Vitamin C, zinc, potassium and other vitamins and minerals normally work in synergy. Zinc is a vital trace mineral that supports the immune system, healthy skin and male reproductive health. Zinc also forms an essential part of various body enzymes and helps in synthesis of DNA and cell's genetic material. It also plays a key role in cell division, cell growth and functioning of insulin.
Vitamin C is the most essential nutrient take part in regulating the immune system and forming an essential body protein known as collagen. Possessing antioxidant properties, it also aids in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals present in the human body.
The concentration of Vitamin C in the plasma and leukocytes tend to decline during infections and stress. At this stage supplements and tablets are used to fight against infections and relive stress. Vitamin C supplements or tablets are believed to improve the components and functioning of the immune system. Popular activities include natural killer cell activities, chemotaxis, lymphocyte proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity. It also aids in maintaining integrity of cells and protecting them against reactive oxygen species released during the respiratory burst or in the inflammatory response.
Vitamin C and Zinc in synergy possess high level of antioxidant properties. They serve as antioxidants to fight infections, colds & flu, bruising, sinusitis, blood clots, sore throats, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, immune function, physical and mental stress, cholesterol levels, teeth and gums, liver toxicity, iron absorption and collagen formation. The combination of the two essential nutrients is also known to reduce the duration of illness and speed up the healing.
Both the nutrients play an essential role in regulating functions of the immune system, reducing the risk of allergies as well as reducing the severity and duration of disease. This is of special importance in developing countries where populations are deprived of these essential nutrients. Researchers have undergone controlled intervention trials using 1 g of vitamin C and up to 30 mg of zinc. These trials acknowledged that high doses of Vitamin C and Zinc improves the symptoms and reduces the duration of respiratory tract infections. The combination of two is also documented to reduce the symptoms of pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria.