Immune Supplements for Cold & Flu Season

Many of us know all too well that it's cold & flu season, and Covid-19 and RSV continues to circulate around Western New York. Patients are asking us about what nutritional supplements may help improve their immune system.  While it should be made clear that there have been no nutritional supplements that have shown efficacy in preventing Covid-19, there are some basic immune boosting supplements that may be helpful in strengthening your immune system's response to colds and flu this season!

Two popular and common supplements are Vitamin C and Zinc.

Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in people under stress. The benefits of vitamin C supplements are highest in people who have a vitamin C deficiency, which is rare in the United States. Vitamin C is easily derived from diet and is found in many fruits and veggies. However, during times of stress it may be beneficial to include some extra vitamin C to help bridge the gap and support your immune system. Because vitamin C is water soluble, it is easily passed from the body and there is little concern for toxicity if high doses are taken.

Zinc is a mineral that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help maintain the integrity of tissue barriers. While deficiencies are rare in the United States, zinc deficiencies are associated with poor immune function and increased susceptibility to infections. Unlike vitamin C, high doses of zinc may cause toxicity and may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Adults should not ingest more than 40mg of zinc per day from supplements and food without the supervision of a doctor.

Supplements at IHG:

Inspired Health Group offers a variety of immune boosting supplements, including NutraMetrix Isotonix Immune. The Isotonix Immune is a powder that you mix with water and drink, so it is a great choice for people who don’t like to swallow pills. The supplement includes vitamin C, zinc, and a special form of beta-glucan that has been shown to help maintain a healthy immune balance.

Another supplement option for immune support available at IHG is Metagenics ImmuCore. ImmuCore is a tablet that contains high dose vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, niacin, selenium, and a blend of medicinal mushrooms that are used for immune health. It is a great choice for folks who don’t mind swallowing vitamins.

If you’re unsure which immune supplements might be right for you, or you have specific questions about these products, talk to your doctor or dietitian. Remember, the best way to prevent flu and covid-19 infection is through vaccination and masking, but it doesn’t hurt to include nutritional support as well.

Use your HSA or FSA account funds:

Did you know that Metagenics and NutraMetrix accepts payments from Health Saving Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit cards? In most cases, those funds do not roll over to next year, so now is the time to use your HSA or FSA benefits while you can.  Stop in IHG to use your HSA/FSA funds on Metagenics and NutraMetrix supplements. 

Message your care team in your patient portal to learn more about supplements!

*** When taking a new supplement or making diet changes, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to help you navigate what is safe for you, especially if you have an underlying health condition.