01.07.15
Cultivating a strong immune system is a primary concern for supplement users, according to a survey from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). The results found that one quarter of U.S. dietary supplement users take supplements for immune health, out of more than 150 million American supplement consumers annually.
Various dietary supplements provide the body key nutrients that can support the immune system, noted CRN. For instance, the mineral zinc is especially helpful for supporting the immune system in the elderly, according to studies. “As we age, our bodies do not absorb nutrients as well as they used to—and zinc is one of those nutrients—so supplementing ensures the body is getting enough of what it needs to stay well,” said Duffy MacKay, N.D., senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN.
Beyond vitamins (like vitamin C) and minerals, other examples of dietary supplements that can support the immune system in adults of all ages include: botanical dietary supplements, like elderberry, garlic and astragalus; probiotics; and dried fermentate (made using baker’s yeast), which, according to published research, has been demonstrated to be helpful for adults to experience more healthy days during winter months.
“During the winter months, our immune systems can weaken, which means we are more susceptible to getting sick. We’re exercising less and straying from healthy diets to indulge in seasonal treats. We also experience stress from travel and family gatherings, and lack of sleep from staying out late at holiday parties. All of these can contribute to weakened immune systems,” said Dr. MacKay.
In his part-time practice, Dr. MacKay reminds his patients that dietary supplements should be incorporated into a health and wellness regimen along with other healthy practices, and are not silver bullets or substitutes for healthy habits.
Various dietary supplements provide the body key nutrients that can support the immune system, noted CRN. For instance, the mineral zinc is especially helpful for supporting the immune system in the elderly, according to studies. “As we age, our bodies do not absorb nutrients as well as they used to—and zinc is one of those nutrients—so supplementing ensures the body is getting enough of what it needs to stay well,” said Duffy MacKay, N.D., senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN.
Beyond vitamins (like vitamin C) and minerals, other examples of dietary supplements that can support the immune system in adults of all ages include: botanical dietary supplements, like elderberry, garlic and astragalus; probiotics; and dried fermentate (made using baker’s yeast), which, according to published research, has been demonstrated to be helpful for adults to experience more healthy days during winter months.
“During the winter months, our immune systems can weaken, which means we are more susceptible to getting sick. We’re exercising less and straying from healthy diets to indulge in seasonal treats. We also experience stress from travel and family gatherings, and lack of sleep from staying out late at holiday parties. All of these can contribute to weakened immune systems,” said Dr. MacKay.
In his part-time practice, Dr. MacKay reminds his patients that dietary supplements should be incorporated into a health and wellness regimen along with other healthy practices, and are not silver bullets or substitutes for healthy habits.