8 Nutrients to Support Immune Function
Be Healthy & Strong!
by Renata Murphy, MS
Since the start of the pandemic, one of the questions my colleagues and I get often is about what foods to consume to support immune function. It is well known that lacking certain nutrients in the body can weaken immune functions. Some of the immune system’s roles are safeguarding our bodies from infections, getting rid of injured tissue, and monitoring malignant cells. Research indicates that increasing consumption of specific nutrients may benefit immune function optimization.1
Here is a list of nutrients that support the immune system:1.
Vitamin D - adequate levels of vitamin D improve the body’s ability to protect against infection. Vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight.1 A 15-minute sunbath a few times a week should be enough to produce vitamin D. People with darker skin need more time in the sun to produce vitamin D. A good rule of thumb is when the skin feels warm when you are exposed to the sun. Make sure to protect your face with sunscreen and hat to avoid premature aging. Some vitamin D food sources are egg yolk, pink salmon, fortified milk and orange juice.22.
Vitamin E - is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is present in high concentrations in the immune cells, which prevents oxidative damage.1 Foods with high amounts of vitamin E are sunflower oil, safflower oil, olive oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, peanut butter, tomato sauce, cranberry juice, dried apricots, avocados, spinach, asparagus, swiss chard, broccoli, and blackberries.23.
Zinc - its deficiency diminishes the body’s ability to fight pathogens. Foods with a high zinccontent are oysters, meats, fortified oats, soybeans, pine nuts, cashews, yogurt, sunflowerseeds, pecans, brazil nuts, chickpeas, milk, cheese, almonds, and beans.24.
PUFAs, omega 3-fatty acids (EPA and DHA) - anti-inflammatory and inhibitory ofinflammatory substances. Sources of omega-3 fatty acid are herring, salmon, sardines,flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and walnuts.5.
Selenium - its deficiency is linked to weakened immunity and chronic inflammation. Foodsources of selenium include brazil nuts, tuna, seafood, meats, brown rice, sunflower seeds,whole wheat-bread, and milk.26.
Vitamin C - also plays a role in immune function.3 Primary vitamin C sources include kiwi,strawberries, orange, sweet red pepper, broccoli, grapefruit, brussel sprouts, white potatoeswith skin, tomato, banana, and spinach.27.
Probiotics - are live organisms that live inside our gastrointestinal system and regulateimmune and inflammatory responses. Good sources of probiotics are kefir, kimchi,kombucha, fermented yogurt, miso, tempeh, pickles, and sauerkraut.18.
Green tea and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) - its anti-inflammatory quality inhibitspro-inflammatory molecules.1The best source for these vitamins is the food containing high contents of the vitamin.Consider increasing the intake of these fruits and vegetables, before you consider takingsupplements. Also, before taking any supplements talk to your physician, dietitian, or nutritionistand do blood work, a dietary and a gut health assessment to know if you need supplements. Takinghigh amounts of supplements can result in toxicity and several unwanted side effects.
References:1. Wu D, Lewis E D, Pae M, Meydani S N. Function: analysis of evidence, mechanisms, andclinical relevance. Frontiers in Immunology. 2019(9)3160:1-19. doi:10.3389/immu.2018.031602. Orange State University. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center.https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic3. Gropper S, Smith J. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 6th ed. Belmont, CA:Wadsworth, 2013.
Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter is intended to provide educationalinformation. It is not intended to give medical advice. If you have questionsabout a medical condition, look for your physician or a qualified healthcareprovider.
Renata Murphy is a Nutritionist Intern with a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and has been providing nutritional counseling for the past year. Renata is currently enrolled in the Mind Body Eating Coach Certification Training. Renata helps clients to improve their health through science-based nutrition to support healing. Renata’s professional interests include educating her clients in proper nutrition, focus on wellness. Renata’s current goal is to become a Certified Nutritionist Specialist (CNS) by next December. Renata is a member of the American College of Nutrition and active in the Health & Nutrition industry.
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