Wat is het verband tussen vitamines en immuniteit? - Insentials

Vitamins and the immune system, what's the connection?

Immunity reflects our body's ability to defend itself naturally against external aggressors. It preserves the functioning of our bodies, relying on many resources to do so. One such resource comes from our food and its content of key organic substances such as vitamins.   But it is clear that every day our immunity depends on many other parameters such as sleep, the balance of the intestinal flora, physical activity and the level of oxygenation in the open air.

Let's get back to vitamins

Vitamins have a special connection with the immune system because they allow many reactions to take place in the body. Since the immune system cannot produce the vitamins it needs itself, it is essential that it can find them in our everyday food to function optimally. Vitamin C, for example, is essential for the production of collagen, vitamin D supports the functioning of the immune system and protects bone tissues, vitamin E is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, etc. 

So, we must rely on a good intake of key vitamins to support the balance of our immunity.

Which are the most important vitamins?

  • Vitamin C, which helps to fight infections, preserve our natural defences (antioxidant effect) and reduce fatigue. 
  • Vitamin D, which supports the optimal functioning of the immune system.
  • Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant that protects our body's cells.
  • B group vitamins (including B2, B6, B8, B12) which act directly on the functioning of the immune system and the metabolism of energy.

In addition to these precious vitamins, targeted minerals and trace elements which aid the proper functioning of the immune system, such as iron and zinc, are also important.