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Whether you're fighting an infection or have a cold, adding some immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and NAC (n-acetylcysteine) to your daily diet can be incredibly beneficial. In fact, certain vitamins, minerals, and supplements have been shown to fine-tune immune function, improve antibody production, and reduce inflammation so your immune system is optimal.
Below, we'll cover some of the best immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients like NAC and prebiotics, and how they can benefit your health.
Here you will also find our food supplements that support a healthy immune system. Dietary supplement with ingredients that boost your immune system!
Our popular dietary supplement for the immune system COLLAGEN - IMMUNE SUPPORT WITH NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is a mixture with collagen, NAC, selenium, vitamin D, cobalamin (B12), vitamin C, zinc, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid (B9) - which contributes to an optimal immune system and better health.
Yes, by supplying the body with a dietary supplement with collagen, NAC, selenium, vitamin D, cobalamin (B12), vitamin C, zinc, pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), prebiotics and L-glutamine, you can optimize your immune system .
COLLAGEN - IMMUNE SUPPORT WITH NAC is the best food supplement with collagen for an optimal immune system.
COLLAGEN - IMMUNE SUPPORT WITH NAC (N-acetylcysteine) - food supplement for a strong immune system contributes together with selenium, vitamin D, cobalamin (B12), vitamin C, zinc, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid (B9) - to an optimal immune system and better health.
Is a dietary supplement with NAC good for strengthening the immune system?
NAC has the ability to increase levels of glutathione, which in turn can improve the immune system. NAC and glutathione support immune health. Research on certain diseases associated with NAC and glutathione deficiency suggests that a dietary supplement with NAC can improve, and potentially restore, the immune system.
A dietary supplement with NAC improves the immune system, with an almost complete restoration of natural killer cells. In the case of influenza, NAC can inhibit the virus's ability to replicate. This can potentially reduce the symptoms and duration of the disease. Similarly, other studies have linked NAC to cancer cell death and blocked cancer cell replication.
NAC is needed for the body to make the powerful antioxidant glutathione. NAC is primarily valued for its role in the production of antioxidants. Along with two other amino acids - glutamine and glycine - NAC is necessary to make glutathione and replenish glutathione.
Glutathione is one of the body's most important antioxidants - compounds that help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body.
It is important for the immune system and for fighting cell damage. Some researchers believe it may even contribute to increased longevity.
Its antioxidant properties are beneficial in many other diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as heart disease, infertility and certain mental conditions. You can buy an immune system supplement that contains NAC here.
NAC is valued primarily for its role in the production of antioxidants.
Along with two other amino acids - glutamine and glycine - NAC is necessary to manufacture and replenish glutathione.
Glutathione is one of the body's most important antioxidants (compounds that help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in your body).
It is important for the immune system and for fighting cell damage. Its antioxidant properties are beneficial for many other ailments caused by oxidative stress, such as heart disease, infertility and certain mental health conditions.
Other benefits of NAC:
Prebiotics are food for probiotics - the good bacteria - which in turn contribute to an optimal immune system.
Prebiotics are long carbohydrates that reach the colon in intact form and can improve the survival of probiotic bacteria in both food and in the gut, which in turn improves the effect of the probiotic bacteria in the gut environment - which has positive effects on the immune system.
The dietary supplement COLLAGEN - PREBIOTICS + L-GLUTAMINE contains prebiotics, together with collagen and L-glutamine. Ingredients that boost intestinal and stomach health. A healthy stomach and intestines means a strong immune system. The intestinal flora, which is also called microbiota, consists of trillions of bacteria of a thousand different species that together weigh around two kilograms. Their role is multifaceted. Together with the lining of the stomach, they act as a protective barrier between the intestinal tract and the bloodstream, thus preventing harmful organisms from passing through.
The intestinal flora can end up out of balance during, for example, long-term stress or after a course of antibiotics. Diet also affects the bacteria in the gut - too much processed food depletes the intestinal flora. At the same time, good nutrition can stimulate the bacteria's protective and building function.
Vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system and a dietary supplement with vitamin C can strengthen the immune system.
First, vitamin C helps support the production of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection.
Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells work more efficiently while protecting them from damage from free radicals, among other things.
Third, vitamin C is an important part of the skin's defense system. It is actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin's barriers.
Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C can shorten the time for wound healing.
In addition, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes.
For example, people who have pneumonia have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten recovery time.
Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and improves immunity. Studies have shown that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with improved immune response.
The most common symptoms of selenium deficiency are the following:
Your immune system keeps your body healthy by identifying and fighting potential threats. These include bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and improves immunity. Studies have shown that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with improved immune response.
On the other hand, deficiency has been shown to damage immune cell function and can lead to a slower immune response.
Studies have also associated deficiency with an increased risk of death and disease progression in people with HIV, while supplementation has been shown to lead to fewer hospital admissions and an improvement in symptoms for these patients.
In addition, selenium supplements can help strengthen the immune system in people with influenza, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C.
Vitamin B12 is an integral part of the production of red blood cells, ensuring that the immune system receives the oxygen it needs. Because of this, a B12 deficiency can interrupt the complicated processes involved in immunity, weakening your body's defense system against disease.
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause anemia. If you have anemia (lack of blood) caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have the following symptoms, such as:
Some of these symptoms may also occur in people who are deficient in vitamin B12 but who have not developed anemia.
The best minerals for the immune system are zinc and selenium. Iron is also an important mineral for an optimal immune system.
Often considered to be one of the most effective immune-enhancing substances, zinc is essential for maintaining health. Research shows that zinc helps regulate the immune response and is necessary for the survival, proliferation and maturation of immune cells.
Clinical studies have also shown that getting enough zinc in your daily diet can reduce the incidence and improve the outcome of serious conditions such as pneumonia and malaria.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 7–9 mg for women and men respectively
One tablespoon of pumpkin seeds (10 g) contains 0.85 mg of zinc
You will find zinc in our food supplement COLLAGEN - IMMUNE SUPPORT WITH NAC (N-acetylcysteine), together with other immune-boosting ingredients such as vitamin D, cobalamin (B12), vitamin C, selenium, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid (B9).
Although iron is best known for its role in red blood cell production and oxygen transport, iron is also considered one of the best immune boosters.
Studies show that iron deficiency anemia can impair the body's immune system, potentially increasing the risk of disease and infection. Women, infants, children and those following a vegan or vegetarian diet may be at increased risk of iron deficiency.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 9 – 15 mg for women and men respectively
A square of dark 70% chocolate (10 g) contains 1.5 mg of iron!
Selenium is a powerful micronutrient that acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce cell damage. In addition to initiating immunity, studies show that selenium may also be involved in regulating an exaggerated immune response to prevent widespread inflammation.
A review in The Lancet also noted that low selenium intake may be associated with several adverse health effects, including poor immune function, cognitive downregulation, and increased risk of mortality.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 50 – 60 micrograms for women and men respectively
5 brazil nuts (25 g) contain 56 micrograms of selenium
You will find selenium in our food supplement COLLAGEN - IMMUNE SUPPORT WITH NAC (N-acetylcysteine), together with other immune-boosting ingredients such as vitamin D, cobalamin (B12), vitamin C, zinc, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid (B9).
Other benefits of selenium:
Yes, there are some vitamins that can boost the immune system and these are, for example, vitamin C, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin B6.
Vitamin C plays a central role in immune function and is often used to support the body's defenses against infection. A 2006 study in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism found that getting enough vitamin C in the diet can help reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory infections.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 75 mg for adults
A medium-sized (125 g) yellow pepper contains a whopping 205 mg of vitamin C!
Promising research suggests that vitamin B6 may help boost the immune system to fight off unknown invaders in the body. According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, administering vitamin B6 to critically ill patients could significantly improve their immune response over a two-week period.
Meanwhile, other studies show that a lack of this essential vitamin can reduce the production of important antibodies involved in the immune system.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 1.2 – 1.6 mg for women and men respectively
A large chicken fillet (200 g) contains 1.8 mg of vitamin B6
Possible signs and symptoms of B6 deficiency include skin rash, cracked lips, a shiny tongue, mood changes, weakened immune system, fatigue, nerve pain, seizures, and elevated homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for several functions. It is important for protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must get it from food or supplements.
Approved health claims for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):
Other health benefits of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):
Vitamin D is an important micronutrient involved in many aspects of health and is also one of the best immune-boosting vitamins. Not only is vitamin D3 integral to the function of immune cells in the body, but a deficiency in this important micronutrient can actually increase the risk of infection.
There are several forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that is formed in our own skin when we stay in the sun and is also found in, for example, fish, meat and eggs, as well as foods enriched with vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is found in mushrooms, such as porcini mushrooms and chanterelles, as well as foods fortified with vitamin D2. The bioactivity is slightly lower for vitamin D2 than for vitamin D3.
In order to get enough vitamin D, the Swedish Food Agency recommends that certain groups take dietary supplements with vitamin D. This applies to all children under the age of 2 and all adults over the age of 75. This also applies to anyone who does not eat fish or vitamin D-enriched food and anyone who is not exposed to sunlight in the summer. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are covered by the advice if they belong to one of these groups.
Recommended intake per day in Sweden: 10 micrograms for both sexes between the ages of 2-75 who spend time in the sun, and 20 micrograms for those who spend little or no time in the sun.
A piece of salmon (125 g) contains about 13 micrograms of vitamin D
Did you know that: During the summer months, solar radiation on the skin is the most important source. To form vitamin D corresponding to a daily intake of 5-10 micrograms from food, it is enough in June and July to be outside in linen for up to 15 minutes, 2-3 times a week. The vitamin is stored in the body and what has been formed by the sun can cover part of the need during the winter months.
Vitamin D is one of the most talked about supplements in the health industry. It is estimated that over 40 percent of the population is deficient in vitamin D, which plays a central role in everything from regulating mood to modulating immune cells in the body. The vitamin is also one of the few nutrients that many find it difficult to get through food, which makes a dietary supplement necessary in many cases.
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in bone health, the immune system, cell growth, and more. It is one of the few nutrients that your body can produce on its own through skin cells, in response to sun exposure. Vitamin D3 is also available through the diet and as a dietary supplement.
Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is common, and certain groups are at a higher risk of deficiency. In particular, older adults, those who spend little time in the sun (limited sun exposure), people who are overweight or people with dark skin – are at greater risk of being deficient in this important vitamin.
Vitamin D exists in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is mainly found in animal foods, such as fish, liver, eggs and cod liver oil. Vitamin D3 in food supplements can come both from animals (usually from sheep's wool) or from vegetables, such as e.g. lichen or algae. Vitamin D2 occurs mostly in mushrooms, as well as foods enriched with vitamin D2, as well as in food supplements.
The main difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 actually lies in the way they are metabolized in the body. A study published in the "Journal of endocrinology and metabolism" found that vitamin D3 increased vitamin D levels in the blood twice as effectively as vitamin D2.
For this reason, a dietary supplement with vitamin D3 is recommended, as it optimizes absorption in the body and provides the most value for money. A dietary supplement with vitamin D3 is also an effective way to increase calcium absorption in the body and promote bone health, to name a few benefits.
Weight management is one of the most popular reasons for taking a vitamin D supplement. Interestingly, studies showed that vitamin D levels tended to be lower in people with a higher amount of body fat.
Some research also suggests that a dietary supplement with vitamin D can support weight loss and increase fat burning. For example, a study conducted by "The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at Laval University in Canada" showed that a dietary supplement with calcium and vitamin D increased weight loss and fat burning compared to a control group.
Vitamin D is absolutely essential when it comes to bone health. In fact, rickets is one of the most serious symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children. Rickets is a condition characterized by a soft and misshapen skeleton. One of the ways vitamin D increases bone strength is by promoting the absorption of calcium, which is a mineral. The vitamin is also involved in the metabolism of phosphorus, which is another important mineral, which is important for the skeleton.
One of the most impressive benefits of vitamin D is its ability to boost immunity and protect against infection. A lack of this important nutrient can lead to slow wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Vitamin D is also integral to the function of immune cells in the body. Another study also showed that lower levels of serum vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections, which also shows how crucial this vitamin is for immunity.
Some research shows that vitamin D can be beneficial in increasing mental health and brain capacity. Studies have shown that vitamin D status can potentially be linked to depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Another study conducted by the "Washington University School of Medicine" found that low levels of vitamin D were associated with poor mood and impaired cognitive performance in older adults.
Although research is still limited on exactly how vitamin D may affect cancer growth in humans, in vitro research suggests that it may affect several aspects of cancer development, including tumor growth and cell death. Other studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer), ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, and stomach cancer. However, further research is still needed to determine whether other factors may also be involved, besides vitamin D levels.
Sun exposure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to meet the need for vitamin D. For most people, 5-30 minutes of sun exposure, twice a week, is enough to meet the need for vitamin D. But for others, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, especially during the winter or if you live in certain geographic areas. Older adults and those with dark skin also cannot synthesize (make) vitamin D in the skin as efficiently and may therefore need to include other sources of vitamin D in the diet to meet the need for the vitamin.
In addition to including a lot of vitamin D from food, a dietary supplement with vitamin D can be very good. Choose a dietary supplement with the vitamin D3 form, as it is more efficiently absorbed into the blood than a dietary supplement with the vitamin D2 form.
Dietary supplements with vitamin D3 are a quick and convenient way to meet vitamin D needs, especially if you have an increased risk of deficiency. If you choose to purchase a supplement with the vitamin, be sure to choose vitamin D3 over vitamin D2 to maximize absorption and get the most bang for your buck. You should also take vitamin D with a meal, as the vitamin needs fat to be absorbed into the body.
You may be wondering how much vitamin D you should take every day? Currently, the daily recommended intake for vitamin D is as follows:
However, some believe that the recommended intake of vitamin D should be even higher, and supplements often contain doses of up to 5,000 IU (125 micrograms) per day. Therefore, it is safest to do a blood test to keep track of your vitamin D levels, so that you neither have a deficiency nor overdose your intake of this important vitamin. You can easily take a blood test at BLODKOLLEN.
Can you overdose on vitamin D? And what happens if you take too much vitamin D? Although the upper limit for vitamin D is currently set at 4,000 IU (100 micrograms) per day, researchers believe that doses of up to 10,000 IU (250 micrograms) per day can be taken without symptoms of toxicity.
However, it is important not to take excessive amounts of vitamin D. Some of the potential side effects of vitamin D include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and confusion. If you notice any negative side effects after starting a dietary supplement with vitamin D, stop using it and test your levels of vitamin D in the blood, at BLODKOLLEN.
Finally and again, be sure to monitor your vitamin D levels before and while taking a vitamin D supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Vitamin D can worsen symptoms caused by problems such as kidney disease and hyperparathyroidism (abnormal activity of the parathyroid glands), as it increases calcium absorption in the body.
AUTHORIZED HEALTH CLAIMS FOR VITAMIN D UNDER EU LEGISLATION:
Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/use of calcium and phosphorus
Vitamin D contributes to normal calcium levels in the blood
Vitamin D contributes to maintaining normal bone structure
Vitamin D contributes to maintaining normal muscle function
Vitamin D contributes to maintaining normal teeth
Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division
