Let’s guide you through the science (no lab coat needed)
A strong, healthy immune system is super important for keeping you feeling your best. Without it doing its thing, working hard behind the scenes, you’re more likely to catch every cold going (no thanks!).
If you’re looking to show your immune system a little extra love, there may be a few questions floating around your head. Should I take vitamin supplements? Which ones should I take? Do they really help? Take a breath, we’ll show you the ropes.
What are vitamins & why do we need them?
Vitamins are nutrients our bodies need in small amounts to work properly and stay in tip-top shape. There are 13 essential vitamins – A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12). They’re involved in hundreds of different processes in the body. From helping turn food into energy to keeping our immune systems ticking along – if we don’t get enough, we're more likely to get sick.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is your best bet to get all the vitamins and minerals you need – never forget that. There are certain groups of people, though, who may benefit from taking an extra vitamin food supplement. *
Can supplements help support my immune system?
Your immune system is a wonderful thing, made up of a strong team of cells, tissues and organs. Vitamins and your immune system are total BFFs – a perfect partnership that work together to keep you up and running.
Looking to give your immune system a helping hand? Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome vitamins A, C and D. The terrific trio that can all help support the normal function of the immune system.**
Vitamin A
First on the list, vitamin A, which helps to keep the cells that line the inside and outside of your body healthy. Imagine these cells as the immune system’s soldiers. They’re the first line of defence on the battlefield against bacteria and viruses that can make you sick if left to run wild.
Plenty of colourful green, red and yellow fruit and veg are jam-packed with vitamin A, like apricots, sweet potatoes, peppers and carrots. Cheese, eggs, yoghurt and oily fish are great sources too.
Vitamin C
Essential for keeping us at our best, we need to get vitamin C from the foods we eat every day, because our bodies don’t store it. The juicy vitamin helps to keep our skin and bones healthy and also helps support our immune systems – pretty cool, right?
The good news is vitamin C is found in lots of different foods like oranges, broccoli, strawberries, potatoes and red and green peppers.
Vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin as it’s often known, helps keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It’s also great for supporting our immune system too. In the Republic of Ireland throughout the warmer months, we usually get most of our vitamin D from sunlight. Unless you’re flying away somewhere hot during the autumn and winter (take us with you!), the sun isn’t strong enough for your body to make vitamin D. That’s why during the autumn and winter months, adults and children over five are advised to take a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (µg). This can help to keep your levels topped up – as it’s tricky to get enough vitamin D from food alone.
Small amounts of vitamin D can be found in oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and mushrooms.
Still wondering whether supplements are right for you? Chat with your local Boots pharmacist or GP for more information.
As well as getting nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, there are lots of other things you can do to show your immune system some well-deserved TLC. After all, where would you be without it?
SIMPLE AS (VITAMIN) A, B, C
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