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Immune health is such an important topic, especially right now where there’s heightened focus on how to support resilience in this area. In this article we take a closer look at the research behind key nutrients and ingredients for supporting immune resilience throughout the autumn and winter months, and beyond.

Vitamin C
Always at the top of the list for immune support. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory activity and supports the body’s ability to fight infection. Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the duration of the common cold, and even prevent it in some conditions, for example when people are exposed to brief periods of intense physical exercise.1

In a 2017 study, intravenous vitamin C was successfully added to a protocol to significantly reduce mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.2 In fact, research is now underway to study the clinical efficacy and safety of vitamin C for the clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) (the severe pneumonia which has been caused by the new coronavirus strain) through randomised controlled trials during this current outbreak.3

Vitamin C also helps to support a healthy stress response and so may have added benefit when worries are heightened.4 Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, berries and bell peppers.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been found to play a significant role in the function of the immune system, in both innate and adaptive immunity. In a 2017 review on vitamin D published in Clinical Therapeutics, vitamin D is described as a ‘pro-survival molecule’.

The authors commented, “vitamin D not only helps the immune system to be dampened during an excessive or chronic reaction (anti-inflammatory potential) but also to rapidly reach its completion or exhaustion, helping innate cells to kill bacteria or viruses. In this sense, vitamin D maintains its pivotal role as a pro-survival molecule.”5

Many immune cells express vitamin D receptors and vitamin D also enhances the antimicrobial properties of immune cells. In addition, our bodies naturally produce substances called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which act as the first line of defence against foreign invaders. This first line of defence is so effective that AMPs are often referred to as ‘natural antibiotics’. There are two main types of AMPs - cathelicidin and defensin, and research has shown that vitamin D specifically upregulates cathelicidin, thus supporting a robust immune response. A 2018 study found vitamin D status to be positively associated with plasma cathelicidin levels.6 A large 2017 study published in the British Medical Journal found vitamin D to be effective for preventing colds and flu.7

Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is important for supporting the body’s ability to fight infection. Unlike most essential nutrients however, you can’t rely on food to keep your levels optimal. The main source of vitamin D isn’t food, but sunshine; your bare skin produces vitamin D when it comes into contact with the sun’s rays, so risk of deficiency is higher during the winter months and current estimates suggest that many people are low. It’s a good idea to get your levels checked at least once a year, and to add a daily maintenance supplement through the winter months.

Quercetin
Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in plant foods. Flavonoids have been found to have significant therapeutic potential.8 Their unique structural properties mean they have the potential to interact with different cell types and thus may be beneficial in the protection against disease. Several studies have found quercetin to be a useful anti-inflammatory support and to improve survival and decrease cell damage in a mouse model of sepsis.9-11

Elderberry extract
Extracts of elderberry have received much attention recently for their potential natural anti-viral activity. Studies have found elderberry extracts to be beneficial for reducing symptoms of influenza and the common cold. Elderberry is a rich source of powerful compounds called anthocyanins and it is considered that the possible anti-viral activity of elderberry may in part be mediated by ferulic acid, a compound which has been identified in plasma following intake of anthocyanins.12,13

N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is perhaps a less obvious choice but may be a useful addition to immune support at this time of year, and particularly among the elderly. NAC is used in supplement form to supply the body with cysteine, an amino acid needed to support the body’s production of glutathione – a master antioxidant.

In a 6-month placebo-controlled clinical study, 262 mainly elderly subjects received either 600mg NAC twice daily or placebo. Those receiving NAC experienced significantly fewer influenza-like episodes and days in bed. The researchers also noted that even though the rate of viral infection was the same in both groups, only 25% of the group taking NAC developed symptoms compared to 79% in the placebo group. NAC may be particularly useful in the elderly due to the fact that plasma cysteine and glutathione levels tend to decline with increasing age.14-16

Selenium
Selenium is an essential co-factor nutrient for the production of glutathione peroxidase and has significant antioxidant properties. Selenium deficiency seems to speed up the rate that viruses can mutate, and influenza has been found to be more pathogenic in selenium deficient mice.17,18 For general immune health, it certainly seems prudent to ensure that selenium levels are optimal. Brazil nuts, oats, sunflower seeds, fish, turkey and chicken typically contain good levels of this important mineral.

Zinc
A severe deficiency of zinc is known to suppress immune function, and even mild to moderate deficiency can have a negative impact on the immune system’s ability to deal with infection. Zinc supports the function and proliferation of various immune cells.19,20

It’s notable that in the 2014 AREDS trial a significant 27% reduction in total mortality was observed in elderly subjects who received high dose zinc.21

Multiple studies have shown low levels of zinc are associated with increased risk of infections such as pneumonia in elderly adults and children in developing countries.22-24 Ensuring optimal levels of zinc, particularly in children and the elderly would therefore seem sensible. The body doesn’t have much ability to store zinc so it’s crucial that your daily diet supplies plenty of this immune boosting mineral. You’ll find high levels of zinc in meat, chickpeas & lentils, pumpkin and sesame seeds. You can also take extra zinc in supplement form to keep your levels topped up and gently support your immune function. If you regularly take zinc in supplement form however (such as in a daily multi) it is important to balance this with copper, as excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and vice versa.

Beta glucans
Beta glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides found in bacteria and fungi, used to make cell walls and store energy. What’s particularly interesting about beta glucans is their incredible, natural ability to modulate immune function. Wellmune® is a commercially available beta glucan extracted from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of yeast. A 2018 randomised controlled trial studied the effects of Wellmune® yeast beta glucan on immune function and found it reduced cold/flu symptoms following intense exercise.25 These effects are significant since intense exercise is known to be a risk factor for upper respiratory tract infections. This latest research confirms findings from two previous studies which demonstrated immune modulating benefits of Wellmune® in capsule form.26,27

Vitamin A
Several immune system functions rely on vitamin A and deficiency is known to impair the innate immune system28 (the non-specific ‘first line of defence’ part of the immune system). Vitamin A also regulates some genes involved in immune function. Vitamin A is found in the diet in two forms: beta-carotene (found in red, yellow and orange plant foods) and retinol, or ‘active vitamin A’ (found in high fat animal foods such as eggs, butter, liver and full fat dairy products). Beta-carotene must first be converted in the body before it can be used, hence why retinol is often referred to as ‘active vitamin A’. For targeted immune support, vitamin A is best supplemented as a mix of both retinol and beta-carotene. For ongoing support in a daily multi, it is best to stick to beta-carotene as your preferred source and include good sources of retinol in your diet.

Saccharomyces boulardii
The gut microflora have important roles to play in their interactions with the immune system, and supporting a thriving, diverse gut microbiome is an important part of ongoing immune health. Saccharomyces boulardii is a safe, non-pathogenic type of yeast which may help to support the immune system. In a 2007 study carried out on children with acute gastroenteritis the administration of S. boulardii (250 mg twice daily for 7 days) resulted in significant increases in CD8 lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulin A and decreases in C-reactive protein levels, suggesting that S. boulardii treatment enhances the immune response.29

Berberine
Berberine is an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid found in many plants including goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, tree turmeric and Oregon grape. It has a wide range of potential therapeutic applications and has demonstrated broad spectrum anti-viral activity.

In a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology researchers found that berberine improved the balance between key immune system components; T-regulatory and T-helper 17 cells. Berberine has also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitising effects.30-39

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) (Green tea)
Green tea leaf extract (Camelia sinensis) contains powerful polyphenols that include catechins. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the main catechins in green tea reported to deliver many of its widespread health benefits. Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid which has calming effects.

Green tea has been found to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome, and has demonstrated potential to target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease to reduce viral replication. In addition, a 2010 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 200 healthcare workers (in healthcare facilities for the elderly) to determine whether taking green tea catechins and theanine can clinically prevent influenza infection. Results showed that taking green tea catechins and theanine may be effective prophylaxis for influenza infection.40-42

A 2014 study demonstrated a potential zinc ionophore activity of flavonoids quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – thus meaning these flavonoids could theoretically enhance zinc’s anti-viral effects.43

Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in rich supply in red and black grapes, cocoa, peanuts and berries of the Vaccinium species including blueberries and bilberries. It has demonstrated NLRP3 inflammasome-modulating activity and has been found to have in vitro activity against MERS-CoV.44-46

A 2005 animal study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that resveratrol inhibits influenza A viral replication. The researchers concluded that resveratrol merits further investigation as a potential weapon for the growing threat of influenza.47 Research also supports a protective role of resveratrol in respiratory disease as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.48

Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active component of turmeric powder, extracted from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant and is known to deliver many health benefits. It is best known for powerful and widespread anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

As well as direct antioxidant activity, curcumin may also function indirectly by enhancing the synthesis of glutathione; a key intracellular antioxidant that plays an important role in cellular adaptation to stress. Studies have shown that curcumin increases cellular glutathione levels. Curcumin has demonstrated useful immune support properties including NLRP3 inflammasome-modulating effects and has also been identified as a potential inhibitor of COVID-19 main protease to reduce viral replication.49-60

Liquorice
Liquorice has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has demonstrated significant activity against viral replication and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Liquorice has been used in TCM formulations against SARS-CoV-1 and H1N1 and has been reviewed for its potential effects within a TCM formula as a preventative strategy in high risk populations against SARS-CoV-2.61-69

Glutathione
There is increasing evidence that certain antioxidant compounds have potent anti-viral activity. Glutathione is often referred to as the body’s master antioxidant and as naturopath physician Dr Joseph Pizzorno has said, “it is hard to overestimate the importance of glutathione”. RNA and DNA viruses can deplete host-cell levels of the master antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and administration of exogenous GSH has been shown to inhibit viral replication in several experimental systems.70-72

Supporting immune resilience starts with the foundations of good health
A vast wealth of natural compounds have demonstrated efficacy in supporting many different facets of immune health. There is no such thing as a magic bullet to better immune health however; supporting immune resilience starts with a varied diet, rich in natural and brightly coloured wholefoods and incorporates regularly getting a good night’s sleep, taking steps to combat stress, regular exercise and finally adding in targeted immune support compounds where needed.

Find out more on diet and lifestyle strategies to support immune health here.

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