Best supplements to boost your immune system: Zinc, elderberry and vitamin D
If you’d like to strengthen your immune response to viruses, bacteria and anything else lurking…
If you’d like to strengthen your immune response to viruses, bacteria and anything else lurking out there, it’s time to invest in some supplements. But, which ones?
Researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine in Michigan looked into the role of zinc.
They noted how zinc is “essential for multiple cellular functions including immunity”.
Looking into scientific reviews, zinc supplementation has been observed to help people suffering from pneumonia, acute respiratory tract infections and the common cold.
“Zinc supplementation was effective in decreasing incidences of infections in the elderly,” the researchers added.
They explained zinc was “effective in decreasing oxidative stress and generation of inflammatory cytokines”.
The Institute of Immunology, in Germany, noted how up to 30 percent of adults are deficient in this mineral.
This could possibly put someone at higher risk of catching a cold. Already got one? Zinc could still help.
READ MORE: The natural supplement proven to reduce the risk of serious coronavirus complications
The Franklin Institute of Wellness, in America, conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the effects of elderberry supplementation.
They analysed data from 180 participants, whereby elderberry supplementation was found to “substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms”.
The researchers noted: “These findings present a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for cases of the common cold and influenza.”
Elderberry supplements are available to purchase in capsule or liquid form.
As with the other supplements, vitamin D is thought to decrease a person’s risk of respiratory infections, as well as shortening any you may have.
The NHS recommends everybody to take a vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter.
This is because the sun isn’t strong enough for the body to produce it naturally at this time of year.
In addition, the national health body stated “it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone”.
