Immune Health Supplements

Is it a cold, flu, or Covid? This fall and winter, many of us will be wondering just that if we start feeling sick, especially since many of the symptoms associated with these viruses overlap. What can you do? Focus on supporting your immune system with a daily immune health regimen—here’s how to create your plan.

- By Lisa Turner

All of the following remedies can be taken daily, all year long, so pick the ones you are most likely to take every day. One other option: find a combination formula that includes some or all of these ingredients.

Vitamin C

It’s one of the best immune health vitamins out there. It’s a safe, effective antioxidant that’s been shown to prevent and treat flu and other viral infections. Studies suggest that taking vitamin C frequently throughout the day, rather than in one concentrated dose, results in higher plasma levels. For maximum effectiveness, choose ascorbic acid in combination with bioflavonoids and other associated micronutrients.

Higher doses of ascorbic acid can cause stomach upset; buffered forms or liposomal vitamin C prevent this, and some research suggests that liposomal vitamin C is also better absorbed than traditional ascorbic acid. One form, called Ester-C, uses a proprietary, water-based process that creates a pH-neutral product that’s gentler on the stomach and has improved bioavailability.

Whole food-based vitamin C supplements may also be easier to absorb, as they rely on body-ready fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin D

A number of studies have found that vitamin D boosts the body’s natural defenses, and helps ward off viruses that cause colds, flu, and respiratory illness. Vitamin D supplements should be taken daily during the winter, when sunshine is at a minimum and levels of this crucial substance can drop dramatically.