for Women in Mesa. Reach her at (480) 699-2508 or integrativecareforwomen.com.
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Dr DuBois posted at 7:10 am on Thu, Dec 29, 2011.
Heidi, pretty good article. I agree with 4 of the 6 recommendations. Zinc might work for prevention but does not work for treatment. The same goes for vitamin C. I have read all of the data on both zinc and vitamin C. While vitamin C might have some basic science to show it "improves respiratory defense mechanisms" it has no effect on severity and duration on the cold of flu. Both of those supplements are over hyped with very little evidence based medicine to support their effectiveness and should not be recommended.
Other than those two, you are correct on all the other supplements. Panax or Asain ginseng is more effective than American ginseng but harder to find and more expensive.