“Supporting your immune system” gets used to sell almost anything — so it's worth understanding what the immune system actually is, and which nutrients genuinely have a recognised role. This guide keeps it simple and honest.
I'm Barry Lees, founder of The Health Improvers. This is general wellbeing information, not medical advice.
Two layers of defence
Your immune system works in two broad layers. Innate immunity is your first-line, general defence — skin, mucous membranes and fast-acting cells that respond to anything unfamiliar. Adaptive immunity is the slower, targeted response that “learns” specific threats and remembers them. The two work together constantly, day and night.
The everyday foundations
No supplement replaces the basics: a varied diet, enough sleep, regular movement, managing stress, not smoking, and good hygiene. These are the genuine bedrock of a resilient immune system.
Nutrients with an authorised immune role
Several vitamins and minerals carry official, approved claims for immune function — meaning the evidence has been formally assessed. In a good immune formula you'll see:
- Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Several of these — Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium — also contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. These are the claims a compliant UK supplement can actually make, and they only apply when the nutrient is present at a meaningful level per serving.
A note on Vitamin D and winter
In the UK, sunlight is too weak from about October to March for our skin to make vitamin D — which is why the NHS suggests considering a daily vitamin D supplement over winter. That makes vitamin D one of the most relevant nutrients for many people here.
Where a supplement fits
A daily immune complex is a convenient way to cover these nutrients together. Our Immunity Pro-Shield is built around the authorised immune nutrients above. To see which specific vitamins and minerals do what, read our guide to vitamins and minerals for immune support, and compare the wider category in our honest UK immune supplement buyer's guide.
Written by Barry Lees, founder of The Health Improvers. This article is for general information and wellbeing education only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Always read the label. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a health condition, consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements.
Sources: GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register; NHS — Vitamin D and immune advice; British Nutrition Foundation.
Explore more in our Immune Support range.
0 comments