Immunity and Well-Being: 5 Must-Have Supplements for Fall
Fall is a favorite season for many, as it signifies transitions in both our household routines and the natural world. It can also come with some increased stress as we find ourselves juggling more germs and related health challenges.
In addition to staying active, finding ways to prioritize mental health, and optimizing nutrition, you might consider a few supplements to support your wellness this fall. Check out our favorite supplements for fall here.
Below are 5 supplements fit for the job.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often called “the sunshine vitamin” because our skin produces some from direct sunlight exposure. While many factors influence how much vitamin D we make this way, it becomes even harder as we transition into fall and winter and perhaps aren’t spending as much time outside.
Vitamin D supports immune function, mood, and bone health. It’s found in some foods, like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut), egg yolks, and fortified foods, but many people benefit from the addition of a vitamin D supplement.
Before adding a vitamin D supplement, having your blood levels checked is helpful to determine whether you need to correct low levels or if a maintenance dose is sufficient. Our Vegan Vitamin D3 supplements (made from lichen) come in doses of 2,500 IU and 5,000 IU per day.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which becomes especially important in the fall when there’s an uptick in germ-sharing (thanks to school starting and many of us spending more time indoors around other people).
Antioxidants help protect our cells from stress and damage, helping us to recover faster from illness. Additionally, vitamin C aids in the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.
You can get vitamin C by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, like berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers. If you need a vitamin C boost this fall, consider our Whole Food Vitamin C Gummies, which provide 100% of your daily needs per serving. You might also like our Immune Support Supplement with Elderberry, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
3. Elderberry
Elderberries are small purple berries — better known in their supplemental form — which become more popular in the colder months due to their antiviral and immune-supportive properties.
Elderberries are high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give them their deep color), which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can weaken the immune response.
Studies suggest that short-term elderberry use may help reduce the duration and severity of viral illness symptoms. Having a supplement like our organic Elderberry Gummies on hand may be helpful this fall.
4. Melatonin
As we prepare to “fall back”, you might be wondering how to help keep your sleep on track while adjusting to the time change. When the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier, your natural production of melatonin — a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle — can get thrown out of whack.
Sometimes temporarily adding melatonin to your routine can help prevent disruptions in your sleep. Our Sleep Supplements contain melatonin along with valerian root and chamomile to help support your restfulness this season.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which is a compound that can help your body adapt and better respond to stressors. It may be especially beneficial to your health and immunity in the fall, which can be a season of increased stress and fatigue as we transition out of summer.
Ashwagandha helps calm the nerves, bring down excess cortisol levels, and strengthen your resilience to stress.* Our Ashwagandha Root Powder Supplement also contains Bioperine, a patented Black Pepper Extract to boost bioavailability.*
References
- Passeri G, Giannini S. Benefits of Vitamin D in Health and Diseases. Nutrients. 2023;15(11):2419. Published 2023 May 23. doi:10.3390/nu15112419
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. Published 2017 Nov 3. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):112. Published 2021 Apr 7. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- Fatemeh G, Sajjad M, Niloufar R, Neda S, Leila S, Khadijeh M. Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neurol. 2022;269(1):205-216. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-10381-w
- Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12):e6466. Published 2019 Dec 25. doi:10.7759/cureus.6466