How Zinc Lozenges Support Your Immune System and How to Choose the Right One for You

There has never been a more essential time for us to take care of our health. We’re heading into a challenging winter, and you may be wondering what you can do to keep your immune system working at its best. You know the usual steps, such as getting enough sleep, exercising and eating a well-balanced diet filled with whole foods.

There is one nutrient in particular that has a substantial effect on your health. Zinc is a nutrient found in cells throughout our bodies, and it’s critical to immune functioning. You can get zinc by adding foods high in the mineral to your diet. For added support, you may also want to include a supplement containing zinc, such as zinc lozenges, for those times you aren’t feeling your best.

Why is zinc critical?

Zinc is an essential mineral. Essential minerals are elements found on earth that we need to be healthy, but our bodies don’t produce them. And since we don’t store essential minerals, we need a constant supply through the foods we eat and the supplements we take.

Zinc is important for many bodily processes, including DNA synthesis, growth, digestion, metabolism, gene expression and wound healing. Further, it plays a critical role in our immune systems.

The history of zinc

We didn’t know zinc was an essential mineral for humans until Dr. Anada Prasad discovered that zinc supplements helped a group of Egyptian boys grow taller. The boys had not reached their normal height, but when Dr. Prasad supplemented their diets with zinc, he found they grew at a significant rate. This idea was controversial, and scientists questioned the results at first. It wasn’t until the 1970s that a daily recommended value was established for zinc.

By 1984, Dr. George Eby began studying the effects zinc has on compromised immune systems. His findings led to the development of a line of zinc products by Quantum Health. A more recent meta-analysis of data from previous studies confirmed that zinc lozenges are effective at shortening the amount of time when participants felt run down.

What happens when you don’t get enough zinc?

Zinc is involved in so many processes in our bodies that it can cause a wide range of symptoms when we don’t get enough of it. We can experience a lack of zinc by eating foods deficient in the mineral, and some medical conditions may inhibit the absorption of zinc too.

People with zinc deficiencies may experience some of the following issues:

• Lowered immunity.
• Hair loss.
• Skin rash.
• Poor wound healing.
• Age-related vision issues.
• Trouble with concentration.
• Skin ulcers.

How can you get zinc in your diet?

Zinc levels are high in red meat, poultry, shellfish and eggs. If you are a vegetarian, vegan or someone who limits their meat consumption, there are still plenty of plant-based foods you can eat to get zinc from your diet. These vegan options include:

• Beans.
• Quinoa.
• Walnuts and cashews.
• Chia and hemp seeds.
• Whole grains.
• Pumpkin seeds.
• Tofu.
• Chickpeas.
• Lentils.

However, when you get your zinc from legumes and whole grains, you need to be aware that the phytates in those foods can inhibit zinc consumption. It doesn’t mean you can't get enough zinc from a plant-based diet, but you may need to eat more zinc-rich foods or add a supplement to your diet to be sure you're getting enough.

How to choose the right zinc supplement

When you’re shopping for supplements, look for ones that are produced by a reputable company that uses high-quality ingredients. You want products from companies that use research-backed methods for developing their formulas.

Also, look for forms of chelated zinc. Chelated zinc is easier for our bodies to absorb because it binds to another compound. Quantum Health’s zinc lozenges contain zinc gluconate - a form of chelated zinc.

Should you use a lozenge or throat spray?

Zinc lozenges and throat spray do the same job of coating your throat. They reach the area where you need the most relief when you’re experiencing immune system challenges. Both will get zinc into your system. It’s up to personal preference which one you choose.

What about the taste?

Zinc gluconate has a reputation for a naturally bitter, and even metallic taste. But that doesn’t mean all lozenges have to taste bad. You can find them in different pleasant flavors like Meyer lemon, Bing cherry and Raspberry.

The final word

It will be critical to keep your immune system thriving over the coming winter months. We all need to practice self-care by reducing stress, getting enough sleep and eating healthy. If you feel you need an extra boost, many people find zinc lozenges help. Don’t let this winter get you down. Make sure you take care of yourself and keep your body healthy.