Zinc is an essential nutrient that you need to take externally because your body can neither store it nor produce it. Zinc helps in many bodily functions like enzymatic reactions, gene expression, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, growth and development, wound healing, and immune system functions. Generally, you can get enough zinc through fortified bread cereals, chicken, and meat. However, if your doctor advises, you can take its supplement too.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs to process well. Since your body can not produce it on its own, you need to take it from external sources. You can get enough vitamin C from natural sources like fruits and vegetables. You can get it through fruits like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and vegetables like lemons, spinach, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers.
To reap most of the benefits of zinc and vitamin C, you can take them together. You can easily find a supplement that contains both. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before doing that. It is commonly available over the counter product.
What are the benefits of taking vitamin C and zinc together?
Vitamin C and zinc, when taken together, can do wonders to your body. It will play a role in your overall well-being. Some of those benefits are as follows.
- Protects you from infections
- Reduces inflammation
- Keeps blood pressure under control
- Boosts your immunity
- Imparts glow to your skin
- Lowers the risk of cancers
- Lowers the exacerbation of gout
- Lowers elevated levels of serum uric acid
- Reduces and treats acne
- Give a fresh glowing skin
- Slows down aging
- Lowers the risk of heart attacks
- Keeps your bones, teeth, and cartilages strong
Side effects
Before taking any supplement, you must consult with a healthcare provider. Generally, it is safe to take vitamin C and zinc together. But they may cause side effects as follows.
- Upset stomach
- Cramps
- Headache
- Change in taste
- Tooth staining
- Stomach bleeding
- Increased urination
- Confusion
- Alteration in heart rhythm
- Limp feeling
- Muscle weakness
It may cause other side effects too. If you have any complaint upon taking the supplement, you must report to the healthcare provider as soon as possible, without any delay. Upon gauging the risk versus benefit ratio, the healthcare provider may either ask you to continue the drug or stop it. However, if you feel difficulty in breathing, abnormally high heart rate, dizziness, or vomiting, you must rush to the hospital emergency.
Things to avoid with its therapy
Avoid taking other multivitamins or supplements with zinc and vitamin C therapy. You must inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs or supplements you are already taking. If you take the supplement with any other multivitamin, it can result in an overdose, leading to severe adverse effects.
Moreover, avoid using salt substitutes if you are already taking multivitamins or supplements that contain potassium. Also, inform your healthcare provider if you are on a low salt diet if they have advised you of any supplement.
You must take vitamin C and zinc supplements separately. Do not take it with any other calcium-containing supplement or dairy products. It is because calcium will make the absorption of vitamin C and zinc difficult.
Directions to take
Take the vitamin C and zinc supplement with a glass full of water, swallow it whole. Take the exact quantity as directed by your healthcare provider.