Zinc Lozenges

...Both formulas soothe sore throats and support the immune system*

Features & Benefits

• Zinc helps protect against harmful micro-organisms*1,2

• Vitamin C and Zinc support a healthy immune system*1,2

• Zinc is critical in support of lymph glands and white blood cells*1,2

• Beta carotene nourishes the immune system,3,4 increasing levels of killer T-cells and macrophage killer cells*4,5

• Echinacea has been used for immune support throughout history*

Facts About Zinc Lozenges

Zinc gluconate has been validated by numerous studies as an effective inhibitor of bacterial growth in the throat.*1,2  Zinc is required for a healthy immune system1,2 and as we age a marginal zinc deficiency may impair the immune system.* Zinc-containing enzymes are used to make immune cells which help protect against invading microbes and viruses as well as reduce discomfort and duration.*1,2,6

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant nutrient and a cofactor in many metabolic reactions.* People with the highest vitamin C levels have significantly lower mortality rates from all causes.*7 Serum vitamin C enhances conventional antibiotic drug therapy and helps protect against harmful particle replication.*8

As a powerful antioxidant nutrient, Beta Carotene enhances immunity by helping to protect the immune system cells from singlet oxygen and free-radical damage.*3,4 Beta carotene increases the levels of killer T-cells and macrophage killer cells.*4,5

Echinacea has been used for centuries as an herbal support in the winter season.* Slippery Elm Bark and Goldenseal have been used traditionally for years to help soothe throats.* Fenugreek Seed contains a soothing mucilage that coats the throat.*9

Zinc Safety

                High potency zinc supplements should not be taken for more than three days without added copper supplementation since excess zinc intake may lead to a copper deficiency which suppresses immune function. These two minerals, much like other nutrient groups, work best when taken in proportionate amounts.10 Taking more than the recommended amount of zinc may also result in minor side effects such as nausea.11 The adult Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of zinc is 15 mg; copper is 2 mg.

Ingredient Highlights

    Nature’s Life uses zinc gluconate which has been used in studies that show its effectiveness in reducing the duration of wintertime discomfort.*2,11,12  In one study, 100 people with raw, irritated throats received either placebo or one zinc gluconate lozenge containing 13.3 mg of zinc every two hours while awake. In the zinc gluconate group, discomfort began to disappear in 4.4 days, while it took 7.6 days for the placebo group to experience relief.11 

    While severe zinc deficiency is rare in the U.S., marginal deficiencies are increasingly common. Studies of elderly populations have found that few get enough zinc in their diets (7-10 mg daily is typical) and low-income elderly are at real risk of consuming less than 50% of the RDI for zinc.

    Nature’s Life Zinkers are another way to soothe your irritated throat.* Zinc Gluconate and Vitamin C are a powerful combination during the winter season. Because we use natural citrus flavors, this sugar-free lozenge also tastes great!

    To ensure the highest quality, Nature’s Life uses certified organic Echinacea purpurea, carefully harvested and processed to retain all of the active phytonutrients*, including volatile oils, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, polyines, polyenes, and isobutylamides.

    With a touch of natural orange extract for zest, and cool and soothing natural peppermint extract, our tasty Zinc Lozenges are sweetened with low glycemic fructose and honey powder. Nature’s Life Herbal Zinc Lozenges comfort your throat while supporting your immune system.*

References

1. DiSilvestro RA, Cousins RJ. Physiological Ligands for Copper and Zinc. Ann Rev Nutr 1983;3:261-288.

2. Novick SG, Godfrey JC, Godfrey NJ, Wilder HR. How does zinc modify the common cold? Clinical observations and implications regarding mechanisms of action. Med Hypotheses 1996;46(3):295-302.

3. Suda D, Schwartz J, Shklar G.  Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene. Carcinogenesis 1986;7:711-15.

4. Bendich A. Carotenoids and the immune response. J Nutr 1989;119:112-5.

5. Bendich A. Effect of beta-carotene and canthaxanthin on the immune responses of the rat. J Nutr 1986;116:2254-62.

6. Godfrey JC, Conant Sloan B, Smith DS, Turco JH, Mercer N, Godfrey NJ. Zinc Gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical study. J Int Med Res 1992;20(3):234-246.

7. Enstrom JE, Kanim LE, Klein MA. Vitamin C intake and mortality among a sample of the United States population. Epidemiology 1992; 3(3):194-202.

8. Amabile-Cuevas C, et al. Decreased Resistance to Antibiotics and Plasmid Loss in Plasmid-carrying strains of Staphylococcus aureus Treated with Ascorbic Acid. Mut Res 1991;264:119-125.

9. Hebel SK, et al, eds. Fenugreek, in The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons. July 1996;1-3.

10. Sanstead HH. Requirements and toxicity of essential trace elements, illustrated by zinc and copper. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61(suppl):621S-4S.

11. Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Medendorp SV, Mason P. Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ann Intern Med 1996;125(2):81-8.

12. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25(1):20-24.