Sore loser Q: I've come down with my fourth cold sore since November. I've heard applying zinc to it will get rid of it. Help. JVW: Zinc can be very effective for eliminating cold/canker sores. It stimulates the immune system by promoting the ability of white blood cells to fight germs, like the herpes virus, which is one of the primary causes of recurrent cold sore outbreaks. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 also help reduce recurrences. When I'm working with patients with recurrent canker sore outbreaks, I generally prescribe the following dosage guidelines (but you should talk to your personal physician to determine the best amounts for you): 30 to 60 milligrams of iron daily; 3 to 5 milligrams of folic acid daily taken along with 2,000 micrograms of vitamin B12; and 30 milligrams of zinc picolinate daily.
For long-term prevention of canker sores, I advise taking 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of lysine daily in between meals, along with smaller amounts of the nutrients mentioned above. Lysine is an amino acid that discourages the growth of the herpes virus. But it's also important to note that anytime you take lysine, you should also take an equivalent amount of vitamin C. What are...claudins? Claudins are proteins that help maintain a barrier between air and fluid in the lungs. If the claudins are disrupted by an infection, an injury, or another factor (such as alcohol abuse), more fluid gets into the lungs and can set the stage for illnesses like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. | 
