Immune season is here. While it is, of course, imperative to care for your immune health throughout the year, now’s an important time to give your wellness routine an extra boost so you can continue feeling your best.
In addition to eating healthy foods, getting good sleep, staying active, and taking steps to reduce stress whenever possible, a variety of supplements can help support your immune system in doing its job of keeping you well.* Read on to discover three critical nutrients for immunity and some of our top supplement picks.
#1: Vitamin C
It probably doesn’t surprise you to see Vitamin C listed here. But it may shock you to learn that a hundred years ago, no one even knew it existed. It wasn’t until around 1930 that scientist Albert Szent-Györgyi discovered this essential nutrient, which the body can’t produce itself and must get from foods and supplements when appropriate.
Since then, researchers have been furiously investigating its role in immunity. A wealth of studies suggest Vitamin C is crucial to many different aspects of the immune system, chiefly immune cell function; it appears to encourage the production of certain immune cells, for example. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, a substance that helps protect and keep cells healthy.1
At Solaray, we offer a wide range of Vitamin C supplements, including single-nutrient formulas and Vitamin C blends with other immune-promoting nutrients and herbs.* One of our best sellers? Our Liposomal Vitamin C. This product is designed for enhanced absorption: Liposomal Vitamin C is clinically studied to be 35% more absorbable than non-liposomal forms.* Read more about liposomal technology, including our proprietary process.
#2: Vitamin D
You may know that Vitamin D, aka “the sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for healthy bones. But research has now made it clear that this nutrient plays many more important roles throughout the body.
In fact, an array of the body’s organs and tissues have Vitamin D receptors, including immune cells, suggesting it’s also important for overall immune function.2
The body synthesizes Vitamin D when skin is exposed to the sun. But many people don’t get enough daily exposure to sunlight to maintain healthy levels, especially in the colder months. Because few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, for most, the best way to ensure you’re getting enough of this nutrient is with smart supplementation. (Note: Foods can be fortified with Vitamin D.)3
We have several Vitamin D formulas to meet your needs. Customer favorites include those with Vitamin D-3, or cholecalciferol, the type of Vitamin D produced by the human body.
#3: Zinc
An essential trace mineral, Zinc has been called the “gatekeeper of the immune system,” with researchers noting that virtually all immune cells are highly dependent on Zinc for their functioning.4
It can be difficult to get enough Zinc through diet alone. Though foods such as red meat, oysters, and pumpkin seeds are rich sources of Zinc, other foods can actually block the nutrient from being absorbed, including cereals, corn, and rice—staples on most plates.
Check out our selection of Zinc supplements, in varying milligram concentrations to suit your lifestyle.
ImmuFight: 3 Powerful Immune-Supporting Nutrients in 1*
We designed our ImmuFight line to make building an immune-supporting wellness routine easier than ever.* Each formula contains the three powerhouses mentioned above—Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc—along with a host of other potent ingredients to help sustain your overall health and well-being.*
For daily support, try our Daily Defense (a 2022 Taste for Life Immunity Essentials award winner) or Maximum Daily Defense formulas.* For a helping hand when you need it most, there’s Ultimate Immune Support or Immune Response Support.* For a targeted bronchial and lung formula, turn to Respiratory Support.*
#4 Bonus Pick: Mushrooms
Of course, there are so many more vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can support your immune system.* One great option that doesn’t fall into any of these categories? Mushrooms, members of the fungal kingdom.
Mushrooms’ cell walls contain naturally occurring polysaccharides called beta glucans. Glucan receptors have been identified on various immune cells in the body, and research suggests the beta glucans in mushrooms may provide nutritive support for healthy immune function.*5
Shop Solaray mushroom supplements here. In addition to single-mushroom formulas, we offer immune-specific blends as well, such as Mushroom Immune Complex with Maitake, Reishi, and Shiitake.*
Your Best Routine to Stay Feeling Your Best
The immune system is the body’s defense network, its way to stay feeling well. To better support your immune health in challenging immune seasons and all year round, shift your supplement routine to include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc—as well as mushrooms.*
RESOURCES:
- Anitra Carr and Silvia Maggini, “Vitamin C and Immune Function,” Nutrients 9, no. 11 (2017): 1211, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683.
- Cynthia Aranow, “Vitamin D and the Immune System,” Journal of Investigative Medicine 59, no. 6 (2011): 881-86, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406.
- “Vitamin D,” The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health,” last reviewed July 2022, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d.
- Inga Wessels, Martina Maywald, and Lothar Rink, “Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function,” Nutrients 9, no. 12 (2017): 1286, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748737.
- Chiara Cerletti, Simona Esposito, and Licia Lacoviello, “Edible Mushrooms and Beta-Glucans: Impact on Human Health,” Nutrients 13, no. 7 (2021): 2195,*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†Based on clinical studies on Vitamin C by Cellg8®️ (a registered trademark of CELLg8®️).