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We all want to strengthen our immune systems, especially during the coldest months of the year. As flu season rolls around, you’re likely looking for little ways to protect yourself and your family from illness.
Taking a multivitamin is an excellent way to begin. The immune system relies on a wide range of nutrients to function at its best, and multivitamins provide many of these in a convenient form.
According to Hopkins Medicine, about half of all American adults take a multivitamin or another vitamin and mineral supplement. If you aren’t already, it’s never too late to start.
At Passion 4 Health, we make getting all of your daily nutrients easier than ever with a comprehensive liquid multivitamin. Let’s talk about how a liquid-form supplement can help bridge the gap between your diet and the crucial nutrients a healthy immune system needs.
How a Multivitamin Can Support Your Immune System
The immune system is a complex network that includes organs, tissues, cells, and proteins working together to defend the body against harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
To function optimally, every healthy immune system requires a consistent supply of essential nutrients - and we don’t always get enough from our daily meals. This is why taking a trusted liquid multivitamin can be so beneficial.
Here’s a closer look at key nutrients often found in multivitamins for immune support:
1. Vitamin C
Known for its role in immune system health, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It plays a role in the production and function of white blood cells, which are crucial for targeting and eliminating pathogens.
Vitamin C also supports skin health by helping maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, the body's first line of defense. A vitamin C deficiency is actually associated with skin fragility and easy bruising, a hallmark sign of scurvy.
Nearly all multivitamins contain some level of vitamin C. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women get at least 75 milligrams per day while men need about 90. The upper limit is 2,000, so you don’t need to worry too much about overdoing it when protecting your immune system.
2. Vitamin D
Often called the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D plays a critical role in modulating your immune system health. It also helps immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, recognize and fight pathogens.
Unfortunately, research indicates that a whopping 95% of the U.S. population has an inadequate level of Vitamin D. This makes taking a multivitamin supplement important for millions of people who want to protect their brain, muscle, and bone health alongside their immune systems.
3. Zinc
This trace mineral is essential for immune function and overall health. Zinc is involved in the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps manage immune responses. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of skin and mucosal cells, which act as physical barriers to pathogens.
Zinc doesn’t just help you avoid illness ー it can also help shorten it. According to multiple studies shared by NPR, it’s possible that taking zinc can shorten the duration of your cold symptoms by up to 40%.
You likely get almost enough zinc from your diet if you eat well-rounded, healthy meals, but the daily recommended amount is 8 milligrams for women and 11 for men. Therefore, you may want to find a multivitamin with a similar amount.
4. Vitamin E
Another antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage and plays a role in immune function by supporting the activity of certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which are involved in the body's early response to infections.
A 2014 study in Advances in Nutrition indicated that most people in America do not consume sufficient dietary vitamin E, making vitamin E supplements (including sufficient multivitamins) advisable for millions.
5. Vitamin A
Vital for both your innate immune system and adaptive immune system, vitamin A supports the health of the skin and mucosal cells in the respiratory and digestive tracts, creating a barrier that helps keep harmful invaders out. It also assists in the production and regulation of antibodies, which help identify and neutralize pathogens.
Amounts of vitamin A in dietary supplements vary widely, but 3,000 mcg RAE (333% of the recommended daily value) is common. A multivitamin may have less, as it offers a more balanced and less concentrated dosage.
6. B Vitamins
B vitamins, particularly B6, B9 (folate), and B12, support energy production and immune system cell function. Vitamin B6 aids in the biochemical reactions in the immune system, while folate and B12 are essential for the production of DNA and new immune cells.
A steady supply of B vitamins helps the immune system maintain its strength and respond effectively to threats. Although most people already get enough B vitamins in their daily meals, WebMD reports there is usually no harm in taking additional supplements to promote immune function.
7. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that plays a key role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It helps support the immune response by promoting the production of certain immune cells and enzymes that protect against cellular damage. Selenium also supports antibody production, contributing to a stronger immune system response.
As the Cleveland Clinic reports, dietary selenium is a one-two punch for keeping you healthy. Not only does it activate your immune system during threats, but it also tells it when to pump the brakes, protecting you from chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Liquid vs. Pill Multivitamins to Support Immune Function
Although pill multivitamins are considered the traditional approach to increasing certain vitamin and mineral intake levels, liquid supplements are quickly gaining popularity. In fact, the U.S. liquid dietary supplements market is expected to increase by a compounded annual growth rate of at least 8.5% from 2024 to 2023.
Why are more and more people switching to liquid vitamins? Let’s look at some of the benefits these modern multivitamins can offer over traditional pills.
High Absorption Rate
One of the key distinctions between liquid and pill multivitamins is how quickly they may be absorbed by the body.
Liquids generally start breaking down in the digestive tract immediately, allowing nutrients to be absorbed faster than pills, which need to dissolve before they can be absorbed. Since they bypass the dissolving stage, liquid vitamins can be absorbed faster. This gives them a competitive edge, according to Texas Health.
Faster absorption can be a significant advantage for those who need immediate vitamins and minerals, such as athletes or people with specific dietary needs. This can also be a boon to those quickly trying to build a strong immune system during cold and flu season.
Convenience and Taste
We all want our vitamins to taste good. Fortunately, liquid multivitamins are often flavored, which can be a plus for those who dislike swallowing pills or have trouble doing so. They can also be blended with other foods and liquids such as shakes, smoothies, juices, and yogurts.
When people around you are getting sick, we often recommend blending your liquid multivitamin with organic orange juice for a potential vitamin C and hydration boost!
Dosage Control
Liquids also allow you to adjust vitamin dosages more easily, which can be useful for customizing intake. For example, our liquid multivitamin is family-friendly and recommends adjustable dosages for everyone, from one-year-old children to 101-year-old seniors.
Pills, on the other hand, come in pre-measured doses, which may be more convenient for those who want a set daily amount without any adjustments. However, this means the pills cannot necessarily be shared between family members without confirming with a healthcare provider.
Choosing Liquid or Pill Multivitamins for Immune Health
Choosing the right vitamins for immune support ultimately depends on your personal needs, health conditions, lifestyle, and preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer, so do your research and consider the following:
Absorption Needs
If you’re looking for faster absorption of essential vitamins, liquid multivitamins may be a better fit. At Passion 4 Health, our vitamins boast an absorption rate of up to 98% in as little as 3 minutes of ingestion, which is much faster than that of pills and tablets (an estimated 10 to 20%).
Dietary Restrictions
Some people may be sensitive to certain binders or fillers in pills, while others may avoid certain sweeteners or flavorings in liquids.
Whether you’re choosing a liquid or pill multivitamin to support immune function, make sure you’re looking for high-quality, trusted ingredients and avoiding artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
Lifestyle and Portability
Immune support pills can be convenient for on-the-go use and don’t usually require refrigeration. If you travel frequently and don’t always have access to a fridge, liquid multivitamins may not be your first choice.
Final Thoughts: Supporting a Healthy Immune System
Both liquid and pill multivitamins can support immune health when taken consistently and as part of a balanced lifestyle. By understanding how each type works, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific health goals and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for fast absorption, convenience, or flexibility, there’s a multivitamin option out there to fit your immune support needs.
Try Passion 4 Health’s Daily Liquid Multivitamin + Minerals
Explore the difference a great multivitamin can make for your health. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin D, our Clean Label Certified liquid formula is crafted to help provide the nutrients your body needs for strong immunity.
If you’re looking for immune support supplements that can be easy to absorb and enjoyable to use, learn more about the Passion 4 Health Liquid Multivitamin today.
Have questions about our ingredients or dosage instructions? Get in touch!