Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays a key role in the process of cell specialisation. Important for the production of certain eye pigments, it helps maintain normal vision. It also supports the health of the skin and mucous membranes.
Vitamin A is also known for its role in regulating cellular immune responses and humoral immune processes (1). It is thus recognised by the EFSA as directly supporting the normal function of the immune system (2).
Vitamin A or retinol is found in animal-source foods, such as cod liver oil, cooked chicken livers, butter, crème fraîche, eggs ... But we also get vitamin A from plant-source foods rich in beta-carotene (a compound which is converted into retinol in the body): cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, apricots... You also have the option of taking a natural carotenoid complex with a high beta-carotene content (such as Carottol™).
The famous vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin . It too is involved in numerous physiological reactions. It supports normal formation of the collagen necessary for healthy blood vessels, cartilage, skin, bones and teeth. It also plays a role in ensuring normal nervous system function and energy metabolism.
Vitamin C plays a key role in our immune defences, too. In particular, it appears to both support the function of the epithelial barrier and help scavenge oxidants and eliminate spent neutrophils. Conversely, deficiency in vitamin C is associated with a decrease in immunity (3). Thus according to the EFSA, ascorbic acid supports the normal function of the immune system function (4).
To ensure a good intake of vitamin C, you need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as guava, kiwi fruit, oranges, red peppers and broccoli... You can also take a vitamin C supplement, preferably liposomal vitamin C, the form best absorbed by the body (for example, the product Liposomal Vitamin C).
One of the 8-strong group of B vitamins,vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is also a water-soluble vitamin. Essential for cell renewal, it plays a role in the formation of red blood cells, the normal metabolism of homocysteine and in helping to reduce fatigue.
B12 also appears to act as an immunomodulator for cellular immunity, with a particular effect on lymphocyte levels (5). The EFSA thus recognises this vitamin as contributing to normal immune system function (6).
Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal-source foods: offal, seafood, meat, fish... That’s why vegans and vegetarians in particular (but not exclusively!), are advised to supplement with B12. The most active form of vitamin B12 is called methylcobalamin (try, for example, the product Methylcobalamine).
Another star nutrient, vitamin D or calciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin. As well as being present in the diet, it is produced by the body from cholesterol or ergocholesterol, when the skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining normal muscle function and healthy teeth. It also helps ensure normal development of bones in children.
Vitamin D also works at another level: it plays a role in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses, and stimulating the defensive capacity of mucous membranes (7). It is therefore classified by the EFSA as one of the compounds that support normal immune system function (8).
Oils and oily fish are the foods that contain most vitamin D. They include salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, cod liver oil, olive oil … Dark chocolate and cooked button mushrooms are also good sources. To ensure an adequate vitamin D intake, make sure you also expose your skin to the sun on a regular basis - even if you work indoors and the weather sometimes makes this difficult. In terms of supplements, it’s best to choose a form with high bioavailability like vitamin D3, (for example Vitamin D3 5000 IU).
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, is a water-soluble vitamin which plays a key role in many of the body’s functions, including normal production of amino acids and normal psychological function. It also contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
Involved in the process of cell division, folic acid also influences immunity. Folate deficiency has a direct effect on cell-mediated immunity (11). According to the EFSA, therefore, this is another vitamin that supports normal immune system function (12).
Folic acid is found in liver, egg yolk, nutritional yeast, nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds...), green leafy vegetables, (spinach, salad ...), etc. You can also take a folate supplement (such as SuperFolate, voted ‘Product of the Year’ at the 2016 NutraIngredients Awards).
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin of which there are 6 different forms (pyridoxal, pyridoxine, etc.) In the body, vitamin B6 is always converted into an active form called pyridoxal 5-phosphate. B6 plays a role in the normal metabolism of proteins and glycogen, in reducing fatigue, in normal nervous system function ...
Several studies have shown that deficiency in vitamin B6 has an effect on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses (9). Once again, this is a vitamin judged by the EFSA to support normal immune system function (10).
Good dietary sources of B6 include offal, pork, lamb, grilled swordfish, bananas, pulses, canned prune juice ...
To obtain the benefits of the majority of these vitamins from a single supplement, you may prefer to take a multivitamin product. We’d mention in particular the well-known multivitamins Daily 3® (taken 3 times a day) and Daily 1® (taken just once a day). Both contain vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, as well as minerals that also support normal function of the immune system.
References
8 Days
Great product. Fast and efficient service.
Sheba Kelleher
14 Days
Easy to order, good and fast delivery to Finland, the box was intact and the content exactly what I ordered. I am satisfied. Product prices are on moderate level. Thank you Supersmart!
VIITANEN Esa
18 Days
Thanks to team who met what I need such as trust, good packages and fast delivery. Regarding products it is too early to give a comment. After using for a while, I gonna update my review. I had bought supplements mostly for autism.
Fatma Coltu
18 Days
efficient eqsy to use
Mr G Birtles
25 Days
You are so quick in processing orders and prompt in shipping too. Very easy to do business with you. Thanks a lot for your great service.
JOAQUIN Epifanio
31 Days
I am merely judging the delivery system, which was flawless. It wouldn't make any sense to comment on the efficacy of the supplements, since that is only possible on a statistical basis. Even if something doesn't improve, that doesn't have to mean that the supplement doesn't work, since one doesn't know how it might have worsened without the supplement and the opposite might also apply, since many symptoms are psychosomatic and the supplement might provide a placebo effect.
Roger De Backer
39 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
40 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
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51 Days
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54 Days
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57 Days
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57 Days
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ABDULQADER Jehad
60 Days
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
67 Days
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C
74 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu