The vitamins that are vital to support a healthy immune system.
One of the best ways to keep yourself healthy and well is to look after your immune system.
The immune system is our body's natural defence that works to protect us from bacteria, viruses and other invaders. That's why it's so important to look after and support it as best you can.
A number of vitamins and minerals can help to reinforce your immunity, such as Vitamin C, D, Zinc and Iron.
We've teamed up with the Cork-based developers of Active Iron to explain just what they do and how you can get them into your diet.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has become one of the most talked about Vitamins of late as experts are recommending we make sure we're getting the right amount.
It can be difficult for us to get Vitamin D naturally here in Ireland, as our best source is through direct sun light on the skin.
Low Vitamin D has been linked to muscle weakness and brittle bones, according to Dr Laura Lenihan.
“Known as ‘the sunshine vitamin’, Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, as it contributes to normal blood calcium levels. And, as it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the body for a long time”, Dr Lenihan explains.
Some research is even showing that good levels of Vitamin D may help a person fighting COVID-19.
Although our best way of getting Vitamin D is by feeling sunlight on our skin, there are small number of foods it can be found in such as oily fish like salmon or sardines, eggs and fortified foods like fat spreads and cereals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is already a go-to vitamin for most people when it comes to boosting immunity.
This vitamin can do wonders for your body including contributing to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and helping to protect memory function.
It can also improve your iron absorption.
Oranges and other citrus fruits are the most well known sources of this wonder vitamin. However, it can also be found in peppers, strawberries, broccoli and potatoes.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the most important micronutrients for our body and plays a big role in supporting your immune system.
This mineral also protects your mucous membranes and acts as an antioxidant, helping to clean up some of the damage done by infections.
Zinc can be found in dairy, chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.
Zinc is one of the most important micronutrients for our body and plays a big role in supporting your immune system.
This mineral acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function to help fight infection.
Zinc can be found in dairy, chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals
Iron
We need iron for our body to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.
It is also closely linked with the immune system and an adequate level helps your immune defence.
A lot of us struggle to get enough iron in our diets. Women in particular need to be aware of their iron intake as they require twice as much as men due to menstruation.
To incorporate more iron into your diet you need to eat more red meat, beans, nuts and leafy green vegetables.
Active Immune
Although a good, balanced diet is essential for keeping yourself healthy, sometimes we need a little help when it comes to meeting our nutritional needs.
Solvotrin Therapeutics' Active range has a number of clinically proven and award-winning supplements that can help you reach your vitamin and mineral requirements.
In response to COVID-19, they recently launched Active Immune – Immunity Boost.
As well as high strength 2000IU Vitamin D, Active Immune provides an immune-boosting top-up of Vitamin C and Zinc, two important micronutrients that act as antioxidants while supporting a strong immune system.
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Active Immune is free from wheat, artificial preservatives, gluten & dairy and is suitable for vegans & vegetarians.
As some medical experts are now recommending people take a Vitamin D supplement to increase their defence against COVID-19, Active Immune is a great way to ensure you're helping to strengthen your immune system.
