Natural Supplements to Support the Immune System

The immune system involves many different cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body from foreign bodies, infections, and other diseases. However, the immune system can only function at its best when sufficient nutrients are available.

There are many different types of natural supplements and herbal supplements said to help the body strengthen its ability to fight off disease. Dietary supplements involve a concentrated form of various types of nutrients and are aimed at increasing the level of nutrients the body absorbs. They can include vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, amino acids, and enzymes.

Vitamins and Minerals

Four vitamins that are important when it comes to supporting the immune system are vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and the B complex vitamins.

Vitamin C

A lack of vitamin C in the diet is thought to make a person more prone to illness. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but, according to Oregon State University, there is not enough clinical research evidence to show that vitamin C can boost the immune system in the prevention of conditions such as the common cold. However, the study found that during extremely stressful situations (such as for those running a marathon) vitamin C supplementation resulted in a lower incidence of upper respiratory infections.

Caution should be used when taking daily vitamin C supplements. The body can only absorb so much vitamin C at one time. High dosages of vitamin C taken by mouth can result in side effects such as diarrhea and upset stomach, as well as potentially interfering with normal glucometer (instruments commonly used to measure blood sugar in those who are diabetic) blood sugar readings.

Unless a doctor, knowledgeable in the safe use of herbs and supplements gives a recommendation (such as when a person is vitamin C deficient), it may be better to get your daily levels of vitamin C from food sources such as kiwi fruit, citrus fruit, strawberries, red bell peppers, and more.

Note, if vitamin C supplements are taken, it is best to space it out during the day, instead of taking the entire daily dose all at once.

Vitamin B

Human studies have discovered that vitamin B6 levels impact the immune response. In fact, the body requires B vitamins to make immune cells. There are several members of the B complex vitamins required to promote disease prevention by boosting the immune system, including pyroxidine (B6) thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and more. These B vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy immune systems.

Foods should be the primary source of B vitamins but various factors could lead to a deficiency in vitamin B; these include lack of a varied diet (including food sources rich in B vitamins), taking certain medications and more. Unless a person has a vitamin B deficiency, supplements may not be necessary.