Written by
Laurel Sterling, MA, RD, CDN
Laurel is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and certified nutritionist and has worked in the natural products industry since 2000. She has a passion for empowering others through nutritional education.
The basic immune support nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and D and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc, are critical, but I also want to touch on other, lesser known nutrients that support healthy immune function.
Lesser Known Nutrients for Immune Support
- Elderberry is rich in anthocyanins due to its blue-purple color. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, which is a class of compounds with antioxidant effects.
- Echinacea is a botanical nutrient, rich in phenolic compounds, that works to assist our immune system.
- Garlic has antioxidant properties that make it extremely valuable for our immunity. Alliin and allicin are two important constituents within garlic to look for listed on the label.
- Oregano is another powerful plant that has antioxidant properties.
- Olive leaf also has antioxidant properties. Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of an olive plant, and olive leaves contains an active compound called oleuropein which lends to its many health benefits.
- Botanical adaptogens can assist us with resiliency to thrive through stressful times. They help by supporting a positive frame of mind and assist the body with coping through daily stress.
- American ginseng (Panax) supports a positive mood and healthy immune function, and it can energize without over-stimulating.
- Andrographis is shown to strengthen the immune system and to help protect our body from invaders.
- Mushroom supplements are powerful for supporting, maintaining, and protecting immune health. There are thousands of published studies on various species of medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, reishi, and shiitake and their health benefits as immune modulators.
Supplements can play a big role in assisting immune function and white blood cell formation. It’s important we keep our immune system functioning optimally during these challenging times. All of these nutrients are excellent options to add into your daily supplement regime. Note: please speak to your healthcare provider before adding new supplements into your diet. Stay healthy!
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