Immune Benefits of Vitamin C, Zinc & Vitamin D – Invite Health Podcast, Episode 118
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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We are still in the midst of a pandemic and your health should be a priority. It is extremely important to turn to the fundamentals in order to keep your immune system working properly. The three major essentials for a healthy immune system? Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc. Here’s why.
A Healthy Immune System
Your immune system is highly reliant on specific vitamins and minerals in order to keep it functioning properly. This includes both your innate and adaptive immune systems. If you missed my previous episode that explains the immune system more in depth, click here to listen now. Vitamins and minerals are quick to be dismissed but research says different. Today, there is a study being sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic that is studying Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and Zinc and their impact on decreasing the prevalence of symptoms seen in new patients with COVID-19. The study results are not yet available, as the study is in its very beginning stages. But this proves that certain vitamins and minerals are important enough to study for overall healthy immunity.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and support for connective tissue and blood vessel health. It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body does not store it. You must obtain this powerful antioxidant from food, including citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes or a Vitamin C supplement on a daily basis. It is required to convert protein in Collagen, to protect your heart and lungs, and to support a healthy immune system.†
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral required by the body on a daily basis. A sufficient amount of zinc is necessary for proper immune system function and numerous other vital body processes. Common food sources of zinc include oysters, oats, pumpkin seeds, eggs, nuts, meat and peas. According to several university research studies, zinc supplementation may be highly beneficial to boost immunity and support formation of healthy tissue.†
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has become one of the most highly recommended dietary supplements over the last few years by healthcare professionals. Vitamin D is not technically an essential vitamin, since the body naturally synthesizes the “sunshine vitamin” through a chemical reaction between the sun’s UV rays and the cholesterol on your skin. Nevertheless, it has been estimated that approximately 70% of North Americans have Vitamin D deficiencies. This is due to a combination of factors – low levels of sunlight for most of the year, obesity, sun avoidance, and low consumption of foods high in Vitamin D such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines). Given the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, this could be the most essential of all the conditionally essential vitamins.†
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