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VOL. 9, ISSUE 1 (2023)
The key role of vitamin C and zinc in throat health and the benefits of regular fortified lozenge use in counteracting discomfort
Authors
Mariam Aslam, Anuradha Kulasekaran, Giovanna Maraula, Graça Coutinho, Lucas Jacobs, Krathish Bopanna
Abstract
The throat is an area of the body which undergoes constant strain, experiencing the stress of numerous normal activities, such as shouting, snoring, smoking, or drinking alcohol. Frequent exposure to these stressors alongside chemical and environmental factors (e.g., pollution, temperature, humidity) have a detrimental impact on the integrity of the mucosal barrier and cellular function and may lead to throat irritation or dryness, ultimately leading to the development of inflammation if left unchecked. This review considers the important role vitamin C and zinc play in processes integral to throat health and how their supplementation is key in maintaining the primary defences of this passage and preventing more serious symptoms. The consequences of deficiency in these micronutrients lead to myriad conditions relating to impaired control of inflammation, poorer control of ROS and their effects, in addition to the inability to properly build, repair and maintain vital cell structures. Supplementation of these micronutrients at higher doses has yielded health benefits in numerous studies centred around symptom and disease management. Therefore, the implications of long-term low dose supplementation of vitamin C and zinc on throat health, which has been seldom studied, are promising. To achieve effective delivery of such supplementation; lozenges present as an optimal delivery system. Their direct and prolonged contact with the mouth and throat potentially increases bioavailability of the dosage and their flavour profile beneficially increases the salivary response and hence demulcent effect of this fortified lozenge while masking the unpleasant flavour of zinc. As this locally supplied supplemental intervention in lozenge form is unstudied in regard to throat health in a preventative capacity, further studies to demonstrate this value would be useful.
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Pages:58-67
How to cite this article:
Mariam Aslam, Anuradha Kulasekaran, Giovanna Maraula, Graça Coutinho, Lucas Jacobs, Krathish Bopanna "The key role of vitamin C and zinc in throat health and the benefits of regular fortified lozenge use in counteracting discomfort". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 9, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 58-67
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