Close-up of citrus fruits that are rich in vitamins that support the immune system.

With our busy lives, the last thing we need is to be out of commission for days or weeks due to illness. Because of this, many people look for ways to improve their health and strengthen their immune systems. Few options are as safe and healthy as good nutrition. One of the best things one can do is ensure that their body is free of nutritional gaps. Unfortunately, modern diets and other factors make it difficult to get the nutrients we need from our food.

That’s where vitamins and supplements come in. Let’s look at 6 essential vitamins, and a few additional nutrients, that have been shown to help your immune system in different ways.

6 Vitamins for Boosting Your Immune System

These vitamins come to mind when we think of vitamins that help the immune system.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient in foods such as liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach. It helps the immune system by helping the body make and use white blood cells and keeping the skin healthy, which acts as a barrier against infections

Vitamin B12

A water-soluble vitamin, B12, is needed for healthy nerves and red blood cells. It can be found in animal-derived foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs. This vitamin is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system, as it helps produce DNA and RNA and aids in the production of red blood cells.

A table full of natural food sources of vitamin b12 and a blackboard in between it that writes "VITAMIN B12".

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a nutrient in foods like chicken, fish, potatoes, and bananas. It is also sometimes called pyridoxine. One of the ways that vitamin B6 supports the immune system is by helping the body produce cytokines,1 which are proteins that regulate the immune response.

Cytokines tell the immune system to respond to pathogens trying to get in. They also help to regulate the strength and duration of the immune response. This is why it’s so important to get enough vitamin B6 in your diet, as it helps ensure that the immune system is functioning properly.

Get an Immune Boost IV Treatment

Revitalize your health and get an immune boost IV treatment from the comfort of your own home with Drip Hydration’s mobile medical service.


Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9, also known as folate, can be found in various foods, including leafy greens, lentils, and citrus fruits. This vitamin is crucial for the growth and division of cells, which is important for a healthy immune system.

It also helps to create red and white blood cells and produce DNA, the genetic material found in cells. To see the benefits of Vitamin B9 for your immune system, it is recommended to consume 400 micrograms per day.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a naturally occurring nutrient in the body. It’s commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, as well as in green vegetables like broccoli and kale.

Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system because it protects cells from damage and helps the body make more white blood cells, which fight off infections.

A plate with slices of lemons and limes, rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a nutrient in foods, including seeds, leafy green vegetables, and nuts. One of the key benefits of vitamin E is its ability to protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage. This helps maintain the health and functionality of the immune system.

Additionally, research has shown that vitamin E may improve the body’s ability to fight off infections by helping the body make and use white blood cells and keeping the skin healthy, which acts as a barrier against infections and pathogens.

Vitamin D

Sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”. It is a fat-soluble nutrient that is not essential because the body can synthesize it when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D is important for the immune system because it helps regulate the production and function of white blood cells.

Foods rich in vitamin D around a blackboard that has "Vitamin D" written on it.

Additional Nutrients for a Powerful Immune System

When combined with vitamins, these additional nutrients pack an impenetrable barrier for pathogens, external toxins, and antigens.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral found in oysters, beef, and chickpeas. It plays a crucial role in the immune system by supporting the production and function of white blood cells and promoting wound healing.

Iron

Iron is an important mineral found in the body, but it also needs to be eaten or taken as a supplement. Iron is most commonly found in animal products such as red meat, poultry, and seafood, but it can also be found in plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens. The primary function of iron in the body is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs.

Iron is also important for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps increase the production of T-cells and cytokines, which are both important immune response components. If you don’t get enough iron, your immune system can weaken. This may increase the likelihood of getting sick or getting an infection.

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans are complex sugars found in certain types of yeast, mushrooms, and grains’ cell walls. These sugars have been shown to help boost the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells, such as white blood cells.

Beta-glucans2 are most commonly found in supplements, but they can also be found in certain mushrooms, such as shiitake, reishi, and maitake. Regarding recommended daily intake, research suggests that taking 1-3 grams of beta-glucans daily can help support the immune system.

A bowl filled with mushrooms that are rich in beta-glucans.

The Best Ways to Receive Immune-boosting Vitamins

When it comes to receiving the vitamins that can help boost your immune system, there are three main options: food, oral supplements, and IV or injections.

Food is the ideal source for getting the essential vitamins and nutrients for a healthy immune system. However, busy schedules and modern diets can make it difficult to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from food alone.

In these cases, oral supplements may provide a convenient way to get the necessary vitamins and nutrients. However, it is important to note that absorbability cannot be measured with certainty, and you cannot be sure how much is usable by the body.

More and more people are getting vitamins and nutrients that can help boost the immune system through IVs or injections. IV therapy has several benefits, including making vitamins and nutrients easier to absorb and more bioavailable.

Thanks to advances in medical services, IV therapy can also be very affordable and accessible. If you are interested in learning more about how IV therapy can help you achieve optimal health and wellness, reach out to your doctor to see if it is viable.

A woman sitting with her brown cat on her lap, receiving IV Drip therapy.

Summary

Vitamins and nutrients are the cornerstones of any immune-boosting health plan. While food is the best and ideal source, solutions like vitamin IVs may provide a great option to enhance even the most nutritious diets. To learn more about how you can optimize your health and bulletproof your immune system, we invite you to reach out with any questions. 

In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration

Our mobile IV infusions are a convenient way to restore key vitamins and replenish your body quickly. Our vitamin IV treatments take less than an hour and are administered by one of our registered nurses.

Click the button below to schedule your appointment today!

References

[1] Kumrungsee T, Zhang P, Chartkul M, et al. - Potential Role of Vitamin B6 in Ameliorating the Severity of COVID-19 and Its Complications. Published on 29 Oct 2020. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.562051;

[2] Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, et al. - Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Published 2007. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606;