Immunity is not just a Winter concern. As any parent of young or school-aged children can attest, all manner of infections can strike at any time of year. These usually pass from one family member to another, often disrupting daily life for everyone. Luckily there are some key ingredients to help you support your whole family’s immune systems all year round.
Key Immune Ingredients
When it comes to immunity, there are a number of ingredients to look for, some of which can be obtained through the diet and others which may require supplementation.
Vitamin C (a.k.a. Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C plays an essential role in a wide range of processes throughout the body, but it’s mostly known for being an immune superstar. And rightly so. Vitamin C contributes to the body’s immune defences in a variety of ways. It stimulates the production and function of white blood cells (leukocytes), which help protect the body against infection; It enhances the germ-killing effects of neutrophils; It has antioxidant properties and can protect white blood cells from oxidative damage; It supports the epithelial (skin) barrier function against infection-causing pathogens and can assist with minor wound healing.1,2 If vitamin C intake is inadequate, it can impair immunity and increase susceptibility to illness.
Vitamin C supplements have been found to reduce the risk of mild upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and minimise the duration and severity of symptoms.1 Vitamin C is great for the whole family, but may be particularly beneficial for kids, since they typically suffer from at least six colds a year.3 Look out for an easy chewable and low-acidity format, such as Extra C Zingles.
Zinc
Like vitamin C, zinc is an essential nutrient for the immune system and the two are often combined in immune supplements. Zinc is needed for the normal development and function of the white blood cells known as neutrophils and natural killer cells.4 It also functions as an antioxidant and supports the protective barrier of the skin. If you don’t get enough zinc, it can affect immune processes and decrease your ability to fight off illness-causing germs and bugs.4 Taking a zinc supplement regularly may be beneficial for the whole family, and it is important to look for easily absorbed forms of zinc known as zinc digylcinate, as found in Mega Zinc 40mg.
Explore the Ethical Nutrients Immune Health range
Andrographis (a.k.a. “The King of Bitters”)
Andrographis is a herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the body’s immune defences and reduce the symptoms and severity of mild upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold. Andrographis supplements are best suited for the adults in the family to build immune resilience and provide natural relief for colds in any season. Due to the bitter nature of this herb, capsules are a much more palatable format, such as Immune Defence.
Vitamin D
Mostly known for its supportive role in bone health, vitamin D is also highly important for the immune system. In fact, being low in vitamin D may compromise immune function!5 Unfortunately, more than 1 in 3 Australians has insufficient vitamin D levels, making it an important supplement for a daily immune-supporting and whole-body routine.6 Vitamin D is not able to be obtained through the diet, instead coming from sun exposure. With shorter days in Winter, and the harsh nature of the Australian sun during warmer months, supplementation is a great way to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is available as a single-ingredient formula, such as in Daily D, or is also added to other immune health products such as Immune Defence.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea is a herb used in supplements for immune health for its ability to help combat the symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and support immune function through its immune modulating and anti-inflammatory effects.7 Echinacea is found in Immune Defence in combination with many of the other ingredients mentioned in this blog.
Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms
Reishi and shiitake mushrooms are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for their immune-influencing effects to help fight illness and assist with recovery. They may be beneficial for the grown-ups of the family to help boost immune defences. If you struggle with recurrent colds or just can’t seem to shake the last of your symptoms, these medicinal mushrooms are found in Immune Fighter.
Ethical Nutrients have a unique range of vitamins that support the immune system, suitable for the whole family. Products you can take ongoing as part of a daily immune-supporting routine, products to take when you’ve fallen sick and feel run down, to reduce symptoms and assist with recovery and chewable formats that are suitable for kids to provide daily support for their immune system through winter and beyond.
References
1. Carr A et al, 2017, ‘Vitamin C and immune function’, Nutrients, vol 9, no 11
2. Higdon J, 2018, Vitamin C, Linus Pauling Institute, viewed 7 January 2023, <https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C>
3. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2022, ‘Viral Illnesses’, viewed 7 January 2023, <www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/viral_illnesses>
4. Shankar A, et al, 1998, ‘Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection’, Am J Clin Nutr, vol 68, no 2, pp447-463
5. Aranow C, 2011, ‘Vitamin D and the immune system’, J Investig M, vol 59, no 6, pp881-886
6. Healthdirect, 2022, Vitamin D deficiency, viewed 7 January 2023, <https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-d-deficiency>
7. Bone K, 2003, A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs, Elsevier Science, USA
