5 Top Supplements to Support the Immune System

A good diet supports the immune system. As well as eating a regular and well balanced diet containing all of the various food groups, (think wholegrains and plenty of fruit and veg), it is important to make sure you stay on top of your supplements regime to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay in optimum condition. Here are 5 of the best supplements to consider if you want to support your immune system...

Garlic – Garlic as a supplement is popular worldwide, and has been used for health for thousands of years. It was consumed by the ancient Greeks and Roman soldiers.

Garlic is a member of the onion family and contains sulphur compounds which are known for their health benefits – the most famous of these is called allicin. Garlic supplements can boost the function of the immune system to fight off illness and diseases, preventing colds, (¹) and reducing their severity (²) according to studies.

One 12 week study of volunteers showed that those supplementing daily with garlic had significantly fewer colds than those taking a placebo. Volunteers that did become infected recorded a shorter recovery period and duration of symptoms over the placebo group.

The results of another study suggest that supplementation with garlic extract may enhance the immune cell function and can reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

For the convenience of adding garlic to your lifestyle we produce aged black garlic capsules – with each capsule being the equivalent to 12,000mg of whole herb. Studies show that black garlic demonstrates significantly higher biological activity than fresh garlic, such as antioxidant properties(³). Another option available is  an odourless softgel containing garlic extract, the equivalent to 1000mg fresh garlic in each capsule. They’re tasteless and easy to swallow, and provide a socially acceptable means of taking garlic. Both are available in a large quantity, with pack sizes of 120 or 180, providing great value for money.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is widely known as an antioxidant vitamin, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Far from being a cure for the common cold Vitamin C does support the immune system and so may reduce the risk of further complications and shorten symptoms.  It is also used by the body to make collagen which is used for wound healing, and also helps with the absorption of iron which is needed to transport oxygen in the body and avoid fatigue.

Vitamin C is not stored in the body and so any excess is excreted which is why a daily supplement of this vitamin can prove a valuable addition to your diet.  Our 500mg Vitamin C capsules also contain Bioflavonoids; a class of antioxidants that work to enhance the action of Vitamin C. Alternatively, Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid powder provides an option that is especially suitable for those looking for a convenient way to take higher doses of vitamin C. It can be mixed and consumed easily with water or fruit juice.

Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D is found in small quantities naturally in food such as salmon, mackerel, eggs and milk, but the body can only synthesise Vitamin D in the skin when there is adequate sun exposure. Throughout winter reduced hours of daylight, and less opportunity to spend time outdoors, it is often recommended for people to take a supplement in order to obtain the minimum recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms. D3 helps the body to absorb calcium for the maintenance of normal teeth and bones, and contributes to normal muscle function, as well as helping to regulate the immune system.

Our Vitamin D3 25mcg capsules are the ideal way to ensure you are getting enough in your diet, and for vegans our Vitamin K₂ capsules are combined with a vegan form of Vitamin D. It is in the form the body naturally produces: D3 (cholecalciferol), and has been proven to be chemically-identical to animal-origin Vitamin D3.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine - a supplement form of the sulphur containing amino acid Cysteine. The body can only produce small amounts of cysteine. Getting an adequate amount into your diet is important for a number of health reasons. Most protein rich foods such as chicken, yogurt, cheese and legumes contain cysteine, but some people choose to supplement with NAC to increase their cysteine intake. One important reason people choose to supplement with NAC is to support immune function and relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.

For respiratory infections with lung or sinus congestion, NAC is often recommended as a remedy to help break up mucus because of its ability to break up specific bonds in mucus proteins.

As glutathione is the primary antioxidant in the lungs, NAC and its effects on boosting glutathione levels has been studied as a natural treatment for lung and respiratory tract conditions including COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and asthma.

Studies have shown that taking NAC during the winter months may boost the body’s ability to fight infection, and help to treat and prevent flu-like symptoms. Results indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of influenza-like episodes, their severity, and the length of time confined to bed.

We manufacture supplements of NAC in capsule form. Convenient, so you can take just one 600mg capsule a day to get it in your daily diet. Available in a quantity of 120, and packaged in our letterbox-friendly postal pot. For further product information, or to order click here.

Zinc - Studies show that Zinc may shorten the duration of a cold and reduce the severity of symptoms. Animal meats are the best sources of the mineral zinc, as well as shellfish, legumes and seeds. Hellenia Zinc 25mg high strength tablets are a convenient one a day way to add it in to your diet.

For further products and product information visit our website today.