Top Three Supplements for Immune Health in 2022
Dr. Rob Silverman, DC, MS, CNS, CCN, CSCS, CKTP, CES, CIISN, DACBN, DCBCN, HKC, FAKTR
Today, more than ever, the need to keep your immune system strong is even more critical. Here are three supplements that stand out for their effectiveness in providing a robust immunity.
Astaxanthin
Top of the list is astaxanthin, a red carotenoid that is a powerful antioxidant. Made from the freshwater algae Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin has been shown to stimulate white blood cells (the primary protective cells of the immune system). Astaxanthin’s strong antioxidant effect also protects you from the damaging free radicals released during the immune response. In fact, for antioxidant protection, astaxanthin is 600 times more potent than vitamin C, 550 times more potent than green tea, and 100 times more potent than vitamin E.
Quality counts when it comes to astaxanthin. BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin delivers maximum potency because it’s made from microalgae grown under natural sunlight in outdoor ponds. The extraction process uses no solvents to maintain superior antioxidant power.
Vitamin D
Within your body, Vitamin D plays many roles. Within your immune system, it’s an essential nutrient for modulating the immune response and reducing your susceptibility to infection. Supplementing with vitamin D, especially during cold and flu season, can reduce the risk of infection. If you get sick, healthy vitamin D levels can attenuate the severity and enable you to recover faster.
Zinc
The mineral zinc is essential for immune cells' growth and normal functioning, particularly as you age. Zinc is an antioxidant and is needed for the activity of over 300 enzymes. Zinc provides a plethora of anti-inflammatory properties, and if you take it when you are sick, it helps speed your recovery time.
Remember, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and moderate daily exercise are essential for optimizing your immune system! As Jim Rohn said, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live”.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Contact your healthcare provider prior to beginning any new exercise or diet plan.
Dr. Silverman is a member of Nutrex Hawaii's Scientific Advisory Board.
References
1 Lin, Kuan-Hung et al. “Astaxanthin, a Carotenoid, Stimulates Immune Responses by Enhancing IFN-γ and IL-2 Secretion in Primary Cultured Lymphocytes in Vitro and ex Vivo.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 17,1 44. 29 Dec. 2015.
2 Fakhri, Sajad et al. “Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits.” Pharmacological research vol. 136 (2018): 1-20. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2018.08.012
3 Jolliffe, David A et al. “Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data from randomized controlled trials.” The Lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 9,5 (2021): 276-292.
4 Singh, Meenu, and Rashmi R Das. “Zinc for the common cold.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 6 CD001364. 18 June 2013.
