Vitamins for Immune Support

This article has been medically approved by Pharmacist Sumaiya Patel - GPhC Reg No: 2215078

A strong immune system is important to keep you feeling your best, and there are some ways you can support it so it can support you! Read our article below for the top supplements that will keep your immune system fighting fit.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps to support your immune system, as well as keep your skin and bones healthy.

Rich sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like oranges, as well as peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes.

Adults aged 19 to 64 need 40mg of vitamin C a day. Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need to get enough every day.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, or the sunshine vitamin, not only keeps your bones, teeth and muscles healthy, but it also is great for supporting your immune system.

From late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the Vitamin D they need from sunlight, but sunlight alone isn’t enough during the rest of the year. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods, including oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

Children from 1 year, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and adults during autumn and winter need 10 micrograms per day. Babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.

Zinc

Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Rich sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, dairy foods, bread, and cereal products like wheatgerm.

Adults aged 19 to 64 years need:

• 9.5mg a day for men
• 7mg a day for women