The immune system is a complex network consisting of various organs, cells and proteins. It plays a vital role in protecting the body's own cells and defending against outside invaders. The two main subsystems of the immune system are the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system (also known as the acquired immune system). While the former is inherited, the latter is highly specific to each specific pathogen the body encounters and it can produce antibodies to protect the body from specific invaders. When harmful pathogenic components such as microbes, bacteria and viruses invade the human body, these two parts work together to fight off infection and illness.
Immunodeficiencies and various diseases can be caused by abnormalities in the immune system, so it's crucial to keep it healthy. In addition to the need for adequate sleep and exercise, good nutrition is also essential. Some ingredients can significantly boost our immunity and help us build a strong immune system. And getting adequate amounts of these ingredients through diet or dietary supplements is one of the most effective ways to enhance immunity. The main ingredients in supplements that can enhance immunity are shown below.
- Related Ingredients -
Vitamin C
Some vitamins can help us build a strong immune system. Vitamin B6 helps the body produce white blood cells and T-cells, and vitamin E helps the body fight infections. It is believed that vitamin C plays a much greater role in enhancing immunity. It is an essential micronutrient for humans and one of the greatest immune system boosters. The contribution of vitamin C to the immune system is shown below [1], [2].
Benefits
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Vitamin C helps to improve the components of the human immune system, such as antimicrobial activities, natural killer cell activities, chemotaxis and delayed hypersensitivity.
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Vitamin C protects cells from reactive oxygen species generated during respiratory bursts and during inflammation, and it maintains their redox integrity.
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Vitamin C can enhance the phagocytosis of neutrophils and the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby sterilizing the infection site.
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Vitamin C contributes to the clearance of spent neutrophils from sites of infection by macrophages, thereby eventually killing microbia.
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Vitamin C can enhance the differentiation and proliferation of T-cells and B-cells.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a central role in the immune system, and is also known as the "gatekeeper" of the immune system. Zinc affects several aspects of the immune system, including gene regulation of lymphocytes and the normal development of cells involved in mediating nonspecific immunity. Zinc deficiency will affect the development of acquired immunity, cause macrophage phagocytosis to be dysregulated, and cause cell death to be aggravated [3]. Since zinc helps fight viruses and protects our cells from virus damage, adequate zinc intake can better improve our immunity.
Selenium
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that prevents autoimmunity inflammation and protects the body from chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Se exerts biological effects in combination with selenoproteins, which are involved in the activation, proliferation and differentiation of cells that drive innate and adaptive immune responses [4]. In summary, selenium plays an important role in enhancing immunity.
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA also play an important role in the immune system. Alfa Chemistry offers a wide range of ingredients in dietary supplements. If you are in need, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References
- Wintergerst, E. S.; et al. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006; 2006, 50(2): 85-94.
- Carr, A. C.; Maggini, S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017, 9(11): 1211.
- Shankar, A. H.; Prasad, A. S. Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998, 68: 447S-463S.
- Huang, Z.; et al. The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2012, 16(7): 705–743.
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