Zinc is a mineral that stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote bio-chemical reactions in your body. These reactions are essential for the formation of superoxide dismutase, one of the body's most important free radical scavengers. Zinc also promotes immune function,116-119 taste sensitivity,120-124 protein and DNA synthesis,125 insulin production,126,127 and reproduction including organ development and sperm motility.* Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.128-130*
Age-related declines in immune function are similar to those associated with zinc deficiency, and the elderly represent a group that is vulnerable to mild zinc deficiency. Certain aspects of immune function in the elderly have been found to improve with zinc supplementation.131,132*
Zinc lozenges have become popular supplements to use when people feel a runny nose coming on. When zinc is sucked in the mouth in lozenge form, it binds to specific cell receptor sites in the nasaloral cavity that inhibits the ability of undesirable entities to take hold. Dissolving zinc lozenges can provide dietary support during the season.48-50
The key to success is to suck on two 24 mg zinc lozenges within the first 24 hours of a runny nose developing, and continue every two to three hours while awake until runny nose resolves.
One caveat to remember is that chronic use of zinc in doses over 300 mg a day may suppress immune function.51 If one were to suck on two zinc lozenges every two waking hours over the course of a day, the amount of total zinc intake can easily exceed 300 mg/day. This does not appear to be a problem in the short-term, but you should not use this high dose of zinc for more than a week. Considering how inexpensive zinc lozenges are, it makes sense to have them on hand so that they are immediately available if seasonal symptoms manifest.
Zinc Lozenges provide premium grade zinc as gluconate, oxide, and aspartate plus the antioxidant vitamin C for additional protection in a pleasant orange-flavored tablet.
Serving Size 1 lozenge
Servings Per Container 75
Calories
5
Total Carbohydrates
1.3 g
Sugars
0.8 g
Sugar Alcohols
0.3 g
Other Carbohydrates
0.2 g
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate)
100 mg
Zinc (as zinc oxide, aspartate, gluconate)
24 mg
Other ingredients: sucrose, mannitol, maltodextrin, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, natural orange flavor, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, modified cornstarch.
Contains soybeans. Contains corn. This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, or rice. Contains NO artificial sweeteners or flavors.
Dissolve one lozenge in mouth then swallow, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Gastrointestinal distress has been reported at doses of 50 to 150 mg/day of supplemental zinc. Do not exceed five lozenges daily for more than a week. Long-term use of supplemental zinc from 100 to 150 mg/day can inhibit the absorption and availability of iron and copper. Chronic ingestion of more than 300 mg of elemental zinc daily may be immunosuppressive.51
Supplemental zinc can inhibit the absorption and availability of iron and copper. If more than 50 mg of supplemental zinc is taken daily, 2 mg of supplemental copper should also be taken to prevent deficiency.133 Calcium in combination with phytic acid reduces zinc absorption. Chronic ingestion of more than 300 mg of zinc daily may be toxic.134
