The body’s immune system naturally fights infections and to do so effectively, it needs nutrients like vitamins C, D, E and zinc. With hectic modern lifestyles, it might be a long-shot to get all the nutrients from the kitchen alone. Therefore, it’s imperative to have a convenient and adequate source of nutrients as supplements to promote health and wellbeing.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world as we knew it. In the fight against COVID-19, a healthy immune system remains a critical weapon. Let’s explore more about the key nutrients which strengthen immunity.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that helps improve the health of skin, nails and gums. It is perhaps the most famous immune-boosting supplement that enables instant recovery from cold or pneumonia and yes, it even offers some protection from COVID-19.
Vitamin C facilitates our white blood cells fight-off bacteria and viruses as well as helps wounds heal faster. By ramping-down production of inflammatory cells, it decreases the severity of infections including COVID-19. Just up to 600-800milligrams of Vitamin C daily may decrease the length and severity of the common cold with trials showing patients with chest infection benefitting with intravenous vitamin C. Clinical trials to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin C in COVID-19 patients have been started by Health Canada and other countries.
Many fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, kiwi and potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight, being rightfully called the “sunshine vitamin”.
It improves bone health, reduces inflammation and strengthens the body’s immunity.
Sunlight alone should be adequate for Vitamin D but in Canada, the prolonged winters with sparse sunlight, working in office 9-5 and using sunscreen hinders acquiring adequate vitamin D. With the COVID-19 lockdown protocols in place we are losing the primary source of Vitamin D- the Sun.
Many news articles, media reports and experiences from different hospitals have suggested the beneficial role of Vitamin D in decreasing the risk of COVID-19 infection. It helps in developing the cells involved in immunity and maintaining the “surface linings” of different body organs. Like vitamin C, it protects the lungs from bacterial and viral infections. An increased severity of the pandemic has been seen in countries in the northern hemisphere experiencing low sun-light during the peak pandemic months (January-May).
Some of the vitamin D rich food sources include fish, red meat, egg-yolk, and dairy products. Health Canada reports around 30% Canadians to have insufficient levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin E
An antioxidant which reduces inflammation and neutralizes harmful chemicals produced in the body because of infections and stress. It is known to maintain a healthy immune function especially in the elderly. It has a moisturizing and healing effect on the skin.
Foods full of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocado.
Zinc
Zinc helps repair the skin, develops immunity cells and acts as an antioxidant. Zinc deficiency is found in around 2 billion people globally and is more common in adults over-40, causing an increased risk of infections including common cold and pneumonia. In 2019, a study on hospitalized children with pneumonia showed how zinc supplementation decreased the total duration of infection.
Some sources of zinc include meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs and dairy products.
Conclusion
Given the multitude of foods needed to provide adequate micronutrient supplementation for a balanced immune-system, it can be challenging to get what you need through your diet. However, if you’re looking for an immediate immune boost, a supplement such as Nutrazul should do the trick for you!
Nutrazul effervescent vitamins coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle; balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, is a good strategy to stay safe and healthy.
Author: Dr. Omar Irfan
References:
Truwit JD, Hite RD, Morris PE, DeWilde C, Priday A, Fisher B, Thacker LR, Natarajan R, Brophy DF, Sculthorpe R, Nanchal R. Effect of vitamin C infusion on organ failure and biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury in patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory failure: the CITRIS-ALI randomized clinical trial. Jama. 2019 Oct 1;322(13):1261-70.
Shakoor H, Feehan J, Al Dhaheri AS, Ali HI, Platat C, Ismail LC, Apostolopoulos V, Stojanovska L. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19?. Maturitas. 2020 Aug 9.
Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function. Nutrients. 2017 Dec;9(12):1286.
