Immune Support
Your immune system takes care of you, but have you ever wondered how to take care of it? We all know that a healthy diet and lifestyle play a part, but what other options may help with immune support? Fortunately, there are several micronutrients that may help with immune support.
How the Immune System Works
We often refer to the immune system as one thing, which is true, but in the same way that a mechanical wristwatch, with all of its gears and interlocking parts, is one thing. The immune system is astonishingly and brilliantly complex, but can be thought of simply as three layers of protection:
- barriers like skin and mucous membranes
- innate immunity that we are born with
- adaptive immunity that develops after exposure
After the skin or mucous membranes, the next line of defense against a microbial invader is our innate immunity. Innate immunity is able to defend against an intruder, but will not remember it for next time. Adaptive immunity, in contrast, is able to remember specific invaders, making antibodies to protect us in future exposures.
Supporting Healthy Immunity
The Immune Support Bundle contains vitamin and mineral immune support.ᶧ Vitamin C may help to support all three parts of immunity – skin and mucous membrane barriers, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity.ᶧ Because of its role in collagen production, it helps to keep skin and mucous membranes healthy and intact.ᶧ It may also help with antioxidant support and protection from free radicals.ᶧ¹ Vitamin D receptors exist on many immune cells of both innate and adaptive immunity, and studies have shown that maintaining normal vitamin D levels supports healthy immunity.ᶧ In addition, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps with the absorption of dietary calcium, contributing to strong bones and teeth.ᶧ² Vitamin K2 (MK-7) works synergistically with vitamin D to help support bone health.ᶧ³ Zinc supports both innate and adaptive immunity, and studies have shown that maintaining normal zinc levels supports healthy immunity.ᶧ Zinc may also help with antioxidant support,⁴ and the bisglycinate form offers superior bioavailability.ᶧ⁵
The products in this bundle work together to support the three main facets of healthy immunity through maintaining healthy skin and mucous membrane barriers, maintaining innate immunity, and supporting adaptive immunity.ᶧ
Vitamin C – helps support all three facets of immune protection, and may help with antioxidant support by neutralizing free radicals.ᶧ¹
Vitamins D3/K2 – D3 helps support both innate and adaptive immunity, and K2 works synergistically with vitamin D3 to support bone health.ᶧ²,³
Zinc – helps support both innate and adaptive immunity, and may also help with antioxidant support.ᶧ⁴
When we support the immune system with needed building blocks, the immune system may optimally support us.ᶧ
¹ Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
² Prietl, B., Treiber, G., Pieber, T. R., & Amrein, K. (2013). Vitamin D and immune function. Nutrients, 5(7), 2502–2521.
³ Kidd P. M. (2010). Vitamins D and K as pleiotropic nutrients: clinical importance to the skeletal and cardiovascular systems and preliminary evidence for synergy. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 15(3), 199–222.
⁴ Wessels, I., Maywald, M., & Rink, L. (2017). Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(12), 1286.
⁵ Gandia, P., Bour, D., Maurette, J. M., Donazzolo, Y., Duchène, P., Béjot, M., & Houin, G. (2007). A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition, 77(4), 243–248.