Table of Contents
A’diet varies and balanced and aadequate activity physics are our best allies immune system. But when wrong eating habits, now widespread in modern society, can lead to the appearance of imbalances of various kinds, the recourse to particular supplements can help us.
Here, second Supplements Italy, the Italian trade association adhering to Confindustria and part of the Unione Italiana Food, as they are the best to support the immune system. In summer, but also throughout the year.
Vitamin D
A deficiency – say the experts – can contribute to increasing the risk of infections. There vitamin D 90% is produced through exposure to sunrays, but a small part can be introduced through food. Fish, eggs, butter, cheeses, mushrooms and avocados are the foods which contain more.
Several recent meta-analyzes have concluded that supplementation can reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections in both children and adults. Vitamin D has recently been studied, albeit with inconclusive results, also in relation to its possible effects on infection with SARS-CoV-2.
C vitamin
Known for its support action to the growth and functionality of the cells responsible for the immune system, it promotes the response of white blood cells to infections and the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. Ensure the presence of foods rich in vitamin C (contained in foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwis, strawberries, green leafy vegetables and cruciferous…), Moreover, it seems to contribute to the prevention of respiratory infections and to reduce its duration and severity.
Vitamin B6
With this vitamin our organism is facilitated in the formation of White blood cells and in ensuring the normal functioning of lymphocytes. In nature it is found in the Red meat and white, in potatoes and other starchy vegetables such as carrots.
Vitamin E
It is considered among the most powerful substances antioxidants. Vitamin E not only protects the body’s cells from oxidative stress, but clinical findings also recognize its role in respiratory tract infections. It is particularly rich inextra virgin olive oil, but also dried fruit and oil seeds.
Zinc, iron, selenium and copper
Adequate intake of zinc it is essential for the normal development and function of the cells that participate in immune response.
For what concern iron, human studies have found that its deficiency can, among other things, alter the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cells. Recently EFSA recognized the role of iron also in the immune system of children, establishing the existence of a cause-and-effect association between the nutritional intake of the mineral and the contribution to the normal function of the immune system itself up to 3 years of age.
According to a recent study, an increase in the intake of selenium by healthy subjects, but with relatively low levels of plasma selenium concentrations, it improves cellular immunity.
Finally, a favorable effect on the maintenance of immune function is also recognized by EFSA al copper.
Omega 3
The omega-3 fatty acids long-chain, EPA and DHA, play an important role in controlling phenomena inflammation and the resulting tissue damage. A global survey of EPA + DHA blood levels based on 298 studies also found a situation of “low” or “very low” levels (associated with an increased risk of mortality cardiovascular) of these fatty acids in most of the countries evaluated. Deficiencies that could also be relevant in the context of pathologies that manifest themselves, in the most serious cases, as a reaction inflammatory uncontrolled.
Curcumin, licorice and echinacea
There curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties proven by many studies. Interesting preliminary data have also been published for the quercetin. Other botanicals include licorice and, in particular its best known component, glycyrrhizin, whose anti-inflammatory activity is well documented.
Echinacea, originally from North America, it was used by Native Americans in their traditional medicine. According to most of the available data, its intake would be capable of modulate favorably the immune system.
Probiotics and prebiotics, to keep the immune system efficient
According to the most recent evidence, the administration of probiotics it has health benefits by reducing respiratory viral infections, including those from influenza viruses.
Finally, also i prebiotics can modulate the microbiota intestinal and, therefore, its potential immuno-modulatory roles. All aspects of interest in the current pandemic, in light of recent data indicating that 2 to 10% of Chinese patients with SARS-CoV-2 experienced gastrointestinal symptoms at the onset of infection.
