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Öko-Test finds zinc and vitamin C supplements overrated
The consumer magazine Öko-Test has concluded that combination supplements containing zinc and vitamin C offer no real added value for the healthy general population. After testing 21 different products—including capsules, tablets, and effervescent tablets—the study found that many preparations are overdosified or contain undesirable additives.
According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), vitamin C deficiencies are practically non-existent in industrialized nations. Daily requirements can be easily met through a balanced diet, such as consuming half a red bell pepper and a small glass of orange juice. While zinc is also essential for the immune system, it can generally be obtained through food, though those following vegan or vegetarian diets may find it more challenging as primary sources include meat, cheese, and eggs.
Because there are currently no EU-wide binding maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements, testers used the recommendations from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) as a benchmark for evaluation.
Entities
European Food Safety Authority · Federal Institute for Risk Assessment · German Nutrition Society · Öko-Test
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] A daily vitamin C requirement can be met by consuming half a red bell pepper and a small glass of orange juice. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.op-online.de · www.noz.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Öko-Test concluded that zinc and vitamin C combination supplements offer no real added value for the healthy general population. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.op-online.de · www.noz.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Vitamin C deficiencies are practically non-existent in industrialized nations. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.op-online.de · www.noz.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Phytates in plant-based sources like legumes can make zinc less available to the body. www.noz.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Öko-Test examined the vitamin C and zinc content of 21 different products. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.op-online.de · www.noz.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Zinc is primarily found in beef, pork, cheese, milk, and eggs. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.op-online.de · www.noz.de