Supplements for Immune Support

by | Nov 12, 2015 | Immune System, Natural Remedies, Naturopathic Health

Your immune system takes a beating every day. Because of this, you need to supply your immune system with specific nutrients on a daily basis, including vitamin A, vitamin C, B12, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and zinc, to keep it functioning well.

In addition, several herbal compounds have been found to be very useful to keep the immune system running strong. These include medicinal mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to support immunity and recent clinical studies reveal their bioactive potential and health-promoting properties. Specifically, the beta-glucans bound to amino acids are bioactive molecules that support immune function. Research further shows that mushrooms provide exceptional nutritional efficacy in supporting a healthy immune system.

We often use a product called Immune Support that combines all of the ingredients above into a comprehensive, synergistic formula to support optimal immune health. We often combine that product with Immunity Pro, which contains a highly purified form of beta-glucan, which research shows supports both innate and adaptive immune function. According to a clinical study, older adults (50-70 years old) taking Wellmune reported a 16% decrease in total upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptom days.

References

  1. Maggini, S., Wintergerst, E. S., Beveridge, S., & 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(S1), S29-S35.
  2. Feldman, S., Schwartz, H. I., Kalman, D. S., Mayers, A., Kohrman, H. M., Clemens, R. (2009). Randomized phase II clinical trials of wellmune WGP[R] for immune support during cold and flu season. Journal of Applied Research, 9(1-2).
  3. Maggini, S., Beveridge, S., & Suter, M. (2012). A combination of high-dose vitamin C plus zinc for the common cold. The Journal of International Medical Research, 40, 28-42.
  4. Prietl, B., Treiber, G., Pieber, T. R., & Amrein, K. (2013). Vitamin D and immune function. Nutrients, 5, 2502-2521.
  5. Eliaz, I. (2010). The healing power of medicinal mushrooms: Immune support for cancer, colds and lifelong health. Santa Rosa, CA: Better Health Publishing.
  6. Reis, F. S., Martins, A., Vasconcelos, M. H., Morales, P., Ferreira, C. F. R. (2017). Functional foods based on extracts or compounds derived from mushrooms. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 66, 48-62.
  7. Rathora, H., Prasad, S., & Sharma, S. (2017). Mushroom nutraceuticals for improved nutrition and better human health: A review. PharmaNutrition, 5(2), 35-46.
  8. Meschino, J. P. (2002). Reishi mushroom extract and immune support. Dynamic Chiropractic, 20(12).
  9. Thakur, M. P., & Singh, H. K. (2013). Mushrooms, their bioactive compounds and medicinal uses: A review. International Journal of Phytomedicines and related industries, 5(1), 1-20.