by Windfall Natural on Turnham Green Terrace

Easy science-based guide:
Essential vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system
by Windfall Natural

If you want to understand which vitamins and supplements might help boost your immune system, start with this easy science-based guide.

A healthy immune system is our first line of defence against infections and illness.
Good nutrition is essential for optimal immune function, and picking up a few supplements may be a good strategy to complement your diet.

Remember your nutritional needs are unique: they depend, among others, on your age, sex, diet, lifestyle, and underlying conditions. Please consult your physician if you need medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are also always welcome to drop by and chat with our nutritional therapists to find the product that can best suit your needs .

Start here: vitamins C, D and Zinc.

There is an abundance of scientific literature providing evidence that vitamins C, D, and zinc, among others, have an important role in maintaining immune function. (*1)

Vitamin C is probably one of the most essential nutrients for humans and required in the diet on a regular basis as we are one of few species that don’t synthesise it. (*2) A potent antioxidant, Vitamin C protects our body during periods of mental, physical, and oxidative stress. (*3)

As it comes to vitamin D, a host of recent studies show how essential this micronutrient is to combat infection, especially upper respiratory tract infections. (*4)

The majority of vitamin D is synthesised in the skin after being exposed to sunlight, and although you can get this vitamin from (mostly animal) food sources, you might still want to supplement during the Winter months.

Finally, not only is zinc essential in supporting pregnancy, but high levels of this mineral are also linked with a lower chance of contracting pneumonia and other infections. (*5) Reinforcing your zinc intake might be a smart strategy to help your body fight viruses.

Vegans and vegetarians

If you are vegan or vegetarian, pay particular attention to the vitamins and minerals that are usually consumed from animal sources. Support your immune system by making sure you are consuming enough zinc, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12.

Children’s health

It might be a struggle to get children to consume the variety of foods necessary for a strong immune system. Luckily, we can find high-quality supplements designed especially for their needs, containing the optimal dosages of vitamin C, D, zinc, and also vitamin A , another micronutrient essential for children’s growth and ability to fight infection. (*6)

Quality is Key

Last but not least, not all supplements are created equal, and formulation is often as important as dosage. We strongly recommend getting professional advice to identify the best clinical formulas on the market.

About Windfall Natural

This article was put together by Windfall Natural’s team of qualified nutritional therapists. Steeped in knowledge and fueled by passion, Windfall Natural has been bringing natural supplements and nutritious foods to the Chiswick community since 1997. Since January, it is now also on 92 Northcote Rd, in Battersea.

They are proud to be supporting their communities during the current situation and are open (see store hours below). If you want to stock up on natural supplements and nutritious whole foods, their fully qualified nutritional therapists are available to advise you in-store or on the phone.

Chiswick: 1-3 Turnham Green Terrace W41 RG. Mon-Sat 9:30-5pm, Sun 11-4pm
Tel: 020 8742 1640

Battersea: 92 Northcote Rd, SW113YJ. Mon-Sat 9:30-5pm, Sun 11-5pm
Tel: 020 3643 0086

* Sources

1 Maggini, S., Wintergerst, E.S., Beveridge, S., and Hornig, D.H. (2007). Selected vitamins and trace elements
support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. British
Journal of Nutrition . 98(1).
2 Braunwald E et al (ed) Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. NY McGraw Hill, 2003
3 Hemila H. Vitamin C and common cold incidence a review of studies with subject under heavy physical stress,
Int J Sport Med. 1996; 17:379-83.
4 Aranow, C. (2011). Vitamin D and the Immune System. J Investig Med. 59(6): 881-886.
5 National Institutes of Health (2019). Zinc. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
6 World Health Organisation, Nutrition for Health and Development ; A global agenda for combating malnutrition.
Geneva, 2000.
Disclaimer: Windfall Natural does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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March 22, 2020