If you want to feel good, keeping your immune system healthy and functioning is essential.
This hardworking system is dedicated to protecting us.
Discover the 8 best vitamin formulas of 2022 to help support your immunity here, as well as some information on how they work.
The link between vitamins and immunity
One of the best ways to support your natural immunity is to nourish your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive (the ones your body can’t make by itself).
It’s worth noting that you need a dose of some water-soluble vitamins and minerals every day as your body can’t store them, e.g., you can’t eat 20 oranges one day or pop a load of vitamin C pills and be covered for a few weeks; you need vitamin C every day.
The full spectrum of B vitamins also comes under this category.
Other vitamins are fat soluble, meaning they dissolve in fat and are stored in the body. These include vitamins A, D, E and K. Thankfully, if you consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables you should get most of the vitamins you need.
However, if you don’t eat a balanced diet regularly, actively avoid fruits and veggies, or have a restrictive diet, you may be low in certain vitamins that your immune system needs to function – keep reading to find out more about them.
Summary
- Some vitamins and minerals are essential for normal immune function, like vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc
Which vitamin provides immunity?
There isn’t just one vitamin that helps to support the immune system, there are a few! Here are some of the best vitamins to keep topped up if you want a healthy functioning immune system.
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Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the normal functioning of the immune system.
Some sources of vitamin A include eggs, cod liver oil, and dark green leafy vegetables.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps support the cellular functions needed for a healthy immune system.
Oranges, orange juice, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, strawberries broccoli, and red/green peppers are some of the best sources.
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Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) helps support our immune systems, as well as nervous system function, protein metabolism, and red blood cell formation.
It’s usually found in animal products like pork, fish and eggs and plant foods like chickpeas, wholegrains, bannanas, squash and more.
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Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
Also known as folate, vitamin B9 plays an essential role in chemical reactions in the body that affect our immune system. Good sources of folic acid include broccoli, leafy green vegetables, and brussels sprouts.
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps make nucleic acid and cell proteins associated with our immune system.
You can find it in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, enriched nutritional yeast, fortified milks and mock meats.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to keep your immune system functioning normally.
We make most vitamin D by exposing our unprotected skin to direct sunlight. As we live in a country that is not always the sunniest… the UK Government recommends a daily supplement between October and March.
Minerals and other nutrients that support the immune system
Here are some other nutrients and minerals that help the function of our immune system.
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Zinc
Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. You can find it in seafood, red meat, chickpeas, eggs, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
However, you need to be careful not to consume more than the recommended daily allowance, which is 25mg.
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Iron
Iron is one of the most important minerals for our bodies, especially when it comes to our immune system.
In fact, being deficient in iron can have negative effects on the immune systems and potentially leave us vulnerable.
You can find it in red meat, fish, leafy green vegetables, beans, chickpeas and some fortified foods.
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Selenium
Selenium is another mineral essential for immune system function, as well as thyroid function, hair and nail maintenance and normal sperm development.
Get your fill from foods like razil nuts, tuna, eggs, prawns, oats and spinach.
Your immune system support FAQs...
It is a myth that you can somehow ‘boost’ your immunity and it certainly isn’t a fast process.
Yes, there are vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc that have been proven to support normal immune function, but the key word here is ‘normal’ not ‘boosted’.
Read more about this here: Can you really ‘boost’ your immune system?
Again, you cannot ‘boost’ your immune system, but the three best vitamins for supporting your immune system are vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin B6.
A combination of all of the vitamins listed above would be good for nourishing a weak immune system, which is why a healthy balanced diet is always recommended.
8 of the best vitamins to support your immunity 2022
Now you know what you need – check out 8 of our favourite specially formulated vitamin immunity supplements sold here at Holland & Barrett.
There’s something for everybody!
1. Holland & Barrett Gut Powered Immune Support 30 Capsules
The combination of live friendly bacteria, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and other natural extracts is a great way to support your immune system.
Key benefits
- Contains vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium elderberry extract and beta glucans to support your immune system and digestive enzyme functioning
- Over 10 billion live friendly bacteria in each dose
- Suitable for vegans
What our customers think:
Garyx79 – Great quality – 5/5 stars
“Got these to try and since taking them for nearly a month I’ m feeling a lot better, I’ve started to eat healthier as a result.”
Gurvinder - Gut power - 5/5 stars
"Great product. Will use again . Give it a go and try it for afew months and see the difference."
2. Starpowa Triple Immune Support Vitamin Summer Fruits Flavoured – 30 Gummies
A true triple threat for your immune system!
These summer fruit-flavoured gummies contain vitamin C, vitamin D2 and zinc, which contribute to the normal function of your immune system. They taste lovely too, which helps.
Key benefits
- Contains three proven ingredients for immunity support: vitamin C, vitamin D3 and zinc
- Also packed with ginger, goji berries, garlic and vitamin B6
- 100% vegan friendly and low in sugar
What our customers think:
Aprilxxx – Love! – 5/5 stars
“Have used the original gummies for ages and now started taking the immune ones and loving them too! Definitely recommend.”
Lilyyfx – Great results already – 5/5 stars
“I have noticed amazing results from these gummies! Already feeling so much healthier, more energised and refreshed! Definitely recommend!”
3. H&B Expert Immunity Health, Triple Action Immune Support
Coming soon!
This high strength, triple action immune support formula is packed with vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to work at its best.
Each capsule is ready to nourish you with vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, live friendly bacteria, and more!
Key benefits
- Contains vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, copper, garlic black elderberry and 5 billion live friendly bacteria to support your immune system
- Easy-to-take capsules full of natural active ingredients
- Suitable for vegetarians
4. Nature's Way Alive! Immune Support Soft Jell 60 Tablets
If you want immune system support for the whole family, these soft jell multivitamins could be just the trick.
They’re easy to take, have a delicious natural berry flavour, and provide you with all the nutrients your immune system needs to thrive.
Key benefits
- Made with a unique blend of 26 different fruits and vegetables
- Specially formulated to contain vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc to support the immune system
- Can be taken by people of all ages, from children 3 years and older to adults
- Delicious natural berry flavour with 100% vegetarian-friendly ingredients
What our customers think:
Roxiie – Taste as good as jelly babies! – 5/5 stars
“These are honestly the TASTIEST multivitamins you’ll ever try. Highly recommended. I know I’m sold on them 100% and so is my mum who is very picky so it’s a win win.”
Anonymous - Excellent Product - 5/5 stars
"Holland and Barrett is an efficient and excellent seller. This product is particularly good. I have just ordered another."
5. Holland & Barrett East Meets West Immune Formula, 30 capsules
This unique immune formula contains everything your immune system needs to stay strong and healthy, with the addition of naturally good-for-you herbs like turmeric, shilajit and garlic.
Key benefits
- Nourishes your immune system with this blend of vitamins C, D and B12 + zinc
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Also contains garlic, turmeric and shilajit
What our customers think:
Tine Trys – Happy with my purchase! – 5/5 stars
“I am happy with the ingredients which give at least 100% NRV in Vitamin D, E, C & B12. The smell from the bottle isn't too strong & likewise I didn't experience the garlic or turmeric smell from taking. The capsule is the average large capsule, easy to take with a little water.”
Debbie Martin - Feeling great since I started taking these - 5/5 stars
"I have been taking these for over a year now and i've never felt better. I'd highly recommend them."
6. Sambucol Extra Defence Black Elderberry Liquid 120ml
Prefer to take your vitamins in a liquid? This black elderberry liquid by Sambucol is packed full of the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to stay healthy, and more!
Key benefits
- Extra strength formula of black elderberry extract, vitamin C, zinc and other micronutrients to help support the immune system
- Tastes lovely and can have a soothing effect on the throat as you take it
- Also helps to maintain energy levels
What our customers think:
R von H – Old School Remedy – 5/5 stars
“IMHO This Sambucol liquid is quite simply the elixir of life.”
Jenster1956 - Excellent - 5/5 stars
"I have been taking this since lockdown and really noticed a difference in my well being."
7. Vitabiotics Immunance, 30 Tablets
Looking for expert support for your immune system?
Immunance advanced micronutrients tablets have been designed by the UK’s No1 Vitabiotics supplement range to contribute to help keep your immune system in tip-top condition.
Key benefits
- These Immunance tablets contribute to the normal function of the immunity and support normal blood cell formation
- Provides comprehensive formula of immunity-supporting nutrients
What our customers think:
Clarky02 – Fantastic supplement – 5/5 stars
“I have been using Immunace tablets for 5 years now. I am 72 years of age and keep wonderful health.”
Smartie_0007 - Working already - 5/5 stars
"I brought this to build up my immune system. Its working already. I am happy xx"
8. Holland & Barrett Kids Immune, 30 Chewables
Little immune systems need support too!
These one-a-day Healthy Kids immunity chewable supplements are fun to take and have a sweet blackcurrant flavour children (aged 3+ years) will love.
Key benefits
- Contains vitamin C, D and zinc, which all contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system
- Delicious blackcurrant flavour chewable tablets – perfect for picky kids who hate taking tablets (or eating their greens!)
- Vegan-friendly chewables made for children aged 3+ years
What our customers think:
MALIKs – Good product – 5/5 stars
“The chewables are delicious and my kids would always ask for more had to keep on ordering.”
MannyPet – Great vitamin for kids – 5/5 stars
“This vitamin is great for kids who don’t like to take other form of tablets.”
Are there side effects of immunity vitamin supplements?
As immunity supplements differ in their formulas, it’s hard to list potential side effects because each product will cause a different reaction in each person.
It’s always best to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you are already taking medication, have allergies or are pregnant / breastfeeding.
For example, pregnant women need to be careful of how much vitamin A they consume.
Then, once you have the ‘thumbs up’ you can introduce the supplement slowly, monitoring for any side effects like:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation
The final say
- There are many things we can do to support our natural immunity to help keep us fit
- Some vitamins and minerals are key to normal immune system functioning, like vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc
- You can take these vitamins by themselves or take a specially created formula for immune support, like the 8 we listed above
Last updated: 7 April 2022
