Currently, we are experiencing various environmental conditions, such as increasing air pollution in several areas which can disrupt the health of the respiratory system. To anticipate this, several nutritional intakes are needed by the body, one of which is the intake of micronutrients. Regarding micronutrients, they are a group of nutrients that are very important and are needed in small amounts by the body. Micronutrients are divided into two, namely vitamins and minerals.1 In this article, it will discuss the benefits of vitamin C and one of the minerals, namely zinc, for body health, especially the respiratory system.

Vitamin C and its Benefits for the Respiratory System

Vitamin C is one of the micronutrients that is important for the body and is included in the class of strong antioxidants. This vitamin has benefits in the body's defense system, both in the innate and adaptive immune systems.2 The recommended consumption of vitamin C for men is 90 mg/day and for women 80 mg/day.3 Vitamin C has an important role in the body, including being involved in in iron absorption, wound healing, collagen formation, and maintenance of bones and teeth.4

Vitamin C in the respiratory system has various benefits, such as:5

a. Reduces the duration of colds

b. Reduce 80% cases of pneumonia

c. Assist in the care of elderly patients who are hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchitis.

Zinc and its Benefits for the Respiratory System

Zinc is an important mineral and is involved in various metabolic processes, such as cellular respiration, the immune system, and DNA synthesis.6 Apart from that, zinc is also useful in treating acne problems, reducing inflammation, and reducing the risk of developing age-related diseases.7 Therefore, a lack of zinc intake can cause various diseases, especially those related to the immune system.

The recommendation for daily consumption of zinc for men is 11 mg/day and for women 8 mg/day, with a maximum tolerated dose of 40 mg/day.7 As an important mineral for the body, zinc also has benefits for the respiratory system which can be associated with viral infections, such as the corona virus, including:8

a. Increases mucociliary clearance

b. Reduces inflammation

c. Prevents injury to the lungs due to use of a ventilator

 

References:

  • 1. Lizzie Streit. Micronutrients: Types, Functions, Benefits and More. Last reviewed: July 13, 2023. Available at: www.healthline.com/nutrition/micronutrients
  • 2. Carr, A.C. and Maggini, S. 2017. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 9. 1211
  • 3. Holford, P. al. 2020. Vitamin C—Additional Therapy for Respiratory Infections, Sepsis and COVID-19. Nutrients. 12. 3760
  • 4. Kathleen M. Zelman. The Benefits of Vitamin C: What can vitamin C do for your health?. Last reviewed: March 15, 2022. Available at: www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c
  • 5. Hemila, H. and Douglas, R.M. 1999. Vitamin C and Acute Respiratory Infections. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 3(9): 756-761
  • 6. Bonaventura, P., al. 2014. Zinc and its role in immunity and inflammation. Autoimmunity Reviews. 9 (008)
  • 7. Jillian Kubala, Zinc: Everything You Need to Know. Last reviewed: November 28, 2022. Available at: www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc
  • 8. Skalny, A.V., al. 2020. Zinc and respiratory tract infections: Perspectives for COVID‑19 (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 46: 17-26