How to Choose Immunity Supplements

There are various supplements to boost the immune system. This article lists down a few of the popular ones.  We take a deeper look on how particular supplements are able to boost the body’s immunity against infections.

1. Probiotics ^1,2,3

• Probiotics are friendly bacteria that can improve gut health. It maintains a healthy gut flora, thereby able to strengthen the immune system.
• A high amount of probiotics (“CFU” or colony forming units) may not be the best way to identify a good probiotic supplement as it is the bacteria strain which determines its effectiveness.
• Friendly bacteria strains that are known to boost the immune system are the following:
  
  

  i. Bifidobacterium breve

  ii. B. bifidum

  iii. B. longum

  iv. B. lactis

  v. Lactobacillus acidophilus

  vi. L. reuteri

  vii. L. rhamnosus

• Choosing a probiotic supplement with prebiotics may be helpful. Prebiotics are soluble fibers that can complement probiotics to allow them to thrive in the body.

2. Black Elderberry ^4,5

Black elderberry has been used traditionally as a herb to boost the immune system

• Research has shown it can boost the immune system function by increasing production of immunity cells (cytokines and TNF-alpha) that can kill bacteria and viruses.
• It also contains flavonoids which are high in antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids acts against oxidative stress that may lead to cell damage.
• Black elderberry extract has been scientifically supported by strong clinical studies – one study showed it was able to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by 3 days.

3. Vitamin C ⁶

• Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, it is also known as ascorbic acid. It is well known to boost the immune system.
• Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that acts against oxidative stress that may lead to cell damage.
• It supports the cell wall, therefore maintaining a barrier against harmful bacteria. It also enhances the ability of white blood cells (i.e. neutrophils) to fight against harmful microorganisms.
• Adequate intakes of vitamin C can reduce incidences of respiratory tract infections.

4. Multivitamins ⁷

• Good nutrition is essential for a strong immune system.
• Whereas a lack of certain nutrients will reduce the immune response.
• The following nutrients are known to contribute to the immune system function.
• If you are looking for a multivitamin that can specifically boost your immune system, make sure it contains the following: i. Vitamin A ii. Vitamin D iii. Vitamin E iv. Vitamin B6 v. Vitamin C vi. Zinc vii. Selenium viii. Carotenoids ix. Flavonoids

5. Honey ⁸

• Honey has been a highly valued natural food product since ancient times. Modern research has shown honey to have many health benefits, such as boosting the immune system.
• Honey is found have anti-inflammatory properties as it is able to trigger a production of immune cells such as neutrophils, T cells, B cells and cytokines.
• Honey also possesses antioxidant properties. This is due to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols and Vitamin C which are found in honey.
• Studies have shown that Manuka honey has antimicrobial activity as it can prevent the growth of bacteria such as E.Coli and S.aureus.

6. Echinacea ⁹

• Echinacea is a herb that is native to North America. It is now widely popular used as a homeopathic preparation around the world. It is especially popular in Germany.
• Echinacea has been shown to stimulate production of immune cells.
• Studies have suggested that Echinacea supplement may be useful for treatment of respiratory infections such as colds and flu as it improved symptoms of sore throat, cough and runny nose.
• Studies have shown that people who took Echinacea recovered faster from the flu.