Immune support supplements – do they really work? (1)

Looking for immune system vitamins?

As they do, many are in search of vitamins or supplements to boost their immune system. Although supplements can’t technically “boost” your immune system, they can support it.

The role of supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in ensuring that our bodies are able to function at their highest potential. In fact, our bodies use more than 45 different vitamins and minerals each day. That’s why many people include multivitamins or supplements as part of their daily nutrition regimen.

The best way for your body to get all the nutrients it needs is through a healthy, balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables and whole foods, including lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates and the good kinds of fat.

That’s the ideal, but in reality few of us actually achieve it. Research^* shows that more than 90% of people fail to reach the daily recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables. In fact, studies show that local people consume only half of the recommended five servings a day of fruits and vegetables as advised by the World Health Organization. Supplements can help fill the nutrient gaps that occur when your food choices are driven more by time constraints and convenience rather than making sure you get your greens. And some of those supplements can also help support your immune system.

Immune system – your body’s defense mechanism

The immune system is our natural defense mechanism against environmental factors. It’s made up of a network of cells, molecules, tissues and organs that work together for the benefit of your health.

It includes physical barriers like your skin or your saliva and tears that wash intruders away. It also includes white blood cells and other internal mechanisms that jump into action to support your health when needed.

And something that may be surprising, it also includes your gut. A whopping 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, which is also home to trillions of tiny good and bad bacteria. That’s called your microbiome.