6 Things You Didn’t Know About Pills

1. Zinc may reduce colds more effectively than Echinacea and Vitamin C.

Although we often take vitamin C and echinacea in the hope of preventing or treating a cold or flu, clinical trials have produced insufficient data to prove that these supplements are effective, says NPS clinical adviser Danielle Stowasser, PhD. Some evidence suggests that healthy people who take zinc for a cold may be able to reduce the severity and duration of their illness; however, taking zinc can also cause stomach upset or leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Photo by Shutterstock Apr 30, 2012