Your body has a natural immune system that fights off
illnesses. But sometimes it needs a little help to stay healthy, and
supplements may be just what the doctor ordered.
Vitamin C and zinc are two vitamins that have been proven to
help shorten colds and flu symptoms. These vitamins, which are available as
supplements and can be taken with your doctor’s approval, can be a great way to
keep your immune system running at peak performance.
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for your
immune system. It helps prevent infection and improves wound healing. It also
supports healthy bones, teeth and gums, as well as iron absorption.
Taking vitamin C as a supplement is usually safe, but you
should consult with your healthcare provider before taking large doses. Those
with kidney problems or sickle cell anemia, as well as those pregnant or
breastfeeding, may be more prone to side effects.
The best vitamin C supplements
come in different formulas, depending on how your body absorbs it. Ester and
liposomal forms are the most effective.
Amazon Elements offers a range of high-quality supplements
that are tested for potency and purity. They use ingredients sourced from
trusted suppliers and undergo three rounds of testing. The supplements are
vegan, gluten-free and made without genetically modified ingredients.
Getting enough vitamin D is important for strong bones and
teeth, but it's also a vital component of immunity. Fortunately, it's easy to
get the necessary amount from sunlight or foods.
It's best to eat foods rich in vitamin D – fatty fish, eggs,
fortified milk, and dairy products – or take a supplement that provides 600 IU
(or more) per day. But vitamin D isn't always available in all foods or in
sufficient amounts, so you should speak with your doctor before taking a
supplement.
A deficiency can lead to rickets, a disease that can cause
soft bones and skeletal deformities in children. It can also affect adults and
may increase the risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that
can be found naturally in many foods. It’s also found in some meats, poultry
and eggs.
Studies have shown that high levels of vitamin B6 can help
lower homocysteine and reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
The best way to get more of this vitamin is to eat foods that are rich in it,
such as pork, poultry, nuts, and fish.
People with certain medical conditions and medications may
not be able to absorb vitamin B6 well or have low levels of this vitamin in
their bodies, so they should take supplements by mouth to get the recommended
daily amount. Some drugs, such as anti-tuberculosis medications and metal
chelators, can interfere with vitamin B6 metabolism and create a deficiency
that may lead to serious health problems.
In addition to lowering homocysteine, vitamin B6 may improve
mood and cognitive function. Several randomized controlled trials have looked
at the effectiveness of vitamin B6 supplementation to treat depression.
However, these studies are limited and do not show a significant difference in
treatment outcomes.
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps keep your immune
system strong and protects your skin from infection. It also improves wound
healing and reduces your risk of age-related diseases.
It is also involved in our sense of smell and taste. It is
best absorbed from zinc-rich foods such as meats, oysters, and fish.
In addition to its immune system function, zinc also plays a
role in growth, DNA, and wound healing. It can also help to reduce inflammation
and may delay the progression of macular degeneration.
Taking zinc supplements early on in the cold can shorten the
duration of symptoms and make them less severe. However, it is not recommended
to take more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) unless you are very
sick or have a severe allergy.
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