Food Supplements are any product that adds nutritional value.
Vitamins are a type of supplement.
3 Vitamins & Supplements You Need for a Healthy Immune System
Humans need a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, to achieve normal immune function, and the clinical lack of these nutrients can increase the susceptibility to infection.
Some nutrients, such as vitamin C, are known for their immune support effects, while others are less known. These include zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, probiotics, selenium, lactoferrin, quercetin, etc.
Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements
More than half a century of research has shown that vitamin C plays a vital role in all aspects of the immune system, especially in the function of immune cells
Vitamin C has the potential to protect against infection as it plays an important role in strengthening immunity. In addition, vitamin C is one of the most popular immune-boosting supplements available and, for a good reason, supports the production and proliferation of immune cells and contributes to their function.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for the proper functioning of our immune system.
Some studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can improve immune function but its effect may vary depending on the person's vitamin C status. Taking 1000 mg of vitamin C daily can promote mitochondrial health, which is essential for cell metabolism and other cell functions.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to decreased resistance to certain pathogens, while higher intake strengthens various parameters of the immune system. It is widely believed among the general public that vitamin C increases the function of the immune system and, as a result, may protect against viral infections and possibly other diseases.
Vitamin C also helps the absorption of quercetin, but it has many other functions throughout the process, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. This vitamin supports the functions of various immune cells and improves their ability to resist infection.
Vitamin C is a popular choice for immune support, but another key nutrient for your immune system is vitamin D.
Impact of vitamin D on immune function
Vitamin D plays a vital role in cardiovascular health, mood, fertility and immune function. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the body.
Vitamin D was once considered a vitamin for strengthening bones, but in fact, vitamin D has more effects on your body, including supporting your immune system.
There are also foods fortified with vitamin D (vitamin D added to them), such as milk, orange juice, cereal, and egg yolks from chickens fed vitamin D.
For vegan diets, high-quality food sources of vitamin D may be limited. In addition, many vitamin D3 supplements are made from lanolin (sheep's wool) or contain ingredients such as lactose that are not suitable for a vegan diet or for those with lactose intolerance.
However, high doses of vitamin D can overstimulate the immune system. Vitamin D can increase the rate at which the liver breaks down certain medications.
Supporting Immune Health With Quercetin
One supplement you may have heard of recently is quercetin, a flavonoid that acts as a powerful antioxidant and has positive immune properties, reduces inflammation, and in some cases can fight cancer.
Like vitamin D, quercetin is a modulator of the immune system, increasing the activity of some leukocytes, while stabilizing or decreasing the activity of others.
Quercetin is popular as a supplement, often combined with other nutrients such as bromelain or vitamin C because it is poorly absorbed and absorbed by the body on its own.
Quercetin is a safe natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compound found in a variety of natural sources such as onions, red grapes, honey, and citrus fruits.
Quercetin has been shown to have the ability to chelate zinc ions and act as a zinc ionophore.
The main benefit of taking quercetin with zinc is that quercetin pushes zinc towards the center of the cell, where zinc can inhibit the virus from replicating. Supplements usually combine quercetin with vitamin C or bromelain to help improve absorption and potency.
People cannot make quercetin in the body, but many fruits, vegetables and beverages contain it. Quercetin is also found in herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and St. John's wort.
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