Zinc, Vitamin C & Vitamin D – A trio that packs a powerful punch

ZINC and VITAMIN C & D

Covid-19, which some countries are seeing a resurgence of, has heightened interest in essential nutrients that can optimise the immune system.

Zinc and vitamins C and D stand out for having a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system and for preserving physical tissue barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes.

Zinc is an essential nutrient our bodies can’t produce or store so it must be obtained in a constant supply through diet. Zinc is critical for the development and function of immune cells, fundamental to skin health and needed for your senses of taste and smell, to name but a few reasons we need enough of it.

Vitamin C affects your immune health in several ways. Its antioxidant activity can decrease inflammation, which may help improve your immune function. Vitamin C also boosts the activity of phagocytes, immune cells that can “swallow” harmful bacteria and other particles. It also keeps your skin healthy by boosting collagen production, helping the skin serve as a functional barrier to keep harmful compounds
from entering your body.

Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine three times a week is enough to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D for most people – hence, Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin”. It is very hard to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone.

Some research shows that having healthy levels of vitamin D can help keep your immune system healthy and may protect against respiratory illnesses. However, the basic precautions against Covid-19 – masks, social distancing and handwashing/sanitising – remain our best defence. Healthy eating, regular exercise and stress management also play an important role in how our bodies fight illness.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a number of critical roles in your body. This nutrient is especially important for immune system health, leaving many people wondering whether supplementing with vitamin D may help reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Local Health Zinc Plus, Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements are the perfect addition to your shopping list to ensure your family gets the essential nutrient support its needs during Covid-19.