I have known for some years of the medical evidence available for the use of higher than usual doses of Zinc and Vitamin C to improve and shorten symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory tract infections.
I came across this excellent summary of the information available, from USANA Health Sciences, and would like to share it with you.
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At a Glance Continuing research shows that adequate intakes of vitamin C and zinc improve symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections including the common cold. Read more about this research below. |
During times of infection or stress, vitamin C concentrations in plasma and blood cells rapidly decline. Research has shown that vitamin C supplementation can improve several elements of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, proliferation of lymphocytes (white blood cells), chemotaxis*, and delayed-type hypersensitivity. During an inflammatory response, adequate vitamin C contributes to the integrity and health of the cell membranes which protect against excessive free radical damage.
Inadequate zinc status is also known to impair cellular immunity by impairing phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity. Therefore, both nutrients play important roles in immune function and the healthy resistance to infectious agents, reducing the risk, severity, and duration of infectious diseases. This is particularly important in populations with insufficient intake of these nutrients, such as low-income families and the elderly.
A large number of
randomized controlled trials with advanced intakes of vitamin C and zinc
document that adequate levels of vitamin C and zinc may reduce symptoms and
shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
Research also indicates that adequate vitamin C and zinc reduce the incidence
and improve the outcome of pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea infections,
especially in children in developing countries.
Ann Nutr Metab 2006;50(2):85-94.
* Chemotaxis is the phenomenon in which bodily cells, bacteria, and other single-cell or multicellular organisms direct their movements according to certain chemicals in their environment. Vitamin C is known to influence neutrophil chemotaxis, or white blood cell movement in response to infectious agents.
Dr
Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor who works with complementary therapies and
nutritional supplements. She only recommends the best, pharmaceutical grade
nutritional supplements, such as those on www.holisticdoctor.usana.com.
Disclaimer: The content of our website is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor relating to any medical condition.
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