Vitamin zinc and vitamin c
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The Role of Vitamin C and Zinc in Immune Function and Disease Management
Immune-Enhancing Properties of Vitamin C and Zinc
Vitamin C and zinc are essential nutrients that play significant roles in enhancing the immune system. Vitamin C is known to improve various components of the immune system, including antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity. It also helps maintain the redox integrity of cells, protecting them against reactive oxygen species generated during infections and stress1. Similarly, zinc is crucial for cellular mediators of innate immunity, such as phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity, and it aids in the generation of oxidative bursts1. Both nutrients are vital in reducing the risk, severity, and duration of infectious diseases, particularly in populations with insufficient intake, such as the elderly and those in low- and middle-income countries1.
Vitamin C and Zinc in Respiratory Infections
Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that adequate intakes of vitamin C and zinc can ameliorate symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. These nutrients have been shown to reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes of pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea, especially in children in developing countries1. A combination of high-dose vitamin C and zinc has been found to significantly reduce the duration of rhinorrhea and provide quicker symptom relief in patients with the common cold7.
Potential Benefits in COVID-19 Management
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nutrients that can optimize the immune system. Vitamin C and zinc have been investigated for their potential roles in reducing the severity and improving the prognosis of COVID-19. Vitamin C therapy has shown promise in reducing hyperinflammation and improving oxygen support status in COVID-19 patients, although more extensive trials are needed to confirm these findings2. Zinc, along with vitamins C and D, has been suggested to help maintain physical tissue barriers and support the immune response, potentially lowering the risk of severe progression of COVID-195. Studies in Bangladesh have also indicated that supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc is associated with a reduced risk of infection and severity of COVID-1910.
Impact on Oxidative Stress and Wound Healing
Vitamin C and zinc supplementation has been shown to attenuate oxidative stress and improve clinical outcomes in various conditions. In burned children, supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and reduced the time required for wound healing4. This antioxidant protection is crucial in managing oxidative stress and promoting recovery in patients with severe injuries.
Effects on Neurological Health
Zinc and vitamin C are also important for central nervous system (CNS) functioning. Zinc is involved in neurotransmission and protein degradation, and its deficiency is associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. Supplementation with zinc has been shown to improve neurologic recovery rates in patients with stroke and brain injury, enhance memory, and reduce hyperactivity in children. Vitamin C supports antioxidant resources in the brain and maintains synaptic activity, making it beneficial in preventing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases8.
Conclusion
Vitamin C and zinc are essential nutrients with significant roles in enhancing immune function, reducing oxidative stress, and improving clinical outcomes in various conditions. Their supplementation can be particularly beneficial in managing respiratory infections, including the common cold and potentially COVID-19, as well as in supporting neurological health and wound healing. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial for maintaining overall health and resilience against infections.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Immune-Enhancing Role of Vitamin C and Zinc and Effect on Clinical Conditions
Vitamin C and zinc supplementation improves immune function and reduces the risk, severity, and duration of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries.
Highly CitedMelatonin, Zinc, and Vitamin C: Potential Adjuvant Treatment for COVID-19 Patients
Melatonin, zinc, and vitamin C supplementation show potential as adjuvant treatments for COVID-19 patients, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and their role in regulating immune response.
Systematic ReviewEffect of dietary supplemental vitamin C and zinc sulfate on productive performance, egg quality traits and blood parameters of laying hens reared under cold stress condition
Dietary supplemental vitamin C and zinc sulfate improve egg quality and reduce feed conversion ratio in cold-stressed laying hens, with the best results observed when vitamin C is 240 mg/kg.
RCTSupplementation of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Zinc Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Burned Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc reduces oxidative stress and shortens wound healing time in burned children.
RCTHighly CitedZinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: Perspectives for COVID-19 With a Focus on Physical Tissue Barrier Integrity
Adequate intake of zinc and vitamins C and D may help maintain immune response and protect physical tissue barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedReported Dietary Intake and Food Sources of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamins A, E and C in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study †
Spanish people report high zinc, selenium, and vitamin A intake, but not enough vitamin E, vitamin C, or selenium, indicating a need for improved micronutrient intake.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedA Combination of High-Dose Vitamin C plus Zinc for the Common Cold
High-dose vitamin C and zinc supplementation effectively reduces rhinorrhoea duration and provides quicker symptom relief in common cold patients, with a good safety profile.
RCTVery Rigorous Journal[Synergistic application of zinc and vitamin C to support memory, attention and the reduction of the risk of the neurological diseases].
Zinc and vitamin C supplementation improves memory, attention, and reduces the risk of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and depression.
Dinâmica Molecular Ab Initio da Complexarão de Íons zinco com a vitamina C em Fase Gasosa
The complexation of zinc ions with vitamin C forms a stable tridentate complex, which is important for understanding their bioactivity and designing new drugs.
Impact of Zinc, Vitamins C and D on Disease Prognosis among Patients with COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Taking vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc supplements is significantly associated with reduced COVID-19 infection risk and severity, but not with reduced hospitalization.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous Journal