Lozenge with vitamin C and zinc for the immune system

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 around 200 different enzymes, including ones that are necessary for the metabolism of nutrients and enzymes of importance to the 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
• It is part of a normal DNA-synthesis and cell specialisation
• It contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress
• It contributes to normal vitamin A metabolism
• It contributes to a normal acid-base balance
• It supports the maintenance of normal nails, bones, hair, skin, and vision
   

Zinc is non-toxic in limited quantities. A high intake of zinc (10-30 times higher than the RDA) for extended periods may cause a copper deficiency because the two minerals are antagonists and compete for binding sites.

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 that was named "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 the reduction of fatigue and tiredness
• Supporting a normal energy metabolism
• Supporting normal functioning of the nervous system
• Helping the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E in the body
• Contributing to normal psychological functioning

Acerola is a large (2-3 cm) cherry-like pit  fruit that is cultivated in South America and the Caribbean. There are several different acerola varieties. The wild fruit is rather sor, but Influ-Zinc contains a refined version with a sweeter flavor. Acerola’s vitamin C content is extremely high and provides about 1,500-3,000 mg of vitamin per100 grams of fruit. In comparison, an orange only provides around 40-50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit.

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

Zinc
 

• Contributes to normal functioning of the immune system
• Has a role in the process of cell specialization
• 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