Zinc and the immune system: what Swiss regulations officially recognise

Among the most studied micronutrients, zinc holds a special place. It is one of the few minerals whose functional claims are explicitly recognized by Swiss regulations. In the Hymne range, it is present in all three formulas — Hercule, Morphée, and Vénus — for this precise reason. Here's what Swiss law allows us to say about zinc, and nothing more.

Zinc: An essential trace element

Zinc is a mineral that the body cannot store or synthesize. It must be supplied daily through diet. It is found naturally in meats, seafood, legumes, nuts, and some whole grains.

Zinc deficiencies, even mild ones, are more common than generally thought — especially among the elderly, vegetarians and vegans, or athletes whose needs are increased.

What the OALDal officially recognizes for zinc

In Switzerland, the Ordinance on Food Information (OALDal) establishes a positive list of authorized claims. For zinc, the following functional claims are legally recognized:

• ✅ Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
• ✅ Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
• ✅ Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
• ✅ Zinc contributes to normal vitamin A metabolism
• ✅ Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

These claims are strictly regulated. They do not mean that zinc "cures" or "treats" any pathology. They only describe its role in the normal functioning of a healthy organism.

What Hymne doesn't say — and why it matters

Hymne does not claim that Hercule, Morphée, or Vénus "boost" your immunity, "protect against viruses," or "fight infections." These formulations fall outside the Swiss legal framework for food supplements.

The nuance is fundamental: contributing to the normal functioning of a system is not the same as improving it beyond its natural physiological capacities. It is this semantic rigor that Swiss law imposes — and that Hymne respects.

What dose of zinc in Hymne formulas?

For a functional claim to be usable, the product must contain a significant amount of the nutrient concerned — generally 15% of the reference intake (RI) per serving, according to OALDal requirements. Hymne formulates its products taking these thresholds into account.

Zinc in your daily diet

Food supplements do not replace a varied diet. If you want to increase your zinc intake through diet, here are some rich natural sources of zinc: oysters (most concentrated source), beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils, cashews, and cheese.

Legal disclaimer: Zinc-based food supplements do not treat, diagnose, or cure any disease. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized nutritional advice.