VinCare Vitamin C & Zinc Tablets

Description

How to use

One tablet daily with or just after food, or as directed on the pack. Taking zinc on an empty stomach is the usual cause of the nausea people blame on the supplement, so food matters. If you are taking it for a cold, start within the first day of symptoms; zinc started on day four has little effect on how long the cold lasts. Leave at least two hours between this tablet and any antibiotic from the tetracycline or quinolone families, and separate it from iron and calcium supplements, because these minerals compete for absorption.

Important warnings

This is a supplement, not a treatment, and it does not cure a cold or replace medical care for a chest infection, high fever or breathlessness. Do not take high-dose zinc continuously for months, because prolonged excess causes copper deficiency, anaemia and reduced immunity, the opposite of what you are taking it for. Large doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhoea and raise the risk of kidney stones in people who are prone to them, so avoid high doses if you have kidney disease or a history of oxalate stones. Vitamin C can interfere with some blood glucose meter readings. Tell your doctor if you are on ciclosporin, penicillamine or diuretics. Not a substitute for a varied diet.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees Celsius in a dry place with the container closed, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Vitamin C degrades with heat, light and humidity, so avoid the kitchen windowsill and the bathroom shelf. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.