While the threat of dangerous viruses has decreased recently, it doesn’t mean you can breathe a sigh of relief just yet. Winter months bring forth other harmful viruses and bacteria, especially concerning for vulnerable groups like the elderly, obese individuals, and those with dietary or malabsorption issues. The seasonal flu, for instance, has a significant global health impact, causing up to 650,000 deaths worldwide in 2017. ² For those not blessed with natural resilience, the solution is to build a robust immune system that’s armed and ready as the winter season approaches.

THE FABULOUS FOUR

Thanks to the natural world we have an abundance of food and plant compounds that have the potential to fight infections and reduce inflammation, almost too many to choose from! To keep it simple we’ve cherry-picked four potent supplements that are universally known and supported by robust evidence.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is the most widely researched nutrient with a wealth of evidence to support its health benefits.  It is an essential vitamin known to protect cells from oxidative stress, including cells in the lungs which can be more vulnerable to infections at this time of year.

People who wish to maximise the beneficial effects of vitamin C should opt for liposomal vitamin C as the bioavailability of standard oral vitamin C is known to be limited. Research shows that liposomal vitamin C can achieve much higher circulating concentrations of vitamin C than standard oral supplements.¹⁴

“Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C was the world’s first liposomal vitamin and has been awarded Best Immune Product.”

VITAMIN D

Research shows that Vitamin D contributes to normal function of the immune system, making it an ideal partner to vitamin C.

For maximum bioavailability, vitamin D3 is the preferred source. Research suggests that vitamin D3 is more efficiently absorbed by the body compared to vitamin D2, which is generally less effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D.^5,36 Vitamin D3 has a higher affinity for the vitamin D receptor in the intestines, which enhances its uptake in the bloodstream.

For rapid absorption, a vitamin D3 spray is ideal, especially for customers with malabsorption conditions such as Crohn’s disease or those who struggle to swallow pills. Neutrient D3 + K2 spray provides the most bioactive form of vitamin D3 as well as vitamin K2.

ZINC

The importance of zinc’s involvement in immune function has been cemented by decades of research. Studies have shown that zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Zinc in the form of lozenges can be very soothing and is a great support for throat infections. Neutrient Zinc + C lozenges contain bioactive zinc acetate with the added bonus of vitamin C to help build seasonal resilience.

CURCUMIN

Curcumin has been used for decades in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant botanical. These biological activities may help to ease the symptoms of seasonal infections

Standard curcumin has very poor bioavailability. For optimal absorption people would benefit from Neutrient Curcumin + which contains the highly absorbable Theracurmin®, a patented and clinically researched form of curcumin. Clinical data shows Theracurmin® to be 27 times more absorbable than standard curcumin.

Written by:

Jacqueline Newson BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy