Immune Health Recommendations

This range brings together supplements associated with immune wellbeing, several of which have authorised roles. Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc each contribute to the normal function of the immune system — these are authorised EU health claims. They are among the nutrients with an established role in immune function.

The range also includes beta glucan and grape seed extract, for which no health claims have been authorised, so we describe what they are rather than what they do. Available as capsules and powders.

11 products

Frequently asked questions

Which nutrients contribute to normal immune function? Popular
Several nutrients in this range have authorised roles. Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc each contribute to the normal function of the immune system. These are authorised EU health claims.

These four are the nutrients here with an established, authorised role in immune function. It is worth being precise about what the claim means: they contribute to the immune system's normal function, rather than boosting it above normal or acting against any specific illness.
What does it mean that a nutrient supports normal immune function?
The authorised claim is that certain nutrients contribute to the normal function of the immune system. In practice this means they are part of what the immune system needs to work as it normally should, and a shortfall in them can affect that.

It does not mean taking more than you need pushes the immune system above normal, and it is not a claim about preventing or treating any illness. If your intake of these nutrients is already adequate, their role is in maintaining normal function rather than enhancing it.
Why is vitamin D often recommended, particularly in winter?
Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function. These are authorised EU health claims.

The body makes vitamin D from sunlight, but in the UK there is not enough sunlight between around October and March for it to do so. Government advice is that most people should consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months. This range includes vitamin D3 on its own and combined with K2.
How do vitamin C and zinc contribute?
Both have authorised roles. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system as well. These are authorised EU health claims. Vitamin C is also involved in normal collagen formation and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; zinc has a number of other authorised roles including normal DNA synthesis.

Vitamin C is found in the diet in fruit and vegetables; zinc in meat, shellfish, seeds and wholegrains. This range supplies vitamin C in capsule and powder form, and zinc as a 15mg and a 50mg complex.
What should I know about the vitamin A supplement?
Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal skin and vision, and normal iron metabolism. These are authorised EU health claims.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means the body stores it, and intake should not exceed recommended levels over time. In particular, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are advised to be cautious with vitamin A supplements and should seek advice before taking one, as high intakes are not recommended in pregnancy. Follow the intake on the product label and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
What is beta glucan?
Beta glucan is a type of fibre found in the cell walls of yeast, oats, barley and certain other sources. The product in this range uses Yestimun, a beta glucan derived from brewer's yeast.

No health claims have been authorised for beta glucan, so while it is widely used and studied, we describe what it is rather than making claims for it. Health Leads supplies it as a 415mg complex in capsules.
Can a supplement replace a healthy diet for immune function?
No. A varied, balanced diet supplying the full range of vitamins and minerals is the foundation for normal immune function, along with adequate sleep and general good health. Supplements are intended to support intake where diet may fall short, not to replace it.

The nutrients with authorised immune claims — vitamins C, D and A, and zinc — are obtained from a normal diet, with vitamin D the main exception in winter for the reasons given above. If you are frequently unwell, that is worth discussing with a GP rather than addressing with supplements alone.

Nutrients and Normal Immune Function

The immune system is the body's defence network, and like the rest of the body it depends on an adequate supply of certain nutrients to function normally. Several vitamins and minerals have established, authorised roles here, which is why they appear so often in products associated with immune wellbeing.

Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc each contribute to the normal function of the immune system — these are authorised EU health claims. It is worth being precise about what that means. The claim is that these nutrients contribute to the immune system's normal function; it is not a claim that they boost immunity above normal, nor that they prevent or treat any specific illness. Their role is in supporting normal function, which matters most when intake of one of them is low.

Vitamin D deserves particular mention. The body makes it from sunlight, but in the UK there is not enough sunlight between around October and March for it to do so, and government advice is that most people should consider a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months. Beyond its immune role, vitamin D also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function.

The range also includes ingredients associated with this area for which no health claims have been authorised — beta glucan, grape seed extract and turmeric. For these we describe what they are rather than what they do. Beta glucan is a fibre found in yeast and grains; grape seed extract and turmeric are plant extracts. Alongside these, the range includes vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin A, zinc and a multivitamin.

A varied, balanced diet supplying the full range of vitamins and minerals is the foundation for normal immune function, along with adequate sleep and general good health. Supplements support intake where diet may fall short; they are not a substitute for it. If you are frequently unwell, that is worth discussing with a GP.