Zinc is a popular topic among patients, with many asking, "Bakit ko kailangan ng multivitamins with zinc?" or "Can I get sufficient zinc from food alone?" Addressing these inquiries can be challenging for pharmacists due to the amount of information and misinformation surrounding zinc's benefits and sources. Should these common questions come up, here is how you can respond clearly and confidently.
The benefits of supplements or multivitamins with zinc
Your patients may ask, why do I need multivitamins with zinc when I am already taking vitamin C? You can take this as an opportunity to highlight the following zinc benefits for their innate immunity.
It supports the development and function of our immune cells
The body’s immune cells, like neutrophils and B-cells, naturally fight diseases and infections.
Here’s a list of our immune cells and how zinc helps produce and maintain them.
- Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that engulf and destroy pathogens, like viruses and bacteria. Zinc is important for their development and activation.
- T-cells develop from the bone marrow. Research indicates that Zinc deficiency negatively affects their growth, function, and development, leading to reduced count and impaired immune defense.
- B-cells produce protective proteins called antibodies and cytokines. These are essential for fighting infections. Zinc deficiency leads to reduced B cells and their function.
- Natural killer cells recognize and destroy virus-infected cells and cancer cells. Zinc modulates their response and enhances function, positively affecting cell-mediated immunity.
Zinc supports wound healing
Zinc is also essential for skin health, particularly when you have wounds. Its importance is further evidenced by people with burns or ulcers benefitting from zinc, which are often found in multivitamin supplements.
Zinc reduces the length of colds
Research has shown that taking zinc syrup or lozenges within 24 hours of experiencing cold symptoms can shorten the duration of the illness.
Supplements or multivitamins with zinc to help avoid deficiency
Zinc deficiency can have serious consequences on health, compromising the immune system and leaving one vulnerable to infections and chronic diseases.
Talking about the effects of deficiency can help patients make informed decisions about their diet and supplementation with multivitamins with zinc.
Chronic deficiency increases inflammation
Zinc deficiency can increase inflammation, which is the body's natural defense mechanism against harm like tissue damage or infections.
This immune response sends white blood cells to the affected area, causing natural symptoms like swelling and fever. However, if this initial mechanism fails to eliminate the threat, inflammation can become chronic and harmful to the body.
Chronic deficiency of zinc can increase inflammation, which can affect the outcome of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, taking multivitamins with zinc may be helpful.
Affects phagocytosis
Explain to the patients that phagocytosis is like the immune system's Pac-Man—the process where special cells engulf and destroy harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Zinc helps these cells work better. It acts as a magnet, attracting the invaders so they can be engulfed more easily. Additionally, zinc helps these cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that help kill the pathogens.
Low zinc is associated with many health issues
Even healthy people may experience several health problems if they are low on zinc. These issues include diarrhea, hair loss, appetite loss, and skin and eye problems. Adolescents with zinc deficiency may also experience delayed sexual development.
Is consuming high-zinc foods enough?
Adult women and men need 8 and 14 mg of zinc, respectively. We can get it from high-zinc foods like fish and seafood, poultry, and dairy. Cereals and whole grains, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes, also have zinc.
As a pharmacist, you play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of zinc for their overall health and well-being. When counseling patients on zinc benefits, it is essential to emphasize that while a balanced diet is ideal, multivitamins with zinc can be a good option for those who struggle to meet their daily requirements.
You may also consider why the patient may be in need of zinc supplements in making your suggestions for specific brands or products. For instance, ImmunPro and Ceelin Plus with both zinc and vitamin C help boost immunity for adults and children, respectively. Neozep Z+ helps with symptoms of cold, fortified with zinc for faster recovery.
Underscore the importance of consulting a doctor or pharmacist before starting a new supplement regimen to guide them in selecting the appropriate product and dosage based on their individual needs and health status.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov and UNILAB Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
References
1. The nutritional roles of zinc for immune system and COVID-19 patients, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1385591/full#ref89 Accessed July 16, 2024
2. Zinc and your health, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/zinc Accessed July 16, 2024
3. Zinc, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112 Accessed July 16, 2024
4. How Inflammation Affects Your Health, https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-inflammation-affects-your-health Accessed July 16, 2024
5. Zinc and its role in immunity and inflammation, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568997214002808 Accessed July 16, 2024
