1.   Another recent study showed that zinc lozenges were useless in warding off colds in children.

2.   As far as zinc lozenges, the studies are mixed whether they provide any benefit against colds.

3.   Both studies were double-blinded, meaning neither researchers nor patients knew who received placebos or the zinc lozenges.

4.   Eby is manufacturing peppermint-flavored zinc acetate lozenges through George Eby Research, in Austin, Texas, and is selling them at several local stores.

5.   If Eby loses his patent, any company could make zinc lozenges without paying him royalties.

6.   It introduced its Fast Dry zinc lozenges last month.

7.   Now Eby has patented a new type of zinc lozenge.

8.   The Cleveland Clinic study used zinc lozenges made by Quigley Corp. of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

9.   Zinc lozenges are available in pharmacies, health-food stores and some supermarkets.

10.   Zinc acetate lozenges taste better and are three times more effective than zinc gluconate, he said.