5 Immune-Boosting Supplements

When juggling multiple responsibilities in your everyday life, you want to feel your strongest, healthiest self. But sometimes your immune system struggles to keep up with everything you do.

The good news is in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, some supplements can further conveniently support your immune system. Let’s discuss 5 supplements for immunity to consider adding to your wellness routine.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for immune system support and overall wellness. Often named “ascorbic acid” on the nutrition label, vitamin C is considered an antioxidant vitamin. It helps to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage our cellular health.†

Vitamin C is found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and potatoes. Our Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C capsules contain 500 mg of vitamin C per serving, plus a specialized fruit and vegetable and probiotic and enzyme blend to further support immune system health.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another ally in your immune system’s fight against intruders. According to recent NHANES data, 22% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, while 40.9% are considered insufficient. 

This means that over half of us are either at risk for vitamin D deficiency or have a true deficiency.

One of the most effective ways to get your daily dose of Vitamin D is from the sun. However, those who work long hours indoors or live in cold climates may find it challenging to get enough sunlight required. 

A small number of foods are naturally high in vitamin D which include UV-treated mushrooms, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and cod liver oil. Some foods and beverages are fortified such as certain types of breakfast cereal, milk, and orange juice. Check the label to determine whether a product has been fortified. 

Because getting enough sunlight can be challenging, it’s recommended to eat plenty of vitamin-D-rich foods and ask your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.

3. Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral known for its role in immune system support. As an antioxidant, it helps support the body’s natural defense system.†

Research has also shown that zinc deficiency is associated with depressed immune function.

The foods highest in zinc include meat, shellfish, beans, nuts, and seeds. Our Vitamin Code Raw Zinc also provides 30 mg of whole food high potency zinc along with its immune-supporting partner vitamin C.

4. Elderberry

Elderberry is an herb that has been used in herbal medicine for years in immune system support. As a flowering plant native to the European elder tree, it’s packed with antioxidants that aid in immunity.†

According to a research review, elderberry may support immunity through its potential to help regulate immune systems.

Elderberry is taken in supplement form as a concentrated extract. Our mykind Organics Elderberry Immune Gummies† are delicious and contain 335 mg of an organic immune support blend. It also packs immune-supporting echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc.

5. Selenium

Selenium, like zinc, is another essential mineral and key nutrient for a healthy immune system. Selenium helps regulate the function of the immune cells and white blood cells.†

Research shows that selenium is involved in regulating excessive immune responses.

Immune-boosting foods high in selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats. If you don’t eat enough of these foods or are a vegetarian, you can get your daily selenium dose from a quality multivitamin.

The Final Word on Immune-Supportive Nutrients

Prioritizing good nutrition and targeting immune-supporting ingredients can help promote a healthy immune system and your overall well-being. 

To keep your immune system strong, eat a well-balanced diet rich and supplement key nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and selenium.

In addition, consider immune-supporting supplements to naturally enhance your body’s defenses and promote whole-body wellness. Our line of immunity supplements are third-party tested and designed to keep your immune system in healthy mode as long as possible. 

References

1. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.

2. Cui A, Xiao P, Ma Y, Fan Z, Zhou F, Zheng J, Zhang L. Prevalence, trend, and predictor analyses of vitamin D deficiency in the US population, 2001-2018. Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 3;9:965376. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.965376. PMID: 36263304; PMCID: PMC9573946.

3. Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 25;9(12):1286. doi: 10.3390/nu9121286. PMID: 29186856; PMCID: PMC5748737.

4. Sidor, A., & Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2015). Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. Journal of Functional Foods, 18, 941–958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2014.07.012

5. ‌Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, Senchina DS, Wurtele ES, Murphy PA, Kohut ML, Cunnick JE. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species. J Med Food. 2007 Sep;10(3):423-34. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.257. PMID: 17887935; PMCID: PMC2362099.

6. Huang Z, Rose AH, Hoffmann PR. The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2012 Apr 1;16(7):705-43. doi: 10.1089/ars.2011.4145. Epub 2012 Jan 9. PMID: 21955027; PMCID: PMC3277928.