Top Two Nutrients that Support Your Healthy Immune System†

Sponsored by Nature Made*By: Nature Made

During the fall and winter months, it seems like our immune systems need extra support to help sustain our overall health and wellbeing. While there are several ways to help ensure a well-functioning immune system, making sure that we provide our bodies with nutrients that support immune system health is also really important.† Read about each nutrient to discover two nutrients that provide immune system support, the nutrient's role in your immune system, and the foods and/or supplements that deliver these nutrients.†

Vitamin D: This essential fat-soluble vitamin, studied primarily for its role in bone health, has also been studied extensively for its importance in immune system health.† Vitamin D receptors are located in almost all immune system cells, where Vitamin D regulates and enhances the immune response and is involved in immune cell function.[1] Vitamin D is found in only a few foods, including fatty fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks, and vitamin-D fortified milk. Sunlight is also a source of vitamin D, however many people do not meet the minimum requirement of sun exposure (without sunscreen) of 5-30 minutes a day/two times a week.[2]

Some people have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, including those with darker skin pigmentation, the elderly, obese individuals, and those living in areas with limited sunlight.[3] Consequently, national surveys show that 96% of Americans are not consuming enough vitamin D from their diet[4] and approximately 1/3 of the US population, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, are suffering from either insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D.[5]  Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine your vitamin D status.  A vitamin D supplement is an inexpensive, safe and effective way to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of this important nutrient.† Try Nature Made® Vitamin D3 5000 IU UltraStrength (125 mcg) Softgels.

Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin delivers antioxidant activity and helps to support immune cells against oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause harm to cells.†[6] Vitamin C further supports the immune system in its important roles in white blood cell production and function as well as other immune system cells.†[6] Good food sources of vitamin C include:

• Oranges

• Grapefruit

• Strawberries

• Tomatoes

• Sweet red peppers

• Broccoli

Many Americans are not consuming enough vitamin C through their diet alone (about 46%),[4] making it a common nutrient gap in the U.S. If you do not consume the fruits and vegetables above, consider Nature Made® Chewable Vitamin C 500 mg to help meet your daily vitamin C nutrient needs.

Explore Nature Made® products to help support your immune system here.

1. Edfeldt K, Liu PT, Chun R, et al. T-cell cytokines differentially control human monocyte antimicrobial responses by regulating vitamin D metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A. 2010;107(52):22593-22598

2. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency, N Engl J Med. 2007;357(3):266-281

3. Balk SJ. Council on Environmental Health, Section on Dermatology. Ultraviolet radiation: a hazard to children and adolescents. Pediatric. 2011;127(3):e791-817

4. Blumberg, J.B., et al. "Impact of Frequency of Multi-Vitamin/Multi-Mineral Supplement Intake on Nutritional Adequacy and Nutrient Deficiencies in U.S. Adults." Nutrients 9.8 (2017)

5. Looker AC, Johnson CL, Lacher DA, et al. Vitamin D status: United States, 2001-2006. NCHS Data Brief. 2011 (59):1-8

6. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab 2006:50(2):85-94

*Learn about Nature Made here. † These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.