How Nutrients Help Keep Your Immune System Healthy

How Nutrients Help Keep Your Immune System Healthy


The immune system is a complex makeup of organs, cells, and proteins working in unison to maintain the body’s cellular processes while guarding against infection. When the immune system is not responding optimally it can lead to abnormalities such as allergies, immunodeficiencies, and even autoimmune disorders. Boosting your immune system helps the body maintain its natural defenses against germs. There are several nutrients that can support the immune system in defending against germs and help the body stay healthy. 

Vitamin D for Immunity Defense

Vitamin D is created naturally by the body. Not only does it support the musculoskeletal system but it is also crucial to fighting back foreign pathogens.* However, many factors such as geographic location and work environment, dictate the amount of the nutrient that is being created and utilized. Some studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D can be associated with a higher risk of respiratory tract infections. Supplementation can help enhance the natural response of vitamin D to ward off immunosuppressants such as inflammation.*

Selenium for Immune Support

Selenium is a part of enzymes and selenoproteins which have antioxidant properties helpful in combating damage to tissues. Having adequate levels of selenium plays an important role in initiating immunity and responses to chronic inflammation.* Selenium can also pair with other minerals to increase the body’s ability to fight illness and infection by boosting white blood cells.*

Zinc and its Role in Immune Health

Just a trace amount of zinc can have a significant impact on the proper development and function of the immune system. It acts as an important contributor in the creation of cellular growth, building proteins, and healing damaged tissue all which support a healthy immune system.* Chicken, red meat, and fortified breakfast cereals are good sources of zinc as is supplementation. 

Vitamin C for Overall Health and Wellness

Over the years, vitamin C has become synonymous with healthy immune support. It is a vital nutrient needed to stimulate growth and repair of tissues in the body. Studies show vitamin C can gather with immune cells to enhance the guarding ability against harmful pathogens.* Vitamin C also works to clear free radicals and dead cells, effectively decreasing damage to surrounding structures. As an antioxidant, vitamin C promotes good respiratory health as well.*

Immunity Plus for Continued Health

The beauty of Nature’s Lab Gold Immunity Plus is that you’ll find all the immune supportive nutrients just mentioned in one blend. It features a combination of vitamins and minerals for antioxidant health, immunity support, and overall wellness including: vitamin C and vitamin D3 paired with beneficial flavonoids such as quercetin and astragalus. Immunity Plus also features L-OptiZinc®, a patented form of zinc, and SeLECT® Selenium which both protect cells from oxidative stress to support a healthy immune response.*   

Shop our entire collection of Immune Support Supplements!


References 

Aranow C. (2011). Vitamin D and the immune system. Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research59(6), 881–886. https://doi.org/10.2310/JIM.0b013e31821b8755

Department of Health & Human Services. Immune System Explained. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system

Huang, Z., Rose, A. H., & Hoffmann, P. R. (2012). The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Antioxidants & redox signaling16(7), 705–743. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2011.4145

Iron. The Nutrition Source. (2023). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/iron/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Primary immunodeficiency. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-immunodeficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20376905

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023). Zinc. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112

Nutrition and Immunity. The Nutrition Source. (2022). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/

Selenium. Mount Sinai Health System. (2023). https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/selenium

Selenium. The Nutrition Source. (2023). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/selenium/

University of Copenhagen. (2010, March 8). Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm

Vitamin C. The Nutrition Source. (2023). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

Vitamin D. The Nutrition Source. (2023). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/

Zinc. The Nutrition Source. (2023). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/zinc/