What Are the Benefits of Vitamin Surbex Z?

When you're feeling sluggish, a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals could be what your body needs. Touting itself as a supplement that "recoups vitality," the vitamin Surbex Z might catch your eye. So what does it have to offer?

Most people might think of the vitamin Surbex Z as a zinc supplement. And it is — it has about 22.5 milligrams of zinc. But it also has B vitamins, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin E. Take a look at what these vitamins and minerals can do for your overall health.

There are many health claims out there about zinc. Some of them are supported by science; others, not so much. But zinc is a necessary mineral that your body needs for many functions. Because the body can't store zinc, you need to have a regular intake of it from either the foods you eat or supplements you take.

Zinc plays a role in the function of the immune system, helping the body fight off bacteria, viruses and colds. It is involved in metabolic functions and in forming proteins and DNA, and it even helps you smell and taste properly.

People who have trouble with their sleep cycle should take note that a review published in November 2017 in the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences​ linked zinc with proper sleep regulation, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood and must be researched further.

According to the Mayo Clinic, zinc deficiency isn't very common in the United States. Adult men need about 11 milligrams, and adults need about 8 milligrams, unless they are pregnant or nursing. The National Institutes of Health recommends pregnant people get 11 milligrams, and breastfeeding women get 12 milligrams. Zinc should not be consumed in quantities larger than 40 milligrams a day.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that some consumers will take zinc supplements as a way of boosting their immune system and treating the common cold, ear infections, the flu and so forth, or they might take it to stave off macular degeneration. There are some who will even take zinc supplements for fertility problems, osteoporosis and cancer prevention, or athletes might use zinc to improve their performance.

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The vitamin Surbex Z has 22.5 milligrams of zinc. It is important to note that Surbex zinc is in the form of zinc sulfate, one of many forms used in supplements (other examples are zinc gluconate and zinc acetate). According to the National Institutes of Health, there's no indication that any one form of zinc is better than the others.

However, there are a few important points that consumers should keep in mind about zinc in the form of zinc sulfate. The U.S. National Library of Medicine breaks down the evidence for zinc's effectiveness in treating certain conditions, noting that zinc sulfate could possibly be effective when taken orally to treat lesions or leg sores from poor circulation.

Additionally, taking zinc sulfate orally can treat warts, but it will not improve lung function in people with cystic fibrosis. It's also important to note that taking zinc sulfate with black coffee instead of water can reduce the absorption by half, although the researchers couldn't determine why.

However, a study, published in the May-June 2013 issue of the ​Indian Journal of Dermatology​, specifically mentions that tannins in coffee and tea can inhibit the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc.

You might decide to take Surbex zinc, but it has other nutrients as well. In addition to zinc, consumers will get 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 milligrams of nicotinamide, 30 international units of vitamin E, 20 milligrams of calcium pantothenate, 15 milligrams of vitamin B1, 20 milligrams of vitamin B6, 12 micrograms of vitamin B12 and 150 micrograms of folic acid.

Such vitamins and minerals are vital for important bodily processes. The Food and Drug Administration lists that vitamin C is an antioxidant important in forming collagen and connective tissue, and it plays an important role in wound healing. Most people need about 60 milligrams of vitamin C. (Surbex zinc provides 500 milligrams).

B vitamins like vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are important for nervous system function and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B6 helps with the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B12 is vital for converting food to energy. People need about 2 milligrams of vitamin B6 and 6 micrograms of vitamin B12. (Surbex Z has 20 milligrams and 12 micrograms respectively.)

Then there's vitamin E, another antioxidant important for immune function. Vitamin E is also necessary for the formation of blood vessels. The average person needs 30 international units of vitamin E, which Surbex Z provides.

Calcium, described as a "nutrient of concern for most Americans" by the FDA, helps with blood clotting, formation of bones and teeth and several other important functions. Most people need about 1,000 milligrams. Surbex Z provides 20 milligrams of calcium pantothenate, but taking too much calcium at the same time as zinc can affect the absorption of the zinc.

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The Mayo Clinic points out that any oral zinc product could have side effects including indigestion, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting. Zinc supplements could also interact with medicine like antibiotics, penicillamine and thiazide diuretics. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends zinc supplements like the vitamin Surbex Z to restore zinc levels when you're deficient, but it shouldn't be used on a long-term basis.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people who take zinc for a long time often end up with a copper deficiency because zinc interferes with the way copper is absorbed. Long-term zinc supplementers can also end up with low immunity and low levels of HDL cholesterol.

If you get enough zinc and other nutrients from your diet, you can improve your overall health without the aid of a supplement. Great dietary sources of zinc include red meat, poultry and fish.

As for plant-based sources of zinc, the Food and Drug Administration recommends beans and peas, fortified cereals, nuts and whole grains. If you go the supplement route, be sure to consult your doctor or health care provider, who can advise you as to what product is right for you and how much you should take.