Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is available in two forms: retinol and beta-carotene. Our Immune System Boost formula contains retinol, the source of Vitamin A that is normally found in animal products such as red meat, cheese, oily fish and eggs. Vitamin A has been used for centuries to treat ailments – it’s heritage dates to as far as Ancient Greece. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes and the normal function of the immune system. The vitamin also contributes to normal iron metabolism to prevent fatigue, maintenance of normal skin, and plays a role in cell specialisation – the process where cells develop to perform their specific function.

Vitamin C and Zinc both play important roles in nutrition, immune defence, and maintenance of health. Intake of both is often inadequate through our daily diet. Vitamin C and zinc each benefit various systems in the body and they both support the immune system and reduce the risk of disease. Taking these two nutrients together gives a joint boost to your immune system. Additionally, vitamin C contains ascorbic acid, which is thought to help with zinc absorption. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it prevents or slows damage to cells from free radicals, which are commonly found in cigarette smoke, pollution, alcohol, and industrial chemicals. This makes vitamin C a key nutrient to protect our bodies from damage. Vitamin C is primarily found in white blood cells, the primary cells of the immune system, at elevated levels. Vitamin C is needed to create white blood cells in order to protect the body against infection. Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, which is why it is important to get a daily dose.

Zinc also has antioxidant properties, meaning it helps protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals may contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of several health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants can neutralise free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Zinc is used to break down carbohydrates and proteins so they can be used in the body. This is important as carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and protein is used to build and maintain muscles. Zinc is used to heal wounds, support cell growth, and keep the immune system strong. Recently, studies have found zinc is important for preventing defects in the immune system, which can lead to skin disease and low antibody levels, which in turn allows for repeat infections. Zinc cannot be stored in the body, so a daily intake is required to maintain its benefits. Zinc reduces the amount of copper your body absorbs, and high doses of zinc can cause a copper deficiency. For that reason, many doctors recommend that you take copper along with a zinc supplement.

Selenium
Our Selenium is extracted from sodium selenite, an inorganic form of selenium that enters the food chain via the soil. Selenium is a trace mineral which is essential for our bodies in small amounts. Approximately 28 – 46% of all Selenium inside our bodies is stored in the skeletal muscle as Selenomethionine. Selenium is naturally found in foods such as mushrooms, garlic and brown rice. Selenium is a popular supplement due to its properties. The mineral contributes to the maintenance of hair, nails and the normal function of the immune system, aiding the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Selenium is also beneficial for those wishing to enhance their fertility as the mineral contributes to normal spermatogenesis. As an antioxidant, Selenium protects cells from oxidative stress, reducing damage from free radicals.