15 Criteria For An Optimum Immunity Support Supplement
Are you scared of all those unseen microbes causing havoc to humanity?
Your immune system does an excellent job of defending you against disease-causing microbes.
Along with healthy lifestyle choices you’ll have to nourish your immune system with proper nutrients to maximize its efficiency.
If your body lacks even in a single nutrient, it may ultimately change your immune response. That’s why you need to follow a healthy diet and proper supplementation to safeguard your immunity levels.
Studies⁽¹⁾ show that deficiencies in selenium, iron, zinc, copper, folic acid, and vitamins B6, A, C, E, and D could alter your immune responses.
Poor nourishment could lead to a higher risk of viral, bacterial, and other infections. The good news is that the right immune supplement can help support optimal functioning of your immunity and respiratory system.
But, if you pick the wrong one, results could be minimal or may even cause harm. To give you a clear idea let’s start with the basics.
Immune Supplements: Why Are They Important?
Nourishing foods ⁽²⁾ rich in vitamins and minerals could help your immune system fight off illness. For example, take vitamin C, it's one of the biggest immune system boosters. A lack of it may make you prone to sickness.
Likewise, vitamin B6 is essential to support biochemical reactions in your immune system. Similarly, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection.
All is well; until your nutrient intake is sufficient. But if you become deficient in one or more essential nutrients, your immunity may suffer.
As you live your life in the fast lane, though you eat a healthy diet, there could be some gaps in it––which may lead to deficiency.
A supplement that fills all the gaps could be the best possible solution.
So if you're wondering how to choose the best supplement, here are 15 research-based criteria to select your best supplement.
The 15 Criteria For Choosing An Optimum Immune System Supplement
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has many impressive health benefits. It's an essential vitamin meaning your body can't produce it. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for women is 75 mg, while for men, it's 90 mg.
While you can take vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, many people turn to supplements to obtain this vitamin.
Vitamin C helps in the formation of white blood cells called phagocytes and lymphocytes and helps protect against infections. ⁽³⁾
It also helps white blood cells to function effectively and protects them from damage by harmful free radicals.
Moreover, vitamin C forms an integral part of your skin's defense system, where it acts as an antioxidant and helps strengthen your skin's natural barrier. ⁽⁴⁾
Research studies ⁽⁵⁾ have shown that vitamin C helps to heal wounds faster. What’s more, low vitamin C levels could lead to poor health outcomes.
2. Vitamin E
Being a powerful antioxidant Vitamin E helps your body fight off infection. This fat-soluble vitamin acts as a first line of defense against cell damage. Also, it optimizes the normal functioning of immune cells.
Vitamin E comprises eight different compounds, and the most active one in humans is alpha-tocopherol. When your body gets exposed to free radicals, it causes premature aging.
Likewise, free radicals weaken healthy cells and may cause cancer and heart disease. They even reduce the lifespan of your cells. Being a powerful antioxidant vitamin E reduces free radical damage and slows down the aging process of your cells. ⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁷⁾
3. Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble compound that your body needs for immunity and other functions.
Vitamin B6 has several health benefits; it reduces symptoms of depression, promotes brain health, may prevent anemia, and could treat premenstrual syndrome. Also, it may prevent clogged arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Vitamin B6 ⁽⁸⁾ acts as a cofactor of certain enzymes and helps them carry out their respective biochemical functions. Moreover, this vitamin helps to absorb vitamin B12 that helps in the formation of immune cells and red blood cells—thus increasing the efficiency of your immune system.
4. Zinc 
Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. It helps in gene expression, immune function, and enzymatic reactions.
Also, it aids in DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, wound healing, and growth and development. Zinc is essential for cell signaling and immune cell function. If you're deficient in Zinc, it could lead to a weekend immune response.
When you take zinc supplements, it activates particular immune cells and reduces oxidative stress. A research review 9 says that 80-92 mg of Zinc per day could reduce the length of the common cold by 33 percent.
Moreover, zinc supplements could reduce infections and promote immunity in older people. ⁽¹⁰⁾
5. Elderberry
Ancient Egyptians used elderberries to enhance their complexions and treat burns. Likewise, Native Americans used it to treat infections. Today this medicinal plant is used to treat cold and flu symptoms.
Elderberry being high in nutrients helps to improve cold and flu symptoms. Likewise, it’s high in antioxidants and may improve your heart health. A randomized study of 60 adults found that those who drank 15mL of elderberry syrup four times a day cleared up faster than those who took a placebo syrup. ⁽¹¹⁾
This medicinal plant may enhance your immune response. Animal studies show that elderberry polyphenols increased the number of white blood cells and thus increased immune response. ⁽¹²⁾
6. Echinacea
Also called the purple coneflower, Echinacea is a popular herb worldwide. This flowering herb is best known for its effects on immune function, common cold or flu. Also, it helps to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health issues.
Echinacea plants contain various active compounds. Some may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, while others may support the immune system. ⁽¹³⁾
Several studies say that Echinacea may fight viruses and infections and help you recover faster from illness. ⁽¹⁴⁾ This herb also helps to treat blood sugar levels, reduces feelings of anxiety, and skin conditions.
7. Garlic
For centuries garlic has been used as a food ingredient and medicine. Garlic may contain compounds that help your immune system fight germs. Whole garlic contains a compound called alliin.
When garlic is crushed, this compound turns to Allicin. It gives garlic its distinctive smell and taste. Allicin is unstable and converts to sulfur-containing compounds that increase the medicinal properties of garlic.
These sulfur compounds help to increase the efficiency of specific white blood cells when they fight with viruses such as common cold or flu. ⁽¹⁵⁾ ⁽¹⁶⁾
8. Turmeric
This wonder spice may be the most potent nutritional supplement in existence. It contains bio-compounds with powerful medicinal properties. Indians have used turmeric for thousands of years as a food ingredient and as a spice.
The compounds present in turmeric are called curcuminoids, out of which curcumin is the most potent ingredient. You need at least 1 gram per day to see its effects, so the best option would be to get it through supplements.
Scientists say that chronic low-level inflammation could play a significant role in cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative diseases. Therefore anything that fights chronic inflammation could help treat or prevent these conditions.
Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that causes gene-related inflammation. So the key takeaway is curcumin fights inflammation and may increase immunity even at a molecular level. ⁽¹⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁸⁾
9. L-Glutamine
Glutamine is a building block protein and is an essential part of your immune system. Glutamine is an essential fuel source for immune cells, including specific intestinal cells and white blood cells.
This amino acid supports the immune cell activity in your gut, helping prevent infection and inflammation and soothing the intestinal tissue. ⁽¹⁹⁾
Studies show that glutamine supplements may lower infection rates, enhance health, and may lead to shorter hospital stays after surgery.
Moreover, they have been shown to increase survival rates and lower medical costs in critically ill patients. ⁽²⁰⁾ ⁽²¹⁾
10. Probiotic: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Nowadays, probiotics are becoming popular food supplements. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a common type of probiotic present in supplements, yogurt, and fermented foods.
These healthy bacteria can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of viral infections. Some studies even say that probiotics can improve and prevent the symptoms of the common cold.
For example, a study of 326 children taking L. acidophilus probiotics for six months reported reduced coughing by 41%, fever by 53%, and antibiotic use by 68%. ⁽²²⁾ ⁽²³⁾
Interestingly, inside your gut are millions of live microorganisms that help protect your body from infection and regulate metabolism and the immune system.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus increases the amounts of these healthy bacteria in your intestines and supports your gut health by fighting off infections.
11. A powerful Combination of Ingredients For Enhanced Effectiveness That Your Supplement Must-Have
A study published in 2012 by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health stated that the important immune system proteins were increased when Elderberry was COMBINED with Acidophilus. ⁽²⁴⁾
Thanks to this study, it's easy to conclude you need to look for a supplement that includes Elderberry AND ALSO the probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus for a DOUBLE DEFENSE and to MAXIMIZE optimum immune support.
12. Avoid Supplements With Too Many Ingredients
“Fairy dusting” is basically including a tiny amount of a nutrient in a formula and listing the ingredient on the product label, even though the dose is far too small to be effective. This commonly happens when supplements include too many ingredients in a formula.
Unfortunately, that is an alarmingly common practice in the nutritional supplement industry. You must purchase supplements from a reliable company with all the quality and ethical practice certificates.
13. Avoid Gummies - They Are Not As Effective As You Think And Could Be Dangerous
Most gummies contain artificial colors. Some of those colors have been linked to various health issues and they defeat the purpose of taking vitamins.
Although gummies may look more appealing, the vitamin's active ingredients have been degraded by exposure to light, air, moisture, heat, or poor storage conditions.
So no, taking gummies is not the same as taking capsules. It’s not worth it to compromise your immunity just because gummies seem to taste better.
14. Supplements With Fewer Ingredients Hardly Work
We may think by taking supplements with 3 - 4 ingredients; we are increasing the chances of getting better results and receiving double effectiveness.
But the truth is that the secret of a powerful immunity support formula starts with the RIGHT COMBINATION OF CERTAIN NUTRIENTS (the ones we mentioned above) so your body gets the immunity support it needs to keep a healthy level.
15. Supplement Must Be Made By A GMP Certified And FDA Registered Facility
You need to make sure the supplement is manufactured by an FDA registered facility, the manufacturer has GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification and follows all pertinent FDA regulatory requirements.
Investing in your health and wellness would be the best decision you will ever make, and for your safety, the least you can do is to use products from a faithful company committed to provide the highest-quality products.
How Does The VitaliZEN Immune Support Stand Up To These 15 Criteria?
1. Vitamin C - Each serving contains 180 mg of Vitamin C that’s equivalent to 200% of your RDA, or vitamin C present in more than 39 strawberries.
This vitamin is well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system and has highly effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Vitamin E - Each serving contains 20 mg of Vitamin E the same as 133% of your RDA of vitamin E present in more than three handfuls of sunflower seeds.
This vitamin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, considered the first line of defense against cell damage and its role for the normal function of the immune cells.
3. Vitamin B6 - Each serving contains 3.4 mg of Vitamin B6 that’s equivalent to 200% of your RDA. Or else vitamin B6 present in more than a quarter cup of toasted almonds.
This vitamin supports the immune system's biochemical reactions and contributes to a healthy brain and nervous system.
4. Zinc - Knocking out the suggested dosing, each serving contains 16 mg or 145% of your RDA. Or else Zinc present in more than 22 eggs.
This mineral plays countless vital roles in your body and is critical for your immune cells' development and function. Likewise, it helps to support your immune system.
5. Elderberry - Each serving contains 300 mg of Elderberry extract or the same as 86% of your RDA or the antioxidants present in more than 2670 blueberries.
This herb is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants globally, thanks to its many reported benefits.
It is nutritious, but it may also help to fight cold and flu symptoms, infections, support heart health, and immunity, among other benefits.
6. Echinacea - Each serving contains 200 mg of Echinacea or the same as 67% of your RDA. This medicinal plant is popular because of its antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may support your immune system helping with the common cold symptoms, inflammation, migraines and other health issues.
7. Garlic - Each serving contains 100 mg of allicin, the active compound in garlic or equivalent to 33% of your RDA. This nutrient contains compounds with antibacterial effects that help support the immune system and reduce germs.
Also, the combination of Garlic + Zinc makes a dynamic duo because the sulfur in Garlic helps your body absorb the trace element zinc enhancing the benefits of this mineral.
8. Turmeric - Each serving contains 100mg of Turmeric, the same as 100% of your RDA. This nutrient has antioxidant and germicidal properties helping to improve your body's natural antioxidant capacity.
9. L-Glutamine - Each serving contains 200mg of L-Glutamine. This amino acid has a special role in intestinal health.
It can help to support immune cell activity in the gut, preventing infection and inflammation, as well as soothing the intestinal tissue.
10. Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus - Each serving contains 4.8 Billion CFU equivalent to 100% of your RDA. This probiotic supports gut health by increasing the amounts of healthy bacteria in the intestines helping to prevent infections, supporting the immune system, and reducing the risk of viral infections. 
11. This is the ONLY formula that we’re aware of that not only has Elderberry and 8 other immunity supporting nutrients but ALSO has 4.8 billion CFU of Acidophilus, providing DOUBLE immunity support.
12. This isn’t a fairy dusting formula. It doesn’t contain too many ingredients with minimal amounts that could be less effective.
13. The veggie caps of the VitaliZEN Immune Support supplement are safe to take, FREE of harmful artificial fillers, allergens, hormones, etc.
14. We know supplements with fewer Ingredients hardly work, that’s why the VitaliZEN Immune Support Supplement has the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to keep its healthy level and support your immunity.
15. Highest Quality Products From A Reliable Company. This supplement is proudly made in the USA by a laboratory with FDA registered facilities, following the GMP guidelines very carefully and in adherence to the most steadfast industry standards producing reliable formulas.
It also has a certificate of analysis. We strive for the highest quality work and checks incorporating a third party quality advisor to help oversee and control those little aspects MANY manufacturing facilities miss.
Takeaway
Because of the points listed above, we trust VitaliZEN Immune Support for ourselves, our families, and loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you as a happy customer as well. And to join our mission of supporting your and your family’s health through natural means.
*DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please always consult your health care provider if you are taking any medications or have any medical condition. Individual results may vary.
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