Inside Neutrient Zinc + C

Our immune system works continuously to protect us against everyday challenges, supporting healing, repair and recovery. To function effectively, it relies on a regular supply of essential nutrients, and two of the most important are zinc and vitamin C.

Neutrient Zinc + C brings these well-established nutrients together in a convenient, citrus-flavoured lozenge, combining 10mg of bioactive zinc acetate with 80mg of buffered vitamin C in a slow-dissolving format designed to release active nutrients where they are needed most.

This guide explores the science behind both nutrients, explains why form and delivery method matter, and looks at how Neutrient Zinc + C can support everyday health as part of a balanced lifestyle.

top 5 reasons to choose

Neutrient Zinc + C

Zinc acetate in a slow-dissolving lozenge

Provides zinc as zinc acetate, one of the most extensively researched forms used in lozenge formulations, giving direct local delivery of zinc ions to the mouth, throat and nasal mucosa.

Well-chosen forms of both nutrients

Zinc acetate and magnesium ascorbate are selected for bioavailability and tolerability respectively. Each lozenge delivers 100% of the NRV for both zinc and vitamin C.

Complementary nutritional support

Zinc and vitamin C act through different mechanisms to support normal immune function. Research suggests that together they offer broader nutritional coverage than either nutrient alone.

Clean, thoughtful formulation

No artificial sweeteners, colours or bulking agents. The buffered vitamin C is gentler on the stomach, and inulin from chicory root provides a prebiotic carrier.

Easy, enjoyable daily use

One natural citrus lozenge per day — vegan-friendly, and pleasant enough to take consistently as part of a daily wellness routine.

Zinc acetate — 100% NRV

10mg of elemental zinc as zinc acetate, the most studied lozenge form, releasing free zinc ions directly onto the tissues of the mouth and throat.

Buffered vitamin C — 100% NRV

80mg of vitamin C as magnesium ascorbate, a buffered, less-acidic form many people find gentler on the stomach than standard ascorbic acid.

Prebiotic inulin base

Chicory-root inulin forms the plant-based lozenge base — a well-studied prebiotic fibre that adds a smooth texture and mild natural sweetness.

Natural citrus, stevia-sweetened

100% natural citrus flavour and stevia leaf extract, with no artificial flavours, colours or sugar. Vegan and vegetarian friendly.

What is zinc? And the role of vitamin C

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that your body cannot produce or store, so a regular supply from food or supplements is needed. Although only small amounts are required, zinc is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions that help support many of the body's everyday functions, including immune health, skin repair and normal cognitive function. It is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body after iron, and is present in every cell. Zinc contributes to normal immune function, protection from oxidative stress, normal cell division and tissue repair, healthy skin, hair and nails, normal cognitive function, fertility and reproduction, and the maintenance of normal taste, smell and mucous membranes.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most extensively researched nutrients. It contributes to normal immune system function, helps protect cells from oxidative stress, plays a role in reducing tiredness and fatigue, and is required for the formation of collagen, the structural protein that supports healthy skin, gums, cartilage and connective tissues. It also enhances the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods. Like zinc, vitamin C cannot be made by the body and must be obtained regularly. The two work as a complementary partnership: zinc contributes to the development and function of immune cells, while vitamin C helps support their activity and protects them from oxidative stress.

How much zinc do you need?

Group	Typical daily zinc requirement*
Adult men	9.5mg/day
Adult women	7mg/day
Pregnancy	7–11mg/day
Breastfeeding	11–13mg/day

*Based on UK dietary reference values and EU Nutrient Reference Values. Because the body cannot store substantial amounts of zinc, a regular dietary intake is important. Requirements can be higher during growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding, recovery from illness, or when dietary intake is limited. Plant-based diets may also provide less readily absorbed zinc, because naturally occurring phytates in wholegrains and legumes can reduce zinc absorption. Each Neutrient Zinc + C lozenge provides 10mg of elemental zinc — 100% of the adult NRV — well below the generally accepted upper safe intake of around 25mg per day from all sources.

Zinc deficiency: signs and who is at risk

Because zinc is involved in hundreds of biological processes, inadequate intake may affect several body systems at once. Signs develop gradually and are often non-specific, which makes deficiency easy to miss. Possible signs of inadequate zinc status include increased susceptibility to infections, frequent or prolonged colds, slow wound healing, a reduced sense of taste or smell, poor appetite, dry or inflamed skin, acne, hair thinning, brittle nails or white spots on the nails, poor concentration or low mood, fatigue, and reduced fertility.

People at greater risk of low zinc status include vegetarians and vegans, older adults, those with gastrointestinal disorders affecting absorption, people who consume excessive alcohol, and those with increased requirements such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Severe zinc deficiency is uncommon in the UK, but mild or marginal deficiency may occur more frequently than is recognised.

Best food sources of zinc

A varied diet is the best foundation for maintaining healthy zinc levels. Animal foods generally provide the most readily absorbed forms of zinc, although there are plenty of plant-based options too. Phytates naturally present in wholegrains, legumes and some seeds can reduce absorption, but preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting or fermenting may help improve availability from plant foods.

Food source	Zinc (mg/100g)	Calories (per 100g)
Oysters (fresh)	91mg	67
Wheatgerm	16.7mg	360
Anchovy fish	12.65mg	210
Beef (lean)	11mg	268
Pumpkin seeds	10mg	127
Hemp seeds	9.9mg	553
Crab	7.62mg	83
Parmesan cheese	4.2mg	451
Oats	3.97mg	389
Lentils (uncooked)	3.3mg	352
Soybean (uncooked)	3mg	147
Tofu	2mg	363
Adzuki beans (uncooked)	1.77mg	329
Brown rice (uncooked)	1.2mg	367
Green peas	1.19mg	81

	Neutrient Zinc + C	Standard zinc tablet
Zinc acetate — the most studied lozenge form
Direct local delivery to mouth and throat
Buffered, gentler vitamin C (magnesium ascorbate)
Prebiotic inulin base, no artificial bulkers
Vegan, natural citrus, stevia-sweetened

Zinc + C Benefits

The many roles of zinc

The biological significance of zinc is supported by extensive research, with evidence demonstrating its essential contribution to health across the lifespan. The sections below cover the areas where zinc has been most studied.

The many roles of zinc, supported by research

Zinc and immune function

Zinc contributes to normal immune system function and is required for the development, communication and activity of many immune cells involved in both the innate and adaptive immune response. It supports the activity of neutrophils, natural killer cells, T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, and is essential for the activity of thymulin, a hormone involved in the maturation of T-cells. Zinc also contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, throat and gut, which form part of the body's natural physical barrier. Even mild zinc deficiency has been associated with impaired immune function.

Zinc lozenges and the common cold (URTIs)

The form in which zinc is delivered may influence how it behaves in the body. Zinc acetate readily releases free zinc ions as the lozenge dissolves slowly in the mouth, allowing prolonged contact with the tissues of the oral cavity and throat. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours of symptom onset may reduce the duration of the common cold in some individuals. Laboratory studies suggest free zinc ions may interfere with several stages of rhinovirus activity, including viral attachment and replication, and zinc acetate appears to release more free zinc ions than several other zinc salts.

Zinc and enzymatic processes

Zinc serves as a catalytic co-factor for more than 300 enzymes across every major metabolic pathway, including those involved in carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, protein digestion, DNA replication and repair, vitamin A metabolism and alcohol detoxification in the liver. It also has a structural role in zinc finger proteins, a family involved in regulating gene expression, which helps explain why inadequate zinc status can affect so many different tissues.

Zinc for skin health and acne

Zinc is abundant in skin tissue, particularly the outer layer, which is constantly renewing and subject to high oxidative stress. Its role in protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting DNA synthesis makes it essential for healthy skin and normal wound healing. Several studies have reported lower zinc status in people with acne, and some trials suggest supplementation may help improve symptoms in certain individuals, through mechanisms including supporting normal inflammatory responses, regulating sebum and maintaining normal testosterone levels — though responses vary.

Zinc for wound healing and tissue repair

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and plays an important role in wound healing. It is required for cell proliferation and migration, collagen synthesis and the inflammatory responses necessary for effective tissue repair. About 20% of the body's total zinc is stored in the skin, so large wounds can cause significant zinc loss. Poor zinc status has been associated with delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to skin infections.

Zinc and DNA synthesis

Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis and cell division. It is a component of DNA polymerase, required for DNA replication, and of transcription factors that regulate gene expression during cell division. Maintaining adequate zinc status is therefore particularly important during periods of rapid growth and increased cell turnover, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence and recovery from illness or surgery.

Zinc for fertility and reproductive health

Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction in both men and women. In men it is involved in normal sperm development and maturation and is present in high concentrations in the prostate and seminal fluid; some studies suggest supplementation may improve sperm parameters in men with low zinc status. In women it is involved in normal ovarian function and early embryonic development, with research suggesting inadequate intake before conception may influence egg quality, though further research is needed.

Zinc and cognitive function

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory and learning, and plays important roles in neuronal communication, protein synthesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Research has linked inadequate zinc status with impaired cognitive performance and mood disorders, and some supplementation studies have reported improvements in attention, memory and psychological wellbeing in people with low zinc status, particularly older adults.

Zinc and eye health

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The eye contains relatively high concentrations of zinc, particularly in the retina, where it supports normal cellular function and antioxidant defence. Systematic reviews suggest zinc supplementation, particularly combined with antioxidant nutrients, may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration in some people at increased risk, although it does not prevent the condition from developing.

Zinc, energy and metabolism

Zinc is required by numerous enzymes involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, helping the body convert food into usable energy. Research has investigated the relationship between zinc status and metabolic health, with some studies suggesting that correcting zinc deficiency may support healthy metabolic function and improve markers associated with obesity when combined with a balanced diet and regular activity. Zinc should not, however, be considered a weight-management supplement in its own right.

Zinc and oxidative stress

Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, partly by acting as a structural component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of the body's most important antioxidant enzymes, which helps neutralise reactive oxygen species. Zinc also helps maintain the stability of cell membranes and supports the production of metallothionein, a protein that binds potentially damaging metal ions, together contributing to the body's antioxidant defence system.

Zinc and hair health

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair through its roles in cell division, protein synthesis and immune function. Because hair follicles are among the fastest-growing tissues in the body, they require a continuous nutrient supply. Some people experiencing hair loss have lower serum zinc levels, and supplementation may be beneficial where deficiency is present — though hair loss is often multifactorial and zinc is unlikely to be the sole factor.

Why a lozenge? The delivery difference

Unlike tablets or capsules, which are swallowed whole and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, a lozenge delivers zinc ions directly to the tissues of the mouth and throat before any swallowing occurs. This local delivery has been proposed as one reason why zinc lozenges have shown beneficial effects in studies investigating the duration of common cold symptoms.

By contrast, tablets and capsules are swallowed immediately and primarily provide systemic nutritional support after gastrointestinal absorption. The slow-dissolving lozenge format of Neutrient Zinc + C is designed to release zinc ions gradually across the oral cavity and throat, while still delivering 100% of the NRV for both zinc and vitamin C for everyday nutritional support.

"Zinc is so often overlooked, yet it plays a role in hundreds of enzymatic processes. I frequently recommend this combination during the winter months or when clients are under significant physical or emotional stress, as both nutrients can be rapidly depleted when the immune system is working hard. I particularly like combining zinc with a buffered form of vitamin C, as the two nutrients work alongside each other to support everyday immune health while remaining gentle enough for regular use."

Jacqueline Newson BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy — Nutritional Therapist

Six things worth knowing about zinc

Oysters are the richest source of zinc of any food, containing more zinc per 100g than any other dietary source — up to 91mg per 100g, compared with around 11mg in beef.

Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral in the human body after iron. It is present in every cell and is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions. Because the body has very limited zinc stores, a regular dietary intake is essential.

Lozenges work differently from tablets. A zinc acetate lozenge dissolves slowly in the mouth, releasing zinc ions directly onto the tissues of the throat and oral cavity to interact with viral replication sites, rather than being swallowed immediately like a conventional tablet.

Zinc acetate releases more free zinc ions than several other commonly used zinc salts, which may partly explain why it has been so widely used in clinical research on zinc lozenges and the common cold.

About 20% of the body's total zinc is stored in the skin. Its role in DNA synthesis, collagen formation and protection from oxidative stress is one reason zinc status is so often considered when supporting skin and wound healing.

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods, making the zinc-and-vitamin-C pairing particularly useful for people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

The Neutrient Zinc + C formulation

The effectiveness of a supplement depends not only on the nutrients it contains but also on the forms in which those nutrients are delivered. Differences in chemical structure, accompanying ingredients and delivery format all influence how a supplement performs and how pleasant it is to take. Neutrient Zinc + C combines zinc acetate with buffered vitamin C in a slow-dissolving citrus lozenge, with chicory-root inulin as a simple plant-based carrier. Each ingredient has been selected to create a formulation that is convenient for everyday use.

Ingredient	Amount per lozenge	Role
Zinc acetate	10mg (as 10mg zinc)	Highly bioavailable zinc salt with superior ionisation in the oral cavity. Supports immune function, mucous membrane integrity, skin health and enzyme activity.
Magnesium ascorbate	80mg vitamin C	Buffered form of vitamin C, generally gentler on the stomach than standard ascorbic acid while providing 80mg vitamin C. Supports immune function, antioxidant protection and collagen formation.
Inulin (chicory root)	Carrier	Naturally occurring prebiotic fibre that forms the lozenge base. Research suggests it may support beneficial gut bacteria while providing texture and stability.
Citrus flavour (natural)	Flavouring	100% natural lemon and orange aromas make the lozenge pleasant to take, encouraging daily compliance.
Stevia	Sweetener	Naturally derived, non-caloric sweetener. No sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

Zinc acetate: the bioactive choice

Neutrient Zinc + C provides zinc as zinc acetate, one of the most extensively studied forms used in lozenge formulations. It releases free zinc ions as it dissolves, allowing direct contact with the tissues of the mouth and throat, which makes it well suited to a lozenge format and is the primary reason it was selected over alternative zinc salts. Each lozenge provides 10mg of elemental zinc, equivalent to 100% of the adult NRV.

Magnesium ascorbate: a gentler vitamin C

Vitamin C is most commonly provided as ascorbic acid, but Neutrient Zinc + C uses magnesium ascorbate, a buffered form that combines ascorbic acid with magnesium to produce a less acidic compound. Many people find buffered vitamin C gentler on the stomach while still providing the same nutritional benefits. Each lozenge provides 80mg of vitamin C, equivalent to 100% of the daily NRV. The magnesium present is not in sufficient amounts to make a meaningful nutritional contribution.

Inulin from chicory root: a smarter carrier

Neutrient Zinc + C uses inulin from chicory root as its plant-based lozenge base. Inulin is a naturally occurring soluble fibre and one of the most extensively studied prebiotic fibres: rather than being digested in the upper gut, it reaches the large intestine where it is fermented by beneficial bacteria. Research suggests it may help support the growth of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. It also provides a smooth texture and mild natural sweetness without artificial bulking agents.

Natural citrus flavour and stevia sweetening

A supplement is only useful if people are happy to take it consistently. Neutrient Zinc + C is flavoured with 100% natural citrus flavouring and sweetened with stevia leaf extract, a naturally derived sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. This provides a light, refreshing taste without artificial flavours or sugar-based sweeteners, and makes the lozenge suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Form	Notes on bioavailability and use
Zinc acetate	An acetate salt of zinc that readily releases free zinc ions. One of the most extensively studied forms used in zinc lozenges and widely investigated in research on the common cold.
Zinc gluconate	One of the most common over-the-counter forms. Reasonably well tolerated but less well absorbed than zinc acetate.
Zinc picolinate	Chelated with picolinic acid. Studies suggest it is well absorbed and is commonly used where systemic zinc supplementation is required.
Zinc citrate	Commonly used in supplements and oral healthcare products. Generally well absorbed, though less frequently studied in lozenge formulations than zinc acetate.
Zinc sulphate	An inexpensive inorganic zinc salt. Water soluble but may be associated with gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Zinc oxide	An inorganic form most commonly used in topical creams. When taken orally, its absorption is generally lower than that of several organic zinc salts.

Who is Neutrient Zinc + C for?

Neutrient Zinc + C has been developed as a convenient daily supplement for adults, and may be particularly suitable for:

People looking to support normal immune function, as both zinc and vitamin C contribute to the normal function of the immune system

Those experiencing periods of increased physical or emotional stress, when nutritional demands may be higher

Vegetarians and vegans, whose diets may provide less readily absorbed zinc because phytates in wholegrains and legumes can reduce absorption

People with sensitive stomachs, as buffered magnesium ascorbate is generally gentler than standard ascorbic acid for many individuals

Those who prefer a lozenge to tablets or capsules, particularly if swallowing conventional supplements is difficult

People seeking nutritional support during the winter months, or at times when maintaining adequate zinc and vitamin C intake is especially important

Older adults, who may have reduced dietary intake or lower stomach acid, both of which can affect zinc absorption

People who regularly consume alcohol, as excessive intake may reduce zinc absorption and increase losses

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, whose zinc requirements are increased — supplementation during pregnancy should always be discussed with a healthcare professional

How to use Neutrient Zinc + C

Allow 1 lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth each day. The slow-dissolving format is designed to release zinc ions gradually across the tissues of the mouth and throat. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

How safe is zinc?

Zinc is an essential nutrient that must be obtained regularly through the diet, because the body has only a limited capacity to store it. When consumed at recommended levels, zinc supplements are considered safe for most healthy adults.

As with many nutrients, more is not necessarily better. Prolonged consumption of excessive amounts of zinc may reduce copper absorption and alter the balance of other minerals.

Each Neutrient Zinc + C lozenge provides 10mg of elemental zinc, equivalent to 100% of the adult NRV. This amount is suitable for everyday use when taken as directed and remains well below the generally accepted upper safe intake of approximately 25mg per day from all sources. Intakes consistently above this level over the long term may affect copper absorption.

Disclaimer

Suitable for adults. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Consider your total zinc intake from food and supplements; long-term intakes above approximately 25mg per day from all sources are not recommended without professional supervision. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, consult a healthcare professional before use. Keep out of the reach of young children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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