Vitamin D undoubtedly plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy immune response. As important as this vitamin is, however, it is far from being the only micronutrient that is needed by the body for fighting infections.
Vitamin C is particularly important as it helps in the inactivation of viral DNA, thus limiting viral reproduction. Vitamin C also aids in the production of antibodies by specialized white blood cells known as B lymphocytes.
In synergy with vitamin C, the amino acid lysine can block collagen digesting enzymes and strengthen connective tissue, thereby controlling the spread of infectious agents.
Antioxidant minerals such as zinc and selenium also play crucial roles in immune response. These include supporting lymphoid tissues in the thymus gland and ensuring proper functioning of the white blood cells.
The phytonutrient quercetin is similarly critical for immunity. In synergy with vitamin C, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Quercetin is also essential for proper absorption of vitamin C and helps prevent its destruction in the body.
To learn more about the essential roles of micronutrients in supporting the immune system and fighting infections, see this article on our website.
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News
“A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the benefits of a good vitamin D status in fighting infections.” [Source: Medicalexpress.com]
Comment
Vitamin D undoubtedly plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy immune response. As important as this vitamin is, however, it is far from being the only micronutrient that is needed by the body for fighting infections.
Vitamin C is particularly important as it helps in the inactivation of viral DNA, thus limiting viral reproduction. Vitamin C also aids in the production of antibodies by specialized white blood cells known as B lymphocytes.
In synergy with vitamin C, the amino acid lysine can block collagen digesting enzymes and strengthen connective tissue, thereby controlling the spread of infectious agents.
Antioxidant minerals such as zinc and selenium also play crucial roles in immune response. These include supporting lymphoid tissues in the thymus gland and ensuring proper functioning of the white blood cells.
The phytonutrient quercetin is similarly critical for immunity. In synergy with vitamin C, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Quercetin is also essential for proper absorption of vitamin C and helps prevent its destruction in the body.
To learn more about the essential roles of micronutrients in supporting the immune system and fighting infections, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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