You know Black Elderberry Supplements and Vitamin C can help support your immune system.* But did you know Zinc is important for maintaining a healthy immune system too? Here's how zinc can help the immune system stay strong.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral found throughout your body. It plays a key role in many different functions. Zinc helps your body heal from wounds, it helps in cell growth and in repairing DNA.
It is also an important part of immune system function.
Zinc and the Immune System
Zinc helps to keep your immune system strong. It does this by helping to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. It is also important to the growth of immune cells.
Zinc is thought to act like an antioxidant, helping to fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. Out of control inflammation is thought to be a cause of many different diseases, including heart disease.
How do you get enough Zinc?
The body does not produce Zinc on its own. To make sure you’re getting enough Zinc, you need to eat a diet rich in foods containing this essential mineral.
Foods that are good sources of Zinc include:
- Whole grains
- Beans and nuts
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Oysters
- Fortified cereals
Zinc Supplements for the Immune System
You can also make sure you’re getting enough Zinc by taking supplements that contain Zinc.
Sambucol offers many different products that include added Zinc and Vitamin C. Along with the power of premium Black Elderberry from Sambucol, these products are the Immune Support Power Trio you’re looking for to keep your immune system running.*
Our best-selling Sambucol elderberry gummies contain Zinc and Vitamin C. Our soft throat black elderberry range lozenges, effervescent drink tablets, capsules, and black elderberry Advanced Immune Support all contain added Zinc and Vitamin C. That way you know you’re getting The Power of Advanced Immune Support.*
Shop our Advanced Immune Collection
How Much Zinc is too much Zinc?
The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of Zinc depends on your age and sex. It includes the Zinc you get from food and any supplements you take.For kids, the recommended RDA is between 3 mg and 8 mg per day. For females aged 14 and up, the recommended RDA is between 9 mg and 12 mg a day. For males 14 and up, the RDA is 11 mg a day.
Sambucol’s elderberry products contain between 20% and 50% of the RDA for adults.
There are risks and side effects to taking Zinc. Getting too much Zinc can cause fever, couch, nausea, mineral imbalances, changes in cholesterol, and even reduced immune function.
Zinc can also interact with other medicines like birth control and some antibiotics. It can also interact with supplements like calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. If taken long-term, Zinc black elderberry lozenges may lower copper levels in the body.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic article written by Mayo Clinic Staff on Nov. 17, 2020 - “Zinc” https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112Healthline article written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on November 14, 2018 – “Zinc: Everything You Need to Know” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc
WebMD article written by R. Morgan Griffin and medically reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on March 25, 2020 – “Zinc”
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-zinc
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, updated on December 8, 2021 – “Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers”