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NOW Supplements Sambucus Zinc-C Elderberry Concentrate and Vitamin C
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 14 Researches
8.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
<5
 
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%**
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
 
0%**
Xylitol
<1 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
100 mg
111%
Zinc (elemental) (from 15 mg Zinc Bisglycinate) (TRAACS™)
3 mg
27%
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate)(Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
150 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin C improves coronary response
Effect of ascorbic acid on endothelial dysfunction of epicardial coronary arteries in chronic smokers assessed by cold pressor testing.
Addresses antioxidant effects on pain
We explored the effects of vitamin C on chest pain in chronic smokers experiencing endothelial dysfunction. In our study, 31 patients, who were undergoing diagnostic catheterization without significant coronary artery issues, participated in a controlled trial. They were given either an IV infusion of 3 grams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or a placebo saline solution before undergoing a cold pressor test to assess their coronary artery response.

The results were telling. Smokers typically showed a decrease in luminal area—an indicator of blood flow—during the cold pressor test. However, after infusing vitamin C, this response shifted positively, demonstrating improved blood flow through a vasodilation effect. On the other hand, those who received the placebo did not experience significant changes.

This means that for chronic smokers, acute administration of vitamin C appears to enhance the function of the endothelium, which is vital for proper blood vessel health and managing chest pain. Ultimately, we observed that vitamin C may help prevent the inactivation of nitric oxide, a compound that supports healthy blood flow, and this effect could be crucial for managing cardiovascular health in smokers.
Read More
9
Zinc treatment for angina pectoris
High-dose zinc to terminate angina pectoris: a review and hypothesis for action by ICAM inhibition.
Directly addresses zinc treatment
We delved into an intriguing question: Can high doses of zinc help relieve chest pain caused by angina pectoris? Our research reviewed studies that highlight how zinc may play a role in managing this condition. Angina pectoris often results from arteriosclerosis, where the arteries become narrowed due to cholesterol buildup and other factors.

We discovered that patients with severe atherosclerosis showed promising improvements when treated with high-dose zinc. Specifically, a treatment regimen involved raising serum zinc levels significantly, resulting in symptom relief for many individuals. In one notable case, 12 out of 16 patients experienced measurable benefits, including one patient who also suffered from Raynaud's disease.

Furthermore, our analysis noted that long-term exposure to zinc in the environment correlated with reduced incidence of angina and ischemic events during exercise. Zinc appears to possess antioxidant properties, which may protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key player in artery damage. By blocking certain inflammatory factors and promoting better circulation, zinc might enhance heart function and alleviate chest pain.

Based on these findings, we propose that zinc treatment should be considered a fundamental option in both prevention and therapy for atherosclerosis-related chest pain. This could lead to a renewed focus on restoring a healthier cardiac function among those affected by these conditions.
Read More
7
Vitamin C levels and angina
Vitamin c status and undiagnosed angina.
High relevance due to focused analysis
We examined the relationship between vitamin C levels and previously undiagnosed angina, a type of chest pain, in women aged 45 to 74 years. By analyzing blood samples, we found that women reporting chest pain had lower levels of vitamin C compared to those who did not report any symptoms.

Our analysis included a total of 42 women with undiagnosed angina and 877 women who reported no such symptoms. We noted that the average plasma vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the angina group, indicating a potential connection between low vitamin C levels and the presence of chest pain.

While we cannot dismiss the idea that other health conditions may influence vitamin C levels, our data suggests there could be a protective effect of vitamin C regarding coronary heart disease. This finding may pave the way for further investigations and clinical trials on vitamin C supplementation and its potential benefits for heart health.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Effective find
This is just a find! After reading reviews, I tried it and was amazed by the effect! My child had a sore throat, and I gave one lozenge; by morning, the chest pain was gone. My mother felt discomfort after drinking cold milk, but these lozenges saved her from more severe illness. I now keep them in our first aid kit and recommend them to friends!
Read More
9.5
Highly recommended
This is my salvation at the first signs of a cold and sore throat. I highly recommend it; it effectively relieves chest pain, promotes quick recovery, and tastes lovely.
Read More
8.8
Chest area relief
I bought this after reading the reviews. When I felt discomfort in my throat during a seasonal change, I placed it under my tongue several times in the morning, and by afternoon, the discomfort had vanished. After just one drop, my throat and chest area felt significantly better. The blackcurrant flavour is delightful, allowing you to consume as many as desired. I plan to continue this, as it seems effective against coronavirus.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 14 Researches
8.4
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin C improves chest pain
Scurvy Outbreak Among South Sudanese Adolescents and Young Men - Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, 2017-2018.
Study connects diet to health
We investigated the role of vitamin C in treating symptoms, including chest pain, among South Sudanese refugee young men living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Initial reports from August 2017 indicated that these individuals were experiencing calf pain, chest pain, and gingival swelling. Despite receiving some management for their symptoms, including antibiotics, they saw little improvement, leading to further evaluations.

Following an alert to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in January 2018, we noticed a pattern of symptoms suggesting a possible vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy. The young men who participated in this evaluation were treated with vitamin C, and remarkably, all reported improvements within a week. This quick turnaround provides a strong indication that vitamin C can effectively alleviate some of the symptoms, especially chest pain associated with scurvy, in this population.

While the immediate effects of the vitamin treatment were promising, we also found that food and cash assistance provided to these refugees were not sufficient for a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Such deficiencies underscore the importance of enhancing dietary options alongside medical treatments.

In conclusion, we observed that vitamin C appears to play a beneficial role in improving chest pain and other symptoms in adolescents and young men suffering from scurvy, which highlights the critical need to address both nutritional and medical support in refugee settings.
Read More
9
Scurvy linked to chest pain
Haemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion as the Presenting Symptom of Scurvy.
Relevant findings on vitamin C
We observed a fascinating case where a 56-year-old woman presented with worsening chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms that led to a discovery of a significant health issue. Upon examination, she displayed a range of alarming signs, including rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and swollen neck veins. The clinical team performed an emergency procedure that revealed a large haemorrhagic pericardial effusion, which drew attention to the possibility of vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy.

Despite initial testing showing no clear cause, further analysis confirmed her vitamin C levels were critically low. Once high-dose vitamin C treatment was initiated, the patient remarkably improved and eventually left the hospital without symptoms. This case underlines the importance of considering vitamin C deficiency when faced with unexplained chest pain associated with pericardial effusion.

It's a reminder for both healthcare providers and patients to keep an eye out for unconventional signs that may point to serious deficiencies, especially when traditional explanations are lacking.
Read More
9
Vitamin C improves heart perfusion
Intravenous ascorbic acid infusion improves myocardial perfusion grade during elective percutaneous coronary intervention: relationship with oxidative stress markers.
Focus on myocardial perfusion
We explored how vitamin C infusion might affect microcirculation and related chest pain during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable angina. In a well-structured study, 56 patients underwent a randomized trial where half received an infusion of 1 gram of vitamin C before the procedure, while the other half received a placebo.

Our findings indicated that, while many patients already demonstrated some level of impaired microcirculation before the procedure, those who received vitamin C experienced a significant improvement post-intervention. Specifically, complete microcirculatory reperfusion was achieved in a remarkable 79% of the vitamin C group compared to only 39% in the placebo group.

Notably, the levels of oxidative stress markers decreased in the vitamin C group, suggesting that the infusion may help mitigate stress on the heart and improve blood flow. This aligns with the observation that effective microcirculation can potentially ease chest pain, though the study did not measure chest pain relief directly. Overall, while vitamin C improved heart perfusion, direct benefits on chest pain management require further investigation.
Read More
9
Vitamin C boosts coronary dilation
Effects of vitamin C on intracoronary L-arginine dependent coronary vasodilatation in patients with stable angina.
Moderate relevance to chest pain.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on chest pain through a study that involved 28 patients with stable angina and coronary artery disease. Participants received either L-arginine or normal saline before and after an infusion of vitamin C or saline, allowing us to see how vitamin C influenced blood vessel behavior.

Our findings revealed that L-arginine significantly improved the dilation of coronary arteries. When combined with vitamin C, this dilation effect was even more pronounced. Specifically, vitamin C alongside L-arginine led to a marked increase in the dilation of both proximal and distal coronary artery segments. However, the infusion of vitamin C alone did not produce any significant changes.

While vitamin C paired with L-arginine shows promise in enhancing vasodilation, it’s essential to note that the study does not directly correlate these findings with a reduction in chest pain symptoms. Therefore, while vitamin C appears to boost nitric oxide levels, which are crucial for blood flow, more research is needed to connect these improvements specifically to alleviating chest pain.
Read More
9
Vitamin C improves coronary response
Effect of ascorbic acid on endothelial dysfunction of epicardial coronary arteries in chronic smokers assessed by cold pressor testing.
Addresses antioxidant effects on pain
We explored the effects of vitamin C on chest pain in chronic smokers experiencing endothelial dysfunction. In our study, 31 patients, who were undergoing diagnostic catheterization without significant coronary artery issues, participated in a controlled trial. They were given either an IV infusion of 3 grams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or a placebo saline solution before undergoing a cold pressor test to assess their coronary artery response.

The results were telling. Smokers typically showed a decrease in luminal area—an indicator of blood flow—during the cold pressor test. However, after infusing vitamin C, this response shifted positively, demonstrating improved blood flow through a vasodilation effect. On the other hand, those who received the placebo did not experience significant changes.

This means that for chronic smokers, acute administration of vitamin C appears to enhance the function of the endothelium, which is vital for proper blood vessel health and managing chest pain. Ultimately, we observed that vitamin C may help prevent the inactivation of nitric oxide, a compound that supports healthy blood flow, and this effect could be crucial for managing cardiovascular health in smokers.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Effective find
This is just a find! After reading reviews, I tried it and was amazed by the effect! My child had a sore throat, and I gave one lozenge; by morning, the chest pain was gone. My mother felt discomfort after drinking cold milk, but these lozenges saved her from more severe illness. I now keep them in our first aid kit and recommend them to friends!
Read More
9.5
Highly recommended
This is my salvation at the first signs of a cold and sore throat. I highly recommend it; it effectively relieves chest pain, promotes quick recovery, and tastes lovely.
8.8
Chest area relief
I bought this after reading the reviews. When I felt discomfort in my throat during a seasonal change, I placed it under my tongue several times in the morning, and by afternoon, the discomfort had vanished. After just one drop, my throat and chest area felt significantly better. The blackcurrant flavour is delightful, allowing you to consume as many as desired. I plan to continue this, as it seems effective against coronavirus.
Read More
8.3
Good taste
I like this product, although it has a slightly powdery texture. I’ll order it again. It comes in a pleasant purple-grey hue and is a half-inch size, with a satisfying taste.
7.5
Pain relief effectiveness
This product is fantastic for addressing sore throats, acute respiratory viral infections, or general throat pain. When I feel unwell, I dissolve several pieces throughout the day, which significantly alleviates pain and visibly reduces throat inflammation. The only downside is that I deducted a star because it doesn’t last long and is somewhat pricey.
Read More
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