Decoding Immunity Supplements

Zinc. Elderberry. Echinacea. Supplements like these and others can enhance the performance of the immune system, safeguarding the body from harm caused by free radicals and combating bacteria, viruses, inflammation, and other threats.

But with so many different supplements alleging to help the immune system we felt it was necessary to decode their advantages and provide guidance on what to consider when purchasing a supplement for immune support.

Vitamin C has been an immune support staple for decades. But how exactly does it work? Vitamin C’s immune-boosting properties come from its interaction with immune system cells.* Studies show vitamin C can accumulate within specific immune cells, enhancing their ability to guard against potentially harmful pathogens.* As immune cells go to work, they eventually end their life cycle and die off. Vitamin C helps the body remove these dead cells efficiently so they do not cause excessive damage to surrounding tissues.* Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals which may damage cell structures and promotes respiratory health.* Nature’s Lab Vitamin C 1,000 mg contains 1,000 mg in a two-capsule serving.

Vitamin D can be made in the body with sunshine exposure, yet many individuals could still benefit from supplementation.* Depending on your geographic location, work environment, skin melanin content, and other factors, the amount of vitamin D your body creates can vary substantially.* Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of vitamin D for absorption. In addition to supporting healthy bones and muscles, vitamin D3 may also promote a healthy immune system.* By activating the immune system's T-cells, which are responsible for identifying and defending the body against harmful organisms, vitamin D3 helps promote a healthy response to inflammation.

For centuries, Echinacea and elderberry have been used in traditional cultures to support health and wellness. Echinacea is an ancient herb rich in polyphenols and alkylamides. These alkylamides possess highly potent properties that can help the body’s immune function.* Elderberry’s anthocyanins work similarly by helping to slow the spread of harmful microorganisms.* Nature’s Lab Echinacea contains 760 mg of echinacea in a serving of two capsules.

Mushrooms are a recent addition to immunity-boosting supplements, but they provide a healthy response to immune stimulators. Mushrooms have the dual benefit of increasing good bacteria in the gut and enhancing T-cells in the immune system.* The polysaccharides in mushrooms are broken down in the digestive tract by our body’s microbiome. The chemical produced by the interaction enhances immune function, particularly within the immune T-cells.*

Zinc is an essential mineral that we cannot make in our bodies. While it has many functions, some of which are not fully understood, its role in immune support is evident. Our immune system has an array of different immune cells for a variety of uses. The T-cells are one specific type of immune cell that requires adequate zinc to function properly.* When we are deficient in zinc, it affects the lifespan of T-cells, and some cannot mature to their full active potential.* Ensuring we receive zinc through food or supplements such as Nature's Lab Zinc Picolinate 50mg can help support our overall immune health.

Are you looking for supplements that can help support your immunity? At Nature’s Lab, we offer a variety of products that can enhance your wellness. Nature’s Lab Gold Immunity Plus is a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids featuring vitamin D3, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, astragalus root, and quercetin. Look at our immune health collection for the dietary supplement that fits your needs.