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38 BACK TO SCHOOL FROM PAGE 36 severity and duration of the cold. “Probiotics can also keep the gut microbiome healthy by inhibiting ‘bad’ bacteria, keeping the digestive system balanced. For teachers, probiotics are a great addition to their daily health regime.” We’ve seen the probiotics trend lift off with the success drinks such as kombucha have achieved, but using a probiotic supplement is still claimed to be beneficial. When helping customers choose a probiotic supplement, it’s important to help ensure that: • They know how to store it correctly. • They take the probiotic as directed. • The probiotic can survive in their body and is safe. Such information can be found on the labels of each product.2 Vitamin C “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant used to protect your body from illness,” Ms Vyoung said. “It increases white blood cell production as well as boosting cell function by protecting from potential illness.” It’s important to note that vitamin C is in found in many foods (spinach, kale, strawberries and oranges to name just a few) so there may not always be a need for supplements. This means that inquiring about a customer’s diet is necessary before recommending a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin D Vitamin D was in the spotlight in 2020, as theories emerged suggesting it could prevent Covid-19 infection. While vitamin D acts as no shield for the coronavirus, it is regarded as a beneficial vitamin that can help build up immunity. “The role of pharmacy assistants and pharmacists is particularly important at this time of year. They can help those getting an education, and the educators, take care of their health.” Tests have shown that a lack of vitamin D is linked to increased autoimmune issues, as well as increased susceptibility to infection, and that taking supplements will include benefits beyond the effects on bone and calcium homeostasis.3 While vitamin D can be absorbed via sun exposure, the body doesn’t absorb enough of it this way, and only a handful of foods contain a significant amount. Foods that contain vitamin D include fatty fish, cod liver oil, eggs, caviar, mushrooms, fortified orange juice and milk, yoghurt and fortified tofu.4 Zinc “Zinc is a mineral that’s essential in reducing the severity and duration of cold symptoms, as it directly inhibits the binding and replication of the illness as well as suppress inflammation,” Ms Vyoung said. A 2008 journal states that while the benefits of zinc in plants and animals have long been known, it was only in 1968 that its “essentiality” in humans was recognised. Zinc-deficient patients had severe immune dysfunctions, “inasmuch as they died of intercurrent infections by the time they were 25 years old”. 5 Role of community pharmacy Pharmacies welcome teachers, students and parents to investigate which products will be suitable in assisting with their or another’s immune health. “Pharmacies can target local schools and provide education sessions with teachers and school staff on the importance of supporting a strong immune system,” Ms Vyoung said. “Pharmacies can also set up a health promotion campaign during the back- to-school period, in which schooling staff can access a variety of information regarding ways to boost their immunity and prevent contracting common illnesses found in schools.” The role of pharmacy assistants and pharmacists is particularly important at this time of year. They can help those getting an education, and the educators, take care of their health. References 1. ‘Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: A review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology’. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2014. doi: 10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60509-0. Accessed on 19.1.21. 2. ‘How long does it take for probiotics to work?’ Healthline, 2020. healthline.com/health/probiotics- and-digestive-health/how-long-does-it-take-for- probiotic s-to-work \\\[Accessed 19/1/21\\\]. 3. ‘Vitamin D 101: A detailed beginner’s guide’. Healthline, 2019. healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d- 101#intro \\\[Accessed 19/1/21\\\]. 4. ‘Seven healthy foods that are high in vitamin D’. Healthline, 2019. healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods- high-in-vitamin-d \\\[Accessed 19/1/21\\\]. 5. ‘Zinc in human health: Effect of zinc on immune cells’. Molecular Medicine, 2008. doi: 10.2119/2008- 00033.Prasad. \\\[Accessed 19/1/21\\\]. 6. ‘The effect of olive leaf extract on upper respiratory illness in high school athletes: A randomised control trial’. Nutrients, 2019. doi: 10.3390/nu11020358. \\\[Accessed 19/1/21\\\]. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • FEB 2021