Vitamin D highlighted as essential nutrient to support immune health by expert panel

An expert panel has recently produced a white paper¹ with a set of recommendations regarding the diet and micronutrient supplement needs of the Swiss and wider European population, in order to support a well-functioning immune system for optimal health.

The white paper states that, in recent publications, recommendations were made for nutrients to support well-functioning immune system in the general and healthy population. The paper particularly highlights the role of Vitamin D.

The document mentions Vitamin D levels are frequently suboptimal, inadequate or deficient, likely due to reduced exposure to sunlight and synthesis in the skin and that Vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy is associated with a general dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system as well as increased levels of inflammation.

The white paper also states that since the coronavirus pandemic more than 1500 scientific papers have been published addressing the potential roles of vitamin D for the immune system in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infections and that currently more than 30 human studies with vitamin D are initiated to evaluate the benefit in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other essential nutrients such us Vitamin C, Selenium, Zinc, DHA and EPA are mentioned and associated with a role in supporting the immune system and helping to mitigate the adverse effects of inflammation.

The paper ends with a recommendation to follow a well-balanced diet and to add additional supplementation to fill the nutrient gap for the general population and especially for the adults age 65 and older. Take Vitamin D for example, the expert panel recommends a daily intake of 2000 IU (50 µg) which is higher than the daily recommended intake because this dose has demonstrated in scientific research to reduce risk for respiratory tract infections and it is well within the safety range as the Upper Limit (UL) for vitamin D is 4000 IU/day per person.

LEHVOSS Nutrition is keen to offer plant-based solutions, with ingredients such as a high quality and organic certified, range of vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin D, Zinc and Selenium.

We also offer PurewWay-C, a branded, clinically researched form of Vitamin C and Golden Omega, a high quality range of fish oil concentrates. Furthermore, if you are looking for standard options we have a complete range of minerals, including fully reacted chelates.

Contact us to learn more.

(1) Full version of the white paper available here.