Erin Stokes, Naturopathic Doctor, MegaFood Medical Director | Oct. 2020

Everyone is talking about immune health these days. And it can bring up a lot of questions! For starters, you may be asking yourself, “What exactly is the immune system and how can I support it?”

The immune system is also known as our “defense system”, and includes the organs, cells and chemicals that keep us healthy. Like most aspects of health, optimal immune support usually involves a combination of lifestyle, nutrition and supplements.

This blog will focus on immune support supplements and give you the basics to understand each one. We know that the world of supplements can be confusing, and it’s difficult to even know where to start! It can feel a bit like navigating your personal “Choose Your Own Adventure” book.

Here, we’ll introduce and explain some of the key immune supplements, so you have the information you need. And, as always, remember to check in with your healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement.

Building Block Essentials

Vitamin C

Let’s start with the most well-known nutrient for supporting healthy immune function, vitamin C!* We do our best to get this water soluble nutrient in our daily diet by eating foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and strawberries. However, if you’re looking for some extra Vitamin C support, we have options in tablet, powder and gummy form!

Zinc

The starring mineral in our immune line-up is zinc, which promotes immune health.* Did you know that having adequate zinc in your diet is critical to support the vital functions of over 100 different enzymes in the body?* Good news that our Zinc tablets can be taken anytime of day, even on an empty stomach, and each tablet provides 22.5 mg, or 205% of your Daily Value.

Vitamin D

The “sunshine vitamin” is created when our skin is exposed directly to sunlight. It can be a challenge during fall and winter months to get that natural vitamin D production. You can fuel your immune system and overall wellness with the right potency of vitamin D3 for you – 1000 IU, 2000 IU and 5000 IU.* A personal favorite is our D3 Wellness Gummies. Oranges, cranberries, blueberries and ginger root give these gummies flavor and color, while 1000 IU (25 mcg) of vitamin D supports bone, muscle and immune health.* Delicious and nutritious!

Don't forget vitamins C & D, and sometimes zinc, are found in your multivitamin!

Herbal Allies

Elderberry

A popular herb for immune support is elderberry.* This dark purple berry has been traditionally used in Europe for hundreds of years. The berries are a source of anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid that’s also found in blueberries, raspberries and bilberries. Fortunately today, there are lots of format options for taking Elderberry, including gummies, to support your immune defenses.* Our Elderberry Immune Support* Gummies contain farm-fresh organic wild blueberry and organic ginger, which are natural sources of phytonutrients.*

Echinacea

Echinacea may be the most well-known herb for immune support. Also known as “coneflower,” echinacea is native to North America and can be found growing in many gardens throughout the country. The most commonly used echinacea species in botanical supplements is Echinacea purpurea. The aerial parts (flower and leaves) are known for their immune-promoting properties.*

Astragalus

Astragalus is an herb traditionally used to aid in immune support.* It has been utilized as a favorite herb in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is often taken on a daily basis over a period of time.* The root is the part of this plant that is used.

Combination Formulas

Sometimes you want to bundle up several of these immune stars into one formula, to make your life a bit easier! Enter two immune blends, each used at different times for optimal support.*

Daily Immune Support*

The power of 4 - in - 1! Designed to be taken on a regular basis, MegaFood Daily Immune Support* is made with vitamins C & D3, plus zinc and astragalus.

Immune Defense*

Need a supplement that offers 5 days of short term immune support when you need it most?* Enter Immune Defense*. This blend is made with vitamin C, zinc and elderberry, together with bitter and phytonutrient-rich herbs, including echinacea and andrographis. When you feel the need, you take two tablets three times per day for a total of five days.

Whatever your immune needs, whether it’s the targeted support of vitamin C or D3, maybe zinc and elderberry, or the combination immune support supplements, MegaFood has your covered.*

We guarantee a level of quality and safety that you’ve come to expect—and make all our certifications clear on labels and product pages, so you know exactly what you’re taking. MegaFood supplements are tested free of ingredients you told us you prefer to avoid: soy, dairy, and gluten. Most of our products are certified Non-GMO Project Verified. We test all of our products for over 125 herbicides and pesticides and our entire supplement line is tested Glyphosate Residue Free.

Now that you know more about your options, you can choose your own (and your family’s) immune support adventure with confidence!

Shop immune supplements.