Deficiencies in vitamin C ultimately result in impaired immunity and a higher vulnerability to infection. Vitamin C cannot be endogenously synthesised by humans and thus, requires an external source (diet or supplementation) to be obtained. Additionally, vitamin C is a water soluble compound, meaning it has a poor ability to be retained by the body and requires regular consumption.
Zinc is a mineral co-factor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and essential to the normal function of the immune system. Zinc is an essential mineral to keep the immune system strong. For athletes, this is especially important, since being sidelined with a viral infection or other illness can mean missing valuable training time.