Vitamin C & Zinc overview

 

Vitamin C & Zinc are a powerful vitamin and mineral combination and are both essential nutrients for our overall, general health. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps to eliminate free radicals and their damage to our cells; it helps to keep body tissues healthy, assists with the absorption of iron and is best known for its immune-boosting abilities. Zinc, on the other hand, acts as a vital component in the production of enzymes, speeds up the wound healing process and plays an essential role in immunity.

Immunity & protection against the common cold

Vitamin C and zinc combined provide a powerful boost for your immune system and have become popular supplements for keeping the common cold at bay. Although vitamin C may not be a complete cure for the cold, it has been shown to shorten its duration and suppress the symptoms. Zinc has also been revealed as a popular supplement for reducing the length and severity of cold and flu-like symptoms.

Vitamin C stimulates your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help the body to fight infection. There are even some white blood cells called phagocytic leukocytes that release interferons that provide antiviral activity.

Zinc is essential for enzymes within the immune system. It assists white blood cells with fighting infections and is vital for the activity of thymulin, which is a hormone that is needed for T-cells to function effectively, in order to help other immune-fighting cells recognise infections.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is the damage that is caused to our cells by free radicals. This damage is seen as a major contributing factor in the development of various diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. Your body is exposed to oxidative stress on a daily basis from environmental stress factors like tobacco smoke, pollution and radiation. Zinc and vitamin C both act as important antioxidants that help to protect the body against oxidative stress and therefore preventing the development of certain infections and diseases and keeping your body in excellent health and condition.