Given how unpredictable the flu season has been in recent years, many of us are understandably wary about our risk of catching a bug in 2020. In response, we’ve seen a surge in sales of supplements promising to boost our immune system and keep us healthy throughout the year.

However, with so many different products on the market, it cannot be easy to know which are worth your money. To help you navigate this challenging market, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best supplements for immunity this year and beyond.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that helps to regulate your immune response, making it essential for good health. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to everything from flu and colds to asthma, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Because Vitamin D is fat-soluble (meaning it is stored in your body for a long time), it’s tough to get your levels up with diet alone. Instead, you’ll need to supplement your diet with Vitamin D, especially if you live in a northern climate, stay all year round indoors, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. An excellent daily dosage for immunity support is between 1000 and 2000 IU, but you may need to experiment with the dosage and type of Vitamin D to find what works best.

Probiotics

Probiotics are living bacteria that improve your digestive and immune health. While they’re often used in yogurts and other foods, they can also be found as supplements.

While probiotics are still a topic of debate among scientists, many believe they can help ease digestive issues, promote skin health, and boost your immune system. The good news is that many probiotics are now available in capsule form, making them easy to take. It would help if you looked for products that contain between 10 and 50 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per serving, as higher doses may be too intense for your system.

Elderberry extract

Elderberry extract contains antioxidant flavonoids that can help boost your immune system. It is also high in Vitamin C, helping to protect your cells from free radicals. Elderberry extract is beneficial for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, as it is believed to regulate the immune system and reduce allergic reactions.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound that helps to regulate your immune system. Many people are deficient in CoQ10 as they age, so it’s increasingly important to supplement with it as you age.

CoQ10 benefits those with weakened immune systems due to illness, age, or medication use. It’s also recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for a healthy metabolism. They’re also crucial for regulating your immune system and preventing infections. Because our bodies can’t produce EFAs independently, we must get them from food sources.

Unfortunately, many people aren’t getting enough of these healthy fats, partially due to the rise of processed foods. EFAs are most commonly found in fish and nuts but can also be derived from plants like flaxseed and hemp.

Summary

Vitamin D is a must-have for good immunity and can be supplemented through diet or vitamin supplements. Probiotics may also be helpful as long as you choose a high-quality product.

It’s also essential to ensure you’re getting enough CoQ10, EFAs, and vitamin C, as these are all essential for a healthy immune system. With the proper diet and supplementation, you can boost your immune health and protect yourself against illness this year and into the future.