3 Surprising Supplements to Support Immune Health

3 Surprising Supplements to Support Immune Health

Keeping your immune system running in top shape during the summer helps ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun activities you have planned with friends or family. While you’re on the go this summer, consider how adding these surprising supplements may take some of the stress off — literally — while supporting your immune function.

1. Mushrooms

Yes, mushrooms — hear us out. Of the thousands of species of mushrooms in the world, certain varieties have been identified as being excellent sources of adaptogens. These are natural substances that help your body better adapt and respond to stressors that can promote aging and disease.1,2

Being better equipped to handle stressors internally also indirectly supports your immune system by preventing overactive immune responses, offering antioxidant protection to immune cells, and supporting a healthy regulation of stress hormones. 

Three of the most well-researched and potent adaptogens in the mushroom family include: 

  • Lion’s Mane, rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and may increase the activity of the intestinal immune system to help protect your body from harmful pathogens.
  • Turkey Tail, high in beta-glucans that stimulate and enhance the immune system, offers antiviral and antimicrobial properties and acts as a prebiotic to support a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Reishi contains compounds called triterpenoids and polysaccharides that support immune health and enhance its ability to respond to infections. 

You can find all three of these mushroom species in our Mushroom Brain + Immune Blend Supplement, made using organic mushrooms. 

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is best known as an essential nutrient for healthy bones, but did you know it’s also a key player in your immune system? 

Here’s how it helps:3-5

  • It helps regulate the activity and function of various cells involved in your immune response
  • It influences your innate immune system, which is your body's first line of defense against harmful pathogens
  • It also influences your adaptive immune system, which provides a more specific response to germs 
  • It helps reduce chronic inflammation 

Many people around the world don’t get enough vitamin D, despite spending time outdoors in the summer sun. Unfortunately, there aren’t many natural food sources of this nutrient, but a vitamin D supplement can be helpful for many. For example, our plant-derived Whole Food Vitamin D3 Gummies for Adults provide 2,000 IU of vitamin D per serving. 

Before adding a vitamin D supplement, it’s a good idea to have your blood levels checked by your healthcare provider. This can tell you whether a maintenance dose is appropriate or if you need a higher dose to correct a low level. 

3. Multivitamins

Taking a multivitamin may not be the first thing you think of when considering immune health, but they’re one of the easiest things to add to your daily routine. 

An array of vitamins and minerals are needed to make sure your immune system is functioning at its best.6 Taking a multivitamin can help ensure that you’re meeting your micronutrient needs in addition to a healthy diet. 

Our Whole Food Multivitamin with Immune Support Blend contains not only essential vitamins and minerals for general wellness but also high potency vitamin C and zinc, elderberry extract, and a functional mushroom blend.

For more supplements to help support immune health, check out our top picks here.


Sources

  1. Todorova V, Ivanov K, Delattre C, Nalbantova V, Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Ivanova S. Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2861. Published 2021 Aug 20. doi:10.3390/nu13082861
  2. Luo J, Ganesan K, Xu B. Unlocking the Power: New Insights into the Anti-Aging Properties of Mushrooms. J Fungi (Basel). 2024;10(3):215. Published 2024 Mar 14. doi:10.3390/jof10030215
  3. Bikle DD. Vitamin D Regulation of Immune Function. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2022;20(3):186-193. doi:10.1007/s11914-022-00732-z
  4. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881-886. doi:10.2310/JIM.0b013e31821b8755
  5. Gombart AF, Pierre A, Maggini S. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):236. Published 2020 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/nu12010236
  6. Ao T, Kikuta J, Ishii M. The Effects of Vitamin D on Immune System and Inflammatory Diseases. Biomolecules. 2021;11(11):1624. Published 2021 Nov 3. doi:10.3390/biom11111624

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