Immune system supplements are vital to those with poor diets highly inadequate in providing vitamins known to bolster immunity
The immune system has two basic goals. The first is to protect the body from foreign invaders such as environmental toxins, bacteria, and — as we’re seeing with the coronavirus — the latest circulating bug or virus,
Its second function is to provide protection internally. When the immune system works as it should, it’s better able to protect the body against the development of chronic health issues like cancer and other inflammatory medical conditions.
Research has taught us that untamed stress, elevated age, and an unclean living environment can all weaken immunity. A new study also reveals that, for many Americans, poor immune system function is likely linked to inadequate intake of the many vitamins and immune system supplements known to bolster this bodily system.
Nutrient deficiency and immune system function
This study was published June 10, 2020 in the journal Nutrients and represents data collected from 26,282 adult Americans. This information was compiled via several years’ worth of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which are given annually to assess the nutritional status of kids and adults in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that what makes these surveys different than many others is that they involve conducting both interviews and physical exams. This provides data based on both personal recollection and feelings, as well as physical measurements which include taking blood, dental screenings, and, in some years, a visual exam.
After reviewing the data collected from surveys conducted between 2005-16, researchers learned that American’s may have poorer immune system function because, overall, their diet is highly inadequate in providing four of the five vitamins known to bolster immunity.
Americans deficient in four of five immune system supplements
The immunity-supporting nutrient that is most deficient in Americans is vitamin D. Roughly 95% of the population has inadequate intake of this vitamin according to this recent study. Vitamin D is known to boost both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Past research has connected its deficiency with a greater risk of autoimmunity issues while also increasing the body’s susceptibility to infection.
The second-most deficient nutrient related to immune system function was vitamin E at 84% of the population. Vitamin E is thought to provide the human body greater resistance to infection. Adequate vitamin E intake also helps counteract the body’s natural tendency to decrease the production of immune cells that often occurs with age.
Another nutrient that the survey found to be deficient in a large portion of Americans is vitamin C. Approximately 46% of the population doesn’t get enough of this antioxidant which supports immune cell function. Vitamin C has been recommended for decades as a way to protect against the common cold. Current trials also strive to reveal whether it can help reduce symptoms for potentially dangerous viral infections like COVID-19.
Researchers further report that the fourth deficiency that is likely contributing to poor immunity in Americans is vitamin A. Forty-five percent of the population is deficient in this vitamin according to these surveys. Known more-so for its effect on vision and proper growth and development, vitamin A is also an anti-inflammatory. In this role, it helps enhance immune function.
Helping patients resolve deficiency issues
One way to help patients bolster their immunity so they’re less susceptible to internal and external invaders is to decrease these nutritional gaps of immune system supplements. Recommending that they take a blood test will help reveal the nutrients that exist in their bodies in inadequate dosages.
Oftentimes, making simple dietary changes can go a long way to helping resolve existing deficiencies. Food sources rich in these vitamins and minerals include:
- Vitamin D – milk, cheese, salmon, egg yolks, liver, and mushrooms
- Vitamin E – nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil, and fortified cereal
- Vitamin C – broccoli, peppers, potatoes, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, and squash
- Vitamin A – orange veggies and fruit, eggs, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and fortified milk
Adding these food items to their diet can help patients boost their immunity naturally. Another option is to recommend that they start an immune system supplements regimen to better support proper immune system function. Supplements are an effective way to increase nutrient intake when the diet doesn’t provide adequate amounts.
The National Institutes of Health reports that the recommended dietary allowances and adequate intakes for these vitamins in adults are:
- Vitamin D – 15 micrograms per day (which equates to 400-800 IU per day)
- Vitamin E – 15 milligrams per day
- Vitamin C – 90 milligrams per day for males, 75 milligrams per day for females
- Vitamin A – 900 micrograms per day for males, 700 micrograms per day for females
Resolving deficiencies of these key vitamins is a good first step toward bolstering immunity. While it may not prevent every cold or illness, as long as these nutrients are taken in the appropriate amounts, they also can’t hurt. Even if it just lessens the duration or severity of the illness, it is well worth the effort.