The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs in the body that work together to defend against harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. Its primary function is to recognize and eliminate foreign substances that can cause illness or infection, while also distinguishing them from the body's own healthy tissues. The body has two primary immune responses: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.
The innate immune system responds immediately and is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as various immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells. The innate immune system responds rapidly to pathogens but lacks specificity.
The adaptive immune system is the body's second line of defense and provides a more targeted response to specific pathogens. It involves specialized immune cells called lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. The adaptive immune system can recognize and remember specific pathogens, allowing for a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposure.
The immune system also relies on various signaling molecules, such as cytokines and antibodies, to coordinate immune responses and regulate immune function. Lifestyle factors also influence immune function and health. For example, consuming nutritious foods, prioritizing adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise can fortify immune defenses. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements can also enhance immune responses.
Antioxidants support the immune system in several ways. They neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells and weaken immune function. Scavenging free radicals helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body to promote a healthier immune response. Additionally, antioxidants support immune cell function, enhance antibody production, and help regulate immune signaling pathways.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). Perhaps one of the most well-known immune-boosting supplements, vitamin C supports the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production, which helps fight infections. It's also an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Additionally, vitamin C plays a role in removing old cells, ensuring the immune system's smooth operation. Research also shows that vitamin C can help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. PureBulk carries Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Powder, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester) Powder, Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) Powder, and Acerola Cherry Vitamin C Extract 25%. [1 - 7]
Beta Carotene (Provitamin A). Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for immune function, particularly in maintaining the health of mucosal surfaces, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract linings. [8 - 10]
Glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps to strengthen and modulate the innate immune response. It helps white blood cells move to infection sites rapidly and ensures they combat bacteria and harmful invaders effectively. It also helps manage inflammation in the body. While inflammation is a critical aspect of the immune response, too much can be damaging. Glutathione helps regulate our innate immune response to ensure its effectiveness while preventing excessive inflammation. [11 - 13]
Pine Bark Extract. Pine bark extract contains proanthocyanidins, potent antioxidants that help support immune function by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. It also enhances mucosal immunity in the gut. [14 - 17]
Pomegranate Extract. Pomegranate extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has immune-supporting properties that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Pomegranates also have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research shows that combining pomegranate extract with exercise improves immune function more than either factor can achieve alone. PureBulk carries Pomegranate Extract (40% Ellagic Acid) and Pomegranate Extract (90% Ellagic Acid). [18 - 20]
Selenium. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that helps the immune system function properly. As an antioxidant, it helps to protect cells from free radical damage. It also helps produce and activate numerous immune cells, including T, B, and natural killer cells. [21 - 25]
Vitamin B3. Like selenium, vitamin B3 helps form immune cells. It also helps regulate inflammatory responses in the body for a more balanced immune response. PureBulk carries two vitamin B3 supplements: niacin and niacinamide. Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a flush-free form of vitamin B3. [26, 27]
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage. It supports immune health by enhancing immune cell function and reducing inflammation in the body. It modulates T cell, B cell, and macrophage activity. Additionally, it can influence cytokine production and activity. Cytokines are signaling molecules that coordinate immune responses. PureBulk carries two vitamin E supplement powders: D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate Powder (Vitamin E) and Acid Succinate Powder (Vitamin E). PureBulk also carries D-Alpha Tocopherol Oil (Vitamin E) and Vitamin E 400IU Softgels in MCT Oil. [28 - 30]
Zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral and crucial for immune cell development and function. It influences the innate and adaptive immune systems by regulating immune cell activity, supporting antibody production, promoting the maturation of T cells, and assisting in wound healing processes. Research shows that it can help reduce the duration and severity of colds. PureBulk carries zinc picolinate 20%, zinc ascorbate, zinc bis-glycinate, zinc gluconate, zinc l-aspartate (USA), zinc sulfate monohydrate, and zinc oxide. [31 - 52]
Vitamin B1. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, facilitates essential cellular processes for a healthy immune response. It contributes to energy production within immune cells to ensure they function and behave properly. Additionally, thiamine helps with immune response coordination by regulating cytokine production. Immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages can't function optimally without vitamin B1. These immune cells are critical for identifying and neutralizing pathogens. Thiamine deficiency can impair immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. PureBulk carries vitamin B1 as Thiamine HCl and Thiamine Mononitrate. [53 - 56]
Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is crucial for immune function as it supports antibody production, regulates immune cell activity, modulates inflammation, facilitates nutrient metabolism for immune cell function, and contributes to a healthy stress response. By aiding in antibody synthesis, regulating immune cell function, and modulating inflammation, vitamin B6 plays a vital role in maintaining a robust immune system and defending against infections and diseases. PureBulk carries vitamin B6 as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) (P-5-P) and Pyridoxine HCl. [57 - 61]
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a crucial immune system supporter, and deficiency increases susceptibility to infections and developing autoimmune conditions. It helps regulate immune cell function, including pathogen-eliminating T cells and macrophages. Additionally, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that help modulate immune responses. PureBulk carries Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Powder and Vitamin D3 5000IU Olive Oil (Soy Free) Softgels. [62 - 65]
Adaptogens are botanical compounds that bolster the immune system by helping the body adapt to stressors, mental and physical. They modulate the body's stress response to help maintain immune balance and resilience. Moreover, adaptogens possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthier immune response. Additionally, adaptogens enhance natural killer cell and macrophage activity, contributing to overall immune function.
Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb and adaptogen. It has immunomodulatory properties that can modulate the innate and adaptive immune systems. It contains bioactive withanolides that enhance immune cell activity (e.g., natural killer cells and macrophages). It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate immune responses by reducing inflammation and promoting immune balance. [66 - 69]
Chaga Mushroom Extract: Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans and polysaccharides, with immune-boosting properties. Chaga mushrooms can modulate the immune response by boosting natural killer cell and macrophage activity and reducing inflammation. Additionally, it promotes beneficial cytokine formation while blocking those that trigger inflammation. [70 - 75]
Reishi Mushroom Extract. Reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes that fortify the immune system. They stimulate natural killer cell activity and enhance their ability to combat pathogens. Reishi also has anti-inflammatory properties that promote a balanced immune system by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. [76 - 82]
Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract. Turkey tail mushroom, also known as Coriolus versicolor, is rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which can stimulate the immune system and enhance T cell and macrophage activity. These mushrooms also possess potent antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to a balanced immune response. Moreover, turkey tail mushrooms support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria growth, further bolstering immune function. [83 - 88]
Bilberry Extract. Bilberry extract contains anthocyanins and flavonoid antioxidants that help maintain a healthy immune response by reducing inflammation and protecting immune cells from oxidative damage. Bilberry extract's anti-inflammatory properties help prevent excessive immune system activation, which can lead to tissue damage and impaired immune function.
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract). Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that enhance immune function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. It supports a balanced immune system by modulating immune cell activity and suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways. It also has antimicrobial properties. PureBulk carries Curcumin 95% Natural Turmeric Extract and Curcumin 95% Natural Turmeric Extract Softgels. [89 - 92]
Fish Oil Softgels. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate immune responses by regulating immune cell activity, inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production, and promoting anti-inflammatory molecule production. They can also help restore balance to the immune system. [93 - 96]
L-Glutamine. L-glutamine is a crucial amino acid for supporting the immune system—particularly in maintaining the intestinal lining and immune cell function. It is a primary energy source for immune cells, particularly those in the gut and lymphoid tissues. Additionally, L-glutamine supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier, preventing the translocation of harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream. It is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that the body may require higher amounts than it can innately produce to support immune health during stressful times or illness. PureBulk carries L-Glutamine and N-Acetyl L-Glutamine. [97 - 100]
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC). NAC is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body's most potent antioxidants. Replenishing glutathione levels in the body supports immune health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. NAC can also suppress viral replication and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production. [101 - 103]
Quercetin. Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-allergic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that help support immune function. As an antioxidant, quercetin scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body to promote a balanced inflammatory response and protect immune cells from damage. Quercetin also modulates immune cell and cytokine cell activity. Additionally, quercetin synergizes with vitamin C, another nutrient crucial for immune function, to enhance its absorption and enhance both supplements' antiviral effects. [104 - 106]
Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in various plants, particularly red grapes and berries, that exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect immune cells from free radical damage, reduces oxidative stress, and ensures immune cells can function optimally. Resveratrol's anti-inflammatory effects help maintain a balanced immune response, preventing excessive inflammation that can impair immune function. Resveratrol also modulates immune cell and signaling molecule activity. Additionally, resveratrol has been linked to improvements in gut health, which plays a crucial role in immune function. PureBulk carries Trans-Resveratrol Powder Pure and Trans-Resveratrol Powder 50%. [107 - 110]
Chlorella. Chlorella is a type of algae that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help strengthen the body's defenses against pathogens and infections. Its high antioxidant content neutralizes harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can compromise immune function. Research also shows chlorella stimulates natural killer cell activity. Furthermore, chlorella's detoxifying properties help eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body, relieving the burden on the immune system. [111 - 113]
D-Mannose Powder. D-mannose is a type of sugar that helps synthesize the glycoproteins the body needs to regulate the immune system. It also supports urinary tract health by creating a non-stick surface on the bladder wall, effectively preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to it and proliferating. D-Mannose exerts prebiotic effects, too, that support gut health. [114 - 117]
Probiotics and Prebiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support immune function by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a robust immune system because a significant portion of the body's immune cells reside in the gut. Prebiotics are fibers that act as food for probiotics. Prebiotics help promote a healthy balance of gut microbiota by nourishing these good bacteria, which support digestive and immune health. PureBulk carries numerous prebiotics and supplements with prebiotic effects, including Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract, Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) Powder, Psyllium Husk Powder, D-Mannose Powder, and Lactose. [118 - 122]
Spirulina. Spirulina is another nutrient-dense blue-green algae that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spirulina supports immune function by enhancing natural killer cell and macrophage activity. It also contains high phycocyanin antioxidants levels that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, spirulina contains polysaccharides that modulate immune activity and support overall immune health. [123 - 126]
PureBulk has an immune support blend that combines chaga mushroom extract, NAC, and vitamins B1, B6, and D in one convenient capsule. PureBulk also offers an immune support protocol bundle that includes Vitamins C and D, quercetin, zinc, and melatonin/l-theanine capsules.
