Big effect
Zinc slashed severe mouth sore risk by 74% in a meta-analysis of 1,076 chemo patients — but the dose was high (≥150 mg/day) and the effect was measured at specific time points.
This is one of the first pooled analyses on zinc for oral mucositis, so the finding is promising but still preliminary — especially since the studies weren't blinded, which can inflate apparent benefits.
A meta-analysis of over 1,000 cancer patients found that taking at least 150 mg of zinc daily reduced the risk of severe oral mucositis (painful mouth sores from chemo/radiation) by 74% at both 2 weeks and 5–6 weeks of treatment. The same analysis also linked zinc to less pain, delayed onset of sores, and reduced dry mouth — but because the underlying studies weren't blinded, the true effect may be smaller than reported.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Zinc for Reduced Oral Mucositis Severity — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- n = 1,076
- 2026-03-24
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.