Zinc Lozenges

60 vegetarian lozenges Item Catalog Number: 01561

Zinc is a mineral that stimulates the activity of approximately 300 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body.1,2 These reactions are essential for the formation of superoxide dismutase, one of the body’s most important free radical scavengers. Zinc also promotes immune function,3-6 taste sensitivity,7-9 protein and DNA synthesis,1,10,11 insulin production,12,13 reproductive organ development and sperm motility.14-16 Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.17-19

Maintaining adequate levels of zinc is equally important to aging adults.20-22 As people grow older, their immune function declines, partly due to the decreasing size and function of the thymus gland. Evidence suggests that zinc may help to maintain healthy function of the thymus gland in elderly people. 23 Scientists have also found evidence that a zinc deficiency in elderly adults may contribute to impaired immune function with aging, or immunosenescence.24-26 These findings suggest that zinc plays a critical role in supporting healthy immune function with age.

Zinc Lozenges provide premium-grade zinc as gluconate and oxide in a pleasant citrus-orange naturally flavored tablet.

References
1. J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5S Suppl):1437S-46S
2. Biometals. 2005 Aug;18(4):295-303
3. Exp Gerontol. 2008 May;43(5):370-7.
4. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2010 Jun;298(6):L744-54.
5. Exp Gerontol. 2008 May;43(5):452-61.
6. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;85(3):837-44
7. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 2002;(546):129-33.
8. Cancer. 1998 May 15;82(10):1938-45.
9. Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho. 1995 Jul;98(7):1135-9.
10. J Cell Physiol. 2009 Mar;218(3):558-67.
11. Wound Repair Regen. 2007 Jan-Feb;15(1):2-16.
12. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2006 Aug;112(2):109-18.
13. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD005525.
14. Fertil Steril. 1999 Jun;71(6):1138-43.
15. Pak J Biol Sci. 2009 Jan 15;12(2):134-9.
16. Nutr Res. 2009 Feb;29(2):82-8.
17. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2005;19(1):29-35.
18. Nutr Health. 2007;19(1-2):85-102.
19. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):614S-620S
20. Biogerontology. 2006 Oct-Dec;7(5-6):429-35.
21. Exp Gerontol. 2008 May;43(5):493-8.
22. Rejuvenation Res. 2008 Feb;11(1):227-37.
23. Immun Ageing. 2009 Jun 12;6:9.
24. Exp Gerontol. 2008 May;43(5):452-61.
25. Nutr Rev. 2010 Jan;68(1):30-7.
26. J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):113-9.

Vitamin B12 500 mcg, 100 lozenges

Item Catalog Number: 00361
Vitamin B12 is present in foods of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs. Thus, vegetarians are more susceptible to a dietary deficiency of this important nutrient.232 Likewise, vitamin B12 serum concentrations are reported to be significantly lower in elderly population groups compared to younger groups.233-236 It is estimated that 10% to 30% of individuals over the age of 50 have low stomach acid secretion237,238 which results in decreased bioavailability of vitamin B12 from food. To overcome food-bound vitamin B12 malabsorption problems, the Institute of Medicine recommends that vitamin B12-fortified foods (such as fortified ready-to-eat breakfast cereals) or supplements containing vitamin B12 be used to meet much of the requirement.239 Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, works synergistically with vitamin B6 and folate to regenerate (methylate) the amino acid methionine, which helps to maintain already healthy homocysteine levels within normal range, which is important for heart health.240-243

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic and inexpensive form of vitamin B12 that is converted in the body to its bioactive forms, methylcobalamin and cobamamide.