Best Immune System Supplements That May Offer Protection From Viruses

The body’s immune system is your first line of defense against infections. Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, which minerals and vitamins can help your body protect itself against the virus?

According to the Cancer Research Institute, there are two immune system branches. These are the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system.

Adaptive Immune System

This type of immune system zeroes in on specific pathogens, in a precise way, because it already has encountered such pathogen before.

Innate Immune System

Also called the non-specific immune system, it defends against common pathogens. These include viruses, bacteria, or other disease-bearing microorganisms.

Four Vitamins and Minerals That Can Help

Holland & Barrett, a health brand, have listed four of the best minerals and vitamins that can help support your immune system. These are vitamins A, C, D, and Zinc.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is believed to help in the development of a white blood cell type that produces antibodies. According to the Cancer Research Institute, antibodies are proteins binding themselves to particular markers called antigens and harmful invaders like viruses, germs or tumor cells.

The charity organization also revealed that these antibodies mark dangerous cells so other immune system cells will know which ones to attack and destroy. Vitamin A sources include dark green leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach, watercress, carrots, and kale. Eggs and cod liver oil are also rich sources of vitamin A.

Vitamin C

The health brand also notes that vitamin C provides great help in supporting cellular functions that are required by your immune system. Rich sources of vitamin C include green and red peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, and broccoli.

Vitamin D

Health experts also recommend increasing your vitamin D levels to help maintain a strong and robust immune system. This will enable your body to fight off infections in a rapid manner. Since vitamin D is produced when sunlight touches your skin, those who are on self-isolation may find it a bit of struggle to produce enough, let alone increase its levels.

In light of this, it is recommended you take vitamin D supplements so that even if you are on self-isolation, your body will still have adequate levels of it.

Zinc

A mineral that can help protect your body against viruses, according to health brand Holland & Barrett, is zinc. The health brand said that zinc plays an important role in the normal function of your immune system.

Chickpeas, seafood, sunflower seeds, red meat, pumpkin, and eggs, are all rich sources of the mineral zinc. Health experts, however, advise you should not go beyond the daily limit of 25mg.