Top Natural Immune Boosting Ingredients and How They Work
Immune system
Our immune system is responsible for defending human beings against many microbes, infections, harmful microbes, and foreign invaders. It is made up of specialized cells and molecules that work together to keep the body healthy. The two types of immune responses are:
- Innate Immunity (Non-Specific Defense): This is the body’s first line of defense, responding quickly to any harmful invaders. It includes physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes) and immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells that recognize common patterns in pathogens.
- Adaptive Immunity (Specific Defense): This is a more targeted response, involving B cells (which produce antibodies) and T cells (which directly attack infected cells). It also helps the body remember pathogens for faster responses in the future.
How It Works:
- The immune system detects harmful invaders through special receptors (PRRs) that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in training and supporting immune function, ensuring a balanced response to threats.
Why It Matters for Manufacturers:
- A strong immune system is vital for fighting both infectious diseases (like COVID-19) and chronic conditions (like cancer).
- Nutraceuticals, functional foods, and probiotics can help strengthen immunity by supporting gut health and immune cell activity.
As a manufacturer, understanding these mechanisms helps in developing targeted immune-boosting products that enhance overall health and resilience.
Immune boosting ingredients
Immune boosting ingredients also termed as immuno-stimulators are natural substances that help strengthen and support the immune system. The nutrients which are critical for immunity are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and foods rich in antioxidants [1]. The immune system relies on a range of nutrients to function properly and by incorporating these ingredients into your diet, the immune system’s ability to fight off diseases will be enhanced. The significant bio-active compounds present in the immune boosting foods are listed below [2]:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, the water-soluble vitamin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals and protects cells from damage. It also stimulates the activity of white blood cells and thereby boosts immunity. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits (oranges, lemon, grapefruit), bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) and white potatoes [3].
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is mainly obtained from sun-exposure. Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods, and supplements. Vitamin D is fat-soluble in nature and promotes calcium absorption in the gut and plays a vital role in bone growth and bone remodelling. Vitamin D is also crucial for reducing inflammation, cell growth, glucose metabolism, neuromuscular and immune function. Few of the foods which are rich in vitamin D are milk, eggs, mushrooms, fortified cereals, broccoli, carrots, almonds, apple and banana [4].
Minerals
Minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium and selenium are proven as profound immune-stimulators. Selenium plays a unique role in improving immunity, decreasing inflammation and oxidizing the excessive free radicals present in the body. The food products rich in selenium are eggs, yoghurt, meat products. Zinc and iron are crucial for immunity and for maintaining the biological functions. Milk, spinach, pumpkin, broccoli, and nuts are rich in iron and sunflower seeds, beef, cashew, broccoli are rich sources of zinc [5].
Allicin
Allicin is an organosulfur volatile compound found in garlic. Garlic exhibits significant positive effects on the immune system by modulating several mechanisms such as oxidative stress, immune and inflammatory response [7].
Curcumin
Curcumin is the bio-active compound present in turmeric. Curcumin significantly impact various immune functions like stimulating immune cells, inhibiting inflammation and by affecting the oxidative stress [8]. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-g and TNF – α) in lipopolysaccharides stimulated BV2 microglial cells.
Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamaldehyde is a potential bioactive compound present in cinnamon which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamaldehyde was found to inhibit inflammation. The phytonutrient downregulates the prostaglandins production thus reducing the likelihoods of hyper-inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Cinnamaldehyde can be helpful in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 induced hyper inflammation in the lung [9].
Piperine
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin, a non-toxic glycoprotein is present in secretory fluids such as milk, tears and saliva. Highest concentration of lactoferrin is present in human colostrum, human milk, then cow milk. Lactoferrin has anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity and it also exerts immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties [9].
Propolis
Propolis is produced by honeybees have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and immunomodulatory activity. The flavonoids and phenolic acids is responsible for the immunomodulatory effects [9].
Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic preparation of medicinal herbs, plant extracts, and minerals. It is a proven immune-boosting ingredients also possess cardioprotective and anti-obese potential [10].
Beta glucagon
Beta glucagon is a heterogeneous natural polysaccharide found in oats, barley, mushroom and yeast. Beta glucagon functions by activating the innate immunity and improves its efficiency to fight against harmful microbes and infections [10].
Ginseng
Ginseng, a powerful immune stimulant is derived from the root of a medicinal herb, Panax ginseng. Ginseng stimulates the innate and acquired immune systems. The effectiveness of the innate immunity is shown by the natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages [10].
Probiotics
Probiotics are the beneficial micro-organisms which supports gut health. Gut health is closely related to immune function and a healthy gut is important for immune function. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and other fermented foods are rich sources of probiotics [9].
Key Takeaways
- Immune boosting ingredients are crucial for supporting the immunity.
- The key to maintaining a strong immune system is eating a balanced diet that includes immune boosting foods, along with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and managing stress.
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
