Best Vitamins to Take for an Immune System Boost
Do you really need to take vitamins? Does it really help your immune system? Is it really necessary? These are commonly asked questions with a simple answer. Yes, however it is important to note that vitamin supplements can ONLY fill in the gaps in your diet and the best way to get essential nutrients is straight from fresh food. Nowadays, having a superb immune system is no longer a choice but a necessity. From the additional protection against Covid-19 to maintenance of a healthy body, taking the best vitamins should be a no-brainer.
Sadly, most people don’t include fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. These healthy foods should be the primary source for these vitamins but thanks to technology, we can now supplement nutrient deficiency by the aid of vitamin supplements. Most health websites and supplement stores overwhelm you with long lists of vitamins, minerals, and products that boost your immune system. However, only a handful of vitamins are best for boosting your immunity. Here are 5 of the best and essential vitamins (backed by studies) to support your immune health.
Vitamin C
From childhood to adulthood, this familiar vitamin has been advertised in the media many times, for a specific purpose!
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is involved in many body functions that are necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. Vitamin C is one of the first vitamins you think of when it comes to health and immunity. This vitamin has the ability to aid your body in protection against infection and support the function of various immune cells. Also, vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant that reduces damage induced by oxidative stress.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinoid, is an essential key for healthy vision, strong immune system and cell growth. It is also known as an anti-inflammation vitamin because of its role in developing and enhancing the immune system which helps the body fight infections, especially respiratory infections.
Vitamin A also aids the proper growth and development of babies in the womb.
Although most people get enough vitamin A from their diets, most doctors suggest Vitamin A supplements to people with vitamin A deficiency or poor diet.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a general term that refers to a group of eight vitamins. However, vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine when it comes to immunity. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 ensures that the immune system is strong by aiding the production of white blood cells and T cells, which regulate immune response. Having deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to a reduction in antibodies needed to ward off infection.
The human body does not produce vitamin B6 therefore, you must consume foods that are rich in vitamin B6 such as fish, potatoes and bananas or take vitamin B6 supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has the ability to aid in boosting immunity by protecting you from colds and the flu. These conditions can be rampant during the rainy season. Relevant research shows that vitamin D does not only help in building bone but also has the ability to speed up healing and stop inflammation in the respiratory system.
In relation, vitamin D has been highly relevant in COVID-19 studies because of its effect on the immune system. A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, reported that over 80% of the COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Spain had vitamin D deficiency. This shows that vitamin D is critical for immune function. It is because of the evidence that it may compromise immune response and increase your risk of infection and disease.
Vitamin D can be naturally found in food sources such as fish, eggs and beef liver. Also many foods and supplements like dairy products are fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin E
Just like vitamin C, vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that helps your body defend against infections. Its main role is to “eat” lose electrons, also known as free radicals, that damage cells. It also acts as an enhancer of your immune functions, cellular signaling and prevents clots from forming in heart arteries.
By consuming vitamin E-rich food such as nuts and seeds, not only can you get rich doses of vitamin E. But you can also get fiber, healthy fats, minerals and other essential vitamins.
Key Takeaway
Ideally, you can get your vitamin nutrients by eating a healthy and balanced diet. However, in this age of fast-food and instant meals, we tend to overlook the nutrients in our food which can lead to us being extra vulnerable to infections and viruses. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of its cure have really emphasized how important it is to have a strong immune system. The cold and flu-like symptoms require the aid of the best vitamins such as vitamins C, A, B6, D, and E. So if you want to supplement your vitamin needs or add an extra boost in your immune health, make sure to first seek advice from a health professional and when a supplement knocks on your door, you in ”vitamin”.
