Vitamin C and zinc lozenges for immune support

Bio-Influ-Zinc are tasty lozenges with organically bound, bioavailable zinc and natural vitamin C in the form of Acerola cherry extract. The lozenges ensure fast delivery of the active ingredients to the mucous membranes in the oral cavity and throat. High, acute intake of Bio-Influ-Zinc may be useful for brief periods of 7-10 days, depending on the circumstances.

Zinc is an essential mineral and a trace element that is primarily found in cells and, to a lesser extent, in extracellular fluids throughout the body. For instance, our white and red blood cells contain a substantial amount of zinc. Together with copper, zinc is an important constituent of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Zinc has many different functions in the human body and supports about 200 different enzymes, including enzymes that are necessary for metabolizing nutrients and enzymes that are important for translation and expression of genetic coding. These are some of the most important functions of zinc:

• It contributes to a normal  well-functioning immune system
• Part of normal DNA-synthesis and cell specialisation
• Contributes to protecting cells from  oxidative stress
• Contributes to normal vitamin A metabolism
• Contributes to a normal acid-base balance
• Support the maintenance of normal nails, bones, hair, skin and vision
   

Zinc is non-toxic in limited quantities. A high intake of zinc for extended periods (10-30 times RDA) may cause copper deficiency.

Simultaneous intake of zinc and iron may have a negative influence on the body’s zinc absorption. A high calcium intake may also reduce the body’s uptake of zinc.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which was given the name ascorbic acid when it was discovered. The term refers to the fact that it is an acid that prevents scurvy. Vitamin C also has other important functions such as:

• Supporting a normal well-functioning immune system
• Protecting the body’s cells against oxidative stress
• Contributing to reducing fatigue and tiredness
• Supporting a normal energy metabolism
• Supporting to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Helping the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E in the body
• Contributing to normal psychological function

Acerola is a large (2-3 cm) cherry-like, pit-containing fruit that is cultivated in South America and the Caribbean. There are several different Acerola varieties. The wild fruit is rather sour, but Influ-Zinc contains a refined version. Acerola’s vitamin C content is extremely high and provides about 1,500-3,000 mg of vitamin per. 100 g. In comparison, an orange may provide around 40-50 mg of vitamin C per 100 gram.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the evidence behind vitamin C and zinc and has acknowledged the following claims:

Vitamin C
 

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Contributes to normal functioning of the nerveous system
• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the blood vessels
• Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
   

Zinc
 

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Has a role in the process of cell specialisation
• Contributes to normal DNA synthesis
• Contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids
• Contributes to normal acid-base metabolism
• Contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A
• Contributes to normal protein synthesis
• Contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism