Condition
Warts
Warts are benign skin growths caused by an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), and they are very common. They are usually harmless, though they can be bothersome or uncomfortable. People often look at zinc, along with echinacea, vitamin A and vitamin C, for immune support, but little research on them has been reviewed here so far. The evidence is moderate for zinc and limited for the others, so firm conclusions are still out of reach.
Sources: PMID 17597571
- Supplements studied
- 1
- Graded outcomes
- 0
- Trials
- 2
- People studied
- 133
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wart Severity | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 133 people | |||
What the published studies found
2 automated readings
Vitamin A: warts
Too few usable studies were found to tell whether Vitamin A changes warts. 3 studies were read and none could be counted.
Zinc: warts
The best available review (2025, 33 studies, 2,728 people) found little or no difference in warts. That review studied patients with viral warts and cervical HPV infection. 3 of the 7 studies read agree; 4 found an improvement. The evidence is moderate.
7 studies counted of 10 read: 3 reviews and 4 trials (318 people in the trials).
- Meta-analysis, 2025; 33 studies, 2,728 people; patients with viral warts and cervical HPV infection: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
log OR was 2.97 [95% CI: 0.96; 4.97]
Clinical Use of Zinc in Treatment of Human Papillomavirus Cervical Infection and Viral Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Meta-analysis, 2025; 7 studies; patients with viral warts: improves.
total clearance rate of warts was significantly higher
Oral zinc sulphate reduces the recurrence rate and provides significant therapeutic effects for viral warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Systematic review, 2012; people with cutaneous warts: improves.
limited evidence was found for the efficacy of zinc
Systemic treatments for cutaneous warts: a systematic review - Crossover trial, 2023; 50 people; patients suffering from genital warts: no clear difference.
no significant differences were observed between treatment with zinc and placebo
The Efficacy of Cryotherapy and Zinc Gluconate in Management of Anogenital Warts: A Randomized Double-Blind, Split-Side, Placebo-Controlled Trial - Randomised trial, 2020; 105 people; patients with plantar warts: improves. Intralesional zinc sulfate 2% vs intralesional vitamin D in plantar warts: A clinicodermoscopic study
- Randomised trial, 2018; 83 people; patients with common warts: no clear difference.
Warts completely resolved in 26 patients
Cryotherapy plus oral zinc sulfate versus cryotherapy plus placebo to treat common warts: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial - Randomised trial, 2002; 80 people; patients with recalcitrant viral warts: improves.
complete clearance of warts observed in 20 patients (86.9%)
Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Meta-analysis, 2025; 33 studies, 2,728 people; patients with viral warts and cervical HPV infection: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
The Warts (Viral) Support protocol
1 primary supplement · 3 supporting supplements
- Zinc30–50 mg daily for 2–3 months
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Studies cited
2 studies from PubMed