Lindsay Powers, lead nutritionist at Good Health Naturally, explores the importance of optimizing vitamin C and D intake during winter
Since the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its associated disease (COVID-19) were declared a global pandemic in early 2020, there has been widespread interest in the immune benefits of two essential nutrients: vitamins C and D3.
In a worldwide effort to establish ways to target respiratory tract infections and support overall immune health, these two key players have been in demand from consumers. It is essential that I continue to recommend these vital nutrients as we head into the winter months to help customers achieve ongoing protection.
Why is vitamin C a customer essential this winter?
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the immune system. It benefits the cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which protect the body against infection. Plus, it helps stimulate neutrophil migration to the site of infection, enhances phagocytosis and helps kill microbes.
A deficiency results in impaired immunity and a higher susceptibility to infections, while infections also burn through our vitamin C levels due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic requirements.
Therefore, it stands to reason that vitamin C supplementation can help support the body against and during respiratory and systemic infections, which we may be more at risk of over winter.
At Good Health Naturally, we offer flexibility when choosing vitamin C supplementation, giving the consumer the choice of plant-based camu camu capsules or liposomal liquid vitamin C. Both exert benefits in their own right. Plant-based options offer whole fruit benefits, with vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which enhance vitamin C absorption. Liposomal vitamin C can help customers quickly and effectively absorb this vital nutrient while avoiding gastrointestinal upset often experienced with higher intakes from tablets or powders.
Why supplement with vitamin D3?
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because our primary source comes from exposing our skin to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun. However, most of us in the UK and other Western countries are deficient in vitamin D due to limited sunlight exposure caused by many factors, including more time spent at home, in the office or the car, shorter days in winter, sunscreen use in summer and fears of skin cancer. Therefore, government guidelines recommend supplementation to achieve optimal levels, especially in winter.
Our qualified nutrition team is available to guide customers on the most appropriate products for their needs and vitamin D3 has been a firm favourite for many years – even pre-pandemic. But we don’t want to fall into complacency, and highlighting its widespread benefits, especially for immune health, is a priority at this time of year.
Vitamin D is critical for immune function. A deficiency in this nutrient may compromise your immune response and increase your risk of infection and disease.
Low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses. And we have seen from reviews of patients with COVID-19 that low vitamin D levels were associated with increased severity of symptoms.
Vitamins D3 and C are affordable winter essentials
As many consumers and retailers are pushed to think more carefully about how they spend their money this winter, helping customers prioritize and get good value for money is important to us. Offering an immunity bundle incorporating D3 and vitamin C is one way we can clearly indicate the key players in immune health, which is at the top of many people’s wish lists. Our products can potentially last up to three months, giving exceptional value in this challenging climate.
Through Wholesale Health, our products and bundles will continue to be rolled out to independent retailers, who can also take advantage of the added value and special offers.
For myself, I will continue to support customers throughout the changing seasons with appropriate product and health advice. I will also continue to run regular educational webinars, open to customers of Good Health Naturally and Wholesale Health, so look out for these in the coming months.
