Take one (1) capsule once a day or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. 

Precaution: 

Vitamin C is usually well-tolerated. Large doses are reported to cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Prolonged administration of high doses of Zinc supplements leads to copper deficiency with associated sideroblastic anemia and neutropenia.

Why do I need to take Vitamin C and zinc? How will it benefit my health?

Vitamin C and Zinc are vital nutrients in the human body’s proper function and defense against various illnesses. Although we cannot produce or store Vitamin C and zinc, they can still be absorbed through the food that we eat and the dietary supplements that we take.

Zinc is considered an essential nutrient that your body does not make on its own.  Zinc is essential for cell growth and division, immune function, enzyme reactions, DNA synthesis and protein production.

The Vitamin C and Zinc combo serves an important function – destroying free radicals. Within our bodies, there are naturally-occurring molecules called free radicals—unstable atoms that can play a role in different kinds of illnesses.  These free radicals may form when we lack a proper diet and when we are exposed to harmful environment factors such as air pollution. Our bodies are at constant risk of oxidative stress due to these free radicals—when there is an imbalance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies, we become more prone to getting sick.

Having high levels of free radicals can overwhelm our immune system’s repair processes and accelerate aging along with other health conditions. Thus, Vitamin C and zinc work hand in hand to combat these unwanted effects. As nutrients that possess antioxidant properties, they can protect us from chronic illnesses caused by cell deterioration or damage, fortify the immune system’s response to viruses, and preserve our overall health.

How can taking Vitamin C and zinc protect me in the COVID-19 pandemic?

Although Vitamin C and zinc are essential nutrients for the immune system’s proper function, it does not mean that they can cure or prevent diseases on their own. However, Vitamin C and zinc have shown potential in maintaining immune defense against COVID-19.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine, zinc may hold antiviral properties that regulate inflammation. This might help manage or reduce the risks associated with pneumonia (e.g. lung tissue damage), one of the possible complications from COVID-19 infection. 

Vitamin C, on the other hand, may encourage the production and function of white blood cells—such as lymphocytes and phagocytes—that are integral to battling infection. Lymphocytes aid in the production of antibodies, whereas phagocytes envelop and kill dying cells and foreign substances intrude or enter our bodies. 

Can Vitamin C and zinc help me if I have health problems?

Strong immune system

Vitamin C and zinc are active players in boosting immunity; both have been used in medications and lozenges that treat the common cold or help manage its symptoms. A study conducted in 2011 suggests that when high dose Vitamin C intake is accompanied by zinc, the duration of common cold symptoms among patients can be reduced.

Cardiovascular benefits

Vitamin C has been said to possess properties that can help relax or widen blood vessels, protect against high blood pressure, and support overall heart health due to its antioxidant properties. On the other hand, zinc may help boost cardiac function and protect against individuals from cardiovascular diseases that lead to heart failure, such as coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy.

What foods are rich in Vitamin C and zinc?
Information sourced from Everyday Health, WebMD (1,2), Mayo Clinic, Healthline and the National Health Service

Food is a good way to safely and naturally increase Vitamin C and zinc levels in our bodies. Here are the specific dietary sources of zinc to consider incorporating in your dietary plan.

Zinc

1. Meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb Red meat, however, has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases—ensure that your consumption of this is balanced with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
2. Poultry, such as turkey and chicken
3. Seafood, such as oysters, crabs, lobsters, and fish
4. Nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, and almonds
5. Whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice

Vitamin C

How much Vitamin C and zinc supplements should I be taking?

Zinc supplements

The National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS) recommends 11 milligrams of zinc supplements daily for men and 9 milligrams for women. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to take 12-13 milligrams.

The total daily limit for zinc intake—including all dietary and supplemental sources—is capped at 40 milligrams for both adult men and women. 

Vitamin C supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS), the daily allowance for Vitamin C supplements is 90 milligrams for adult men and 75 milligrams for women. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to take 85-120 milligrams. 

Are there any unpleasant effects I should worry about?

Given that Vitamin C encourages the body to improve iron absorption, if this nutrient is taken in very large doses of more than 2,000 mg,  it can overwhelm the human body and cause digestive issues.  Aside from this, a study found that it may also increase an individual’s risk of developing kidney stones.

According to the NIH ODS, an excessive intake of zinc supplements ranging from 150 milligrams to 450 milligrams can bring harmful long-term effects to the human body, such as the following:

1. Impaired immune function
2. Reduced levels of good cholesterol
3. Changes in copper levels and iron function

Will Vitamin C and Zinc interact with medications I’m taking?

Vitamin C will interfere with certain medications, such as the following:

1. Aluminum-containing antacids
2. Estrogens
3. HIV/AIDS medications
4. Chemotherapy drugs
5. Statins and niacin
6. Some medications for blood clotting, such as Warfarin

Zinc will interfere with certain medications, such as the following:

1. Quinolone- or tetracycline-containing antibiotics
2. Rheumatoid arthritis drugs
3. Blood pressure drugs, such as thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide)
4. Chemotherapy drugs

If you are taking any of the medications listed above, consult with a medical professional before consuming Vitamin C and zinc supplements.