Posted by Kelly Harrington
Maintaining a healthy immune system is about more than just avoiding a cold or flu. It starts with consuming all the foundational nutrients your body needs at a cellular level, so your immune system can respond effectively and appropriately to daily stressors, seasonal challenges, and viral exposure.
For active adults, athletes, busy parents, and anyone navigating seasonal changes, travel, or periods of stress, knowing what those foundational nutrients are can make a meaningful difference in overall immune function.
Let's look at the nutrients and supplements that help support your immune system both day-to-day and during acute challenges, including vitamin C, zinc, and our VRL Shield formula.
Vitamin C and Immune Health: A Foundational Nutrient
Vitamin C is one of the most well-researched nutrients associated with immune health.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays several roles in normal immune function and also functions as an antioxidant, protecting immune cells from oxidative stress and supporting normal cellular function.
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Daily intake supports baseline immune function and helps maintain healthy immune cell activity.
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Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning consistent daily intake is important for ongoing cellular support.
Including Vitamin C in your routine provides the body with a nutrient that supports immune system efficiency over time, rather than offering only temporary effects.
Zinc and Immune Health: Why Zinc Matters
Zinc is a critical mineral for healthy immune cell function and plays a role in:
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Protein synthesis and cell growth
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Immune cell signaling and communication
For everyday nutrition, an important foundation is to consume the daily recommended amount of zinc, which is 11mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women.
Daily zinc needs are different from short-term supplemental doses.
If you start to feel your body "coming down with something," this is an ideal time to bump up the dose of zinc (30-60 mg/day). This is only a short-term dosage, until you feel your body strengthening.
Combining zinc with specific compounds called zinc ionophore is important for absorption. Examples of zinc ionophores include quercetin, elderberry, and EGCG (from green tea).
This is why we made ImmunoZinc. The zinc and zinc ionophore combination in ImmunoZinc provides ultimate cellular-level immunity support.
A zinc ionophore is a compound that facilitates the transport of zinc across the cell membrane, allowing it to enter the cell and provide immune support where it’s needed most. Without an ionophore, zinc by itself isn't as helpful to the immune system.
This zinc + ionophore combination is a must during periods of acute viral exposure. It's also appropriate to take zinc during times of stress, travel, or increased physical activity.
Targeted Immune Support: What is VRL Shield
VRL Shield takes a broader approach to immune support. Rather than relying on a single nutrient, its formula combines 10 ingredients selected to support three connected areas: healthy immune function, antioxidant defenses, and healthy liver function.
There are specific foundational nutrients that support the immune system long-term (ie: Vitamin C & zinc), but there are moments when your body needs extra support. For example, during acute viral exposure, long travel days, times of increased stress, sleep inadequacy, and times when nutritional needs may feel more demanding.
VRL Shield is designed to provide short-term support when the immune system faces temporary challenges, helping the body respond efficiently at the cellular level.
The formula includes selenium, NAC, L-lysine, astragalus, milk thistle, licorice root extract, olive leaf, elderberry, EpiCor®, and BHT. This complements ongoing nutritional support from Vitamin C and zinc, creating a layered approach to immune care.
How to Build a Foundation for Immune Health
By combining Vitamin C, ImmunoZinc, and VRL Shield, you create a comprehensive strategy for immune health:
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Daily immune support with Vitamin C
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Mineral support with ImmunoZinc
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Acute, targeted nutritional support with VRL Shield
These products represent different layers of nutritional support that can be considered as part of an overall approach to immune health.
Lifestyle Habits that Support Immune Health
While supplements can provide important support, immune health is multifaceted. Consider these evidence-based strategies:
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Prioritize sleep and recovery – Immune cells regenerate during deep sleep. Consistent, quality sleep is an important part of overall health and supports normal immune function.
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Manage chronic stress – Chronic stress affects many systems involved in health, including immune signaling. Building regular opportunities for recovery can be part of a comprehensive approach to immune health.
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Support gut health – The gastrointestinal tract interacts closely with immune function. Fiber-rich foods, adequate hydration, and a diverse diet are important parts of health and immune resiliency.
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Stay physically active – Regular physical activity helps maintain balanced immune responses.
When combined with a strategic supplement approach, these habits create a strong foundation for overall immune efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immune Support
What nutrients support normal immune function?
Vitamin C and zinc are two well-known nutrients involved in normal immune function. Other nutrients, botanicals, and dietary compounds may also be included in comprehensive immune-support formulas.
How does zinc support the immune system?
Zinc plays a role in normal immune cell function, cell signaling, protein synthesis, and other cellular processes.
What is VRL Shield used for?
VRL Shield is a 10-ingredient nutritional formula designed to support healthy immune function, antioxidant defenses, and healthy liver function. It is intended as targeted nutritional support during periods such as seasonal changes, travel, and high-stress periods.
Can immune support come from lifestyle as well as supplements?
Yes. Nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress management, and overall recovery are all important parts of a comprehensive approach to immune health.
Is vitamin C enough for immune support?
Vitamin C is one important nutrient involved in immune function, but immune health depends on many nutrients, cellular processes, and lifestyle factors. A broader approach can provide more comprehensive nutritional support.
Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian for Healthy Goods
