8 Essential Immunity-Boosting Vitamins & Minerals

What is your immune system?

We’ve heard a lot about the importance of looking after our immune systems in the news over the last 2 years.  But what is your immune system and why is it so important?  

Your immune system is your body’s in-built defence system.  It fights off a whole host of infections, viruses, bacteria, parasites, allergies and diseases, and powers our ability to heal and recover from illness.

Often we only think about our immune systems when we’re ill, or during cold and flu season.  However, in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic, more and more of us are turning to ways they can protect themselves - starting with their immune systems. 

A healthy immune system helps us to go about our daily lives, protecting us from all kinds of infections around the clock.

One of the best ways to support your natural immunity is to nourish your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.  We share our pick of the best vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system:

Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C supports normal psychological function, reduces tiredness and fatigue, and also contributes to the normal function of the immune system.  Vitamin C deficiency is shown to impair immunity and increases susceptibility to infections.  Research shows that supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine), helps our psychological function and our energy levels.  The body needs B6 in order to absorb vitamin B12 and to make red blood cells and cells of the immune system.  Vitamin B6 has a close relationship with the immune system; helping to improve immune response to the increase in production of antibodies. 

Folic

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods, where folic acid is what you would take in supplement form.  It plays an essential role in chemical reactions in the body that affect our immune system.  Research shows that inadequate levels of folic acid in the body can drastically alter immune responses.  The human body does not store folic acid so NHS guidelines recommend we consume it every day to ensure that we have enough in our system.

Zinc

We need Zinc for the production of new immune system cells in our bodies.  There is a significant amount of research evidence pointing to Zinc having a strong role in the immune system and also in wound healing.  Zinc has the ability to reduce oxidative stress which has been shown to help ward off disease.

Vitamin D

The positive effects of Vitamin D have been well-documented over the last year in the fight against Covid.  Known as the sunshine vitamin; it contributes to the normal function of the immune system.  Most of the Vitamin D we have in our bodies is from exposing our unprotected skin to direct sunlight.  Here in England, we have a very limited amount of sunshine so the Government recommends that we take a daily Vitamin D supplement particularly between October and March.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is often regarded as an ‘anti-inflammation vitamin’ because of its critical role in enhancing immune function.  Due to its involvement in the development of the immune system, Vitamin A plays the role of infection-fighter and has demonstrated a therapeutic effect in the treatment of various infectious diseases.

Selenium

Selenium is an important component of the body’s antioxidant system, protecting against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity.  Studies show that Selenium deficiency harms immune cell function leading to a slower immune response.  Whereas increased blood levels of Selenium actually lead to an enhanced immune response.  

Elderberry Extract

Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world, and is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms.  Elderberry contains anthocyanins whose  antiviral and antimicrobial properties have been shown to prevent flu viruses from reproducing inside our bodies.  It’s also said to prevent the onset of flu, or decrease the duration and severity of its symptoms.

We’ve taken all of these proven immune-boosting vitamins and minerals above and blended them into one delicious, orange flavoured formula with our brand new Immunity Drinkable Vitamins.  It’s never been easier to support your body’s natural first line defence.  Just enjoy one glass of our orange flavoured blend a day and fight flu and beat bugs this Winter end beyond.

Immunity Drinkable Vitamins by Pink Cloud Beauty Co are available at www.pinkcloudbeauty.co at £24.99 for 28 one-a-day sachets.

 

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101.php
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20immune%20system,and%20proteins%20that%20work%20together.
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10. Broome, Broome CS; McArdle, F; Kyle, JAM;  Andrews, F; Lowe, NM;  Hart, CA;  Arthur, JR and Jackson,MJ (2004) An increase in selenium intake improves immune function and poliovirus handling in adults with marginal selenium status. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 80 (1), pp:154–162 [Online] Available at: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/1/154/4690273
11. Porter RS, Bode RF. A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products. Phytother Res. 2017 Apr;31(4):533-554. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5782. Epub 2017 Feb 15. PMID: 28198157.
12. https://www.insider.com/elderberry-benefits
13. Farhan Aslam, M., Majeed, S., Aslam, S., & Irfan, J. A. (2017). Vitamins: Key Role Players in Boosting Up Immune Response-A Mini Review. Vitamins & Minerals, 06(01). https://doi.org/10.4172/2376-1318.1000153
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15. Hoffmann PR, Berry MJ. The influence of selenium on immune responses. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52(11):1273-1280. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700330

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