Supplements for Health & Immunity

Supporting a healthy immune system is of the utmost importance in the COVID-19 era. Social distancing, proper hand washing and face masks are all external tools for keeping ourselves and our community safe, but protecting ourselves from the inside out is also essential. By adopting a well-rounded diet and choosing the best supplements, we can assure our health and boost our immunity. 

The following vitamins and minerals may help improve immune function, keeping you healthy and fighting off pathogens before they cause a problem. 

Vitamin C

You can’t have a conversation about immunity without talking about vitamin C. This essential dietary component is available in fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, kale and broccoli. While we can meet our daily vitamin C intake from food alone, supplements help ensure we get more than enough to keep us healthy and strengthen our immune system.

Vitamin C encourages the production and health of white blood cells, which protect the body against viral and bacterial infections. It also supports various cellular functions of the immune system, managing it at optimal levels. 

The recommended daily amount of vitamin C ranges between 65-90 mg for adults, and the recommended daily limit is 2,000 mg.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for healthy bones, mental health and immunity. This vitamin, found in meat, poultry, eggs and fish, plays an important role in various bodily processes, including the absorption of calcium and facilitating normal immune function. 

Vitamin D promotes immune response to pathogens and is responsible for activating the immune system’s defenses. It also enhances the function of the immune cells that protect the body against pathogens. 

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 600 IU for adults, but a range of 1,000 – 2,000 is generally safe. 

Zinc

Zinc has made headlines as an unexpected supplement aiding in the prevention of COVID-19. While more studies are still needed to support this theory, zinc supplementation is still a safe and well-tolerated immune booster.  

Zinc is essential for immune cell development and communication. Some studies have shown that zinc can also protect against respiratory infections, not unlike COVID-19. 

The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 – 11 mg for adults with an upper limit of 40 mg. 

Help keep yourself, your family and your community safe by maintaining a healthy immune system. Always speak with your physician before beginning any new supplements to make sure they are safe for you. Remember to practice safe social distancing and wash your hands regularly to slow the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.