We’re still in the middle of flu season, which this year is coinciding with COVID-19 and RSV to cause a sort of triple pandemic. On top of those concerns is the regular cold, since none of us like to be sick.
The immune system depends on certain nutrients for maximum function. The Vitamin C Plus Patch and B12 Energy Plus Patch by PatchAid are examples of topical patches that contain essential vitamins for immunity.* Here is an overview of vitamins that boost immunity.
Vitamin C and Related Ingredients
Quick - name a nutrient for immune function. If you said vitamin C, you’re probably not alone. Vitamin C may be one of the best-known nutrients for supporting immunity. It has been widely studied as a vitamin to prevent the common cold and to shorten the duration of symptoms, though the effects are still not yet clear.
It is clear that a vitamin C deficiency can increase your risk of getting sick. In addition, a vitamin C deficiency can raise the risk of oxidative damage in your body, since vitamin C is an antioxidant. Low levels of vitamin C can cause harmful inflammation and put your body off balance, which can make you more susceptible to infections.
Vitamin C is naturally found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. These are some examples of food sources of vitamin C.
- Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange, grapefruit, mandarins, tangerines or clementines, and lemons.
- Kiwi
- Mangos
- Bell peppers
- Spinach and other green vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts
- Cantaloupe
- Tomatoes
The Vitamin C Plus Patch by PatchAid can supplement the vitamin C that you get from food. Each patch has 2500 milligrams of vitamin C, including from acerola cherries, which are known as a superfood. The Vitamin C Plus Patch also contains these ingredients.
- Citrus bioflavonoids, which have antioxidant functions.
- Rutin, a flavonoid with antibacterial properties that is found in buckwheat, raspberries, and asparagus. Antibacterials can help prevent the survival of bacteria.
- Rosehip, which is one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C known.
The Vitamin C Plus Patch:*
- May maintain normal tissue concentrations of vitamin C.**
- May promote normal immune function.*
- May support cellular integrity and protect cells from damaging free radicals.*
- May help normalize lipid levels and support heart and vascular health.*
- May help maintain inflammation at healthy levels.*
Vitamin B6 and More for Immunity
Vitamin B6 may be less well-known as vitamin C when it comes to colds and other infections, but it is just as important for immunity. In fact, vitamin B6 is necessary for producing critical types of immune cells, such as T-cells and white blood cells. Among the functions of these cells is handling invading pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.
A deficiency of vitamin B6 can be problematic for immunity, as you might imagine. Furthermore, one repercussion can be increased inflammation, which also increases the risk of getting sick. Pregnant women especially should consult their healthcare providers about vitamin B6 to avoid undue risk to a fetus.
Vitamin B6 is in a wide range of foods, such as the following.
- Garbanzo beans
- Organ meats, such as beef liver
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Chicken and turkey
- Bananas
- Winter squash, such as butternut and acorn squash
The B12 Energy Plus Patch has 150 mg of vitamin B6. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B12, as well as folic acid and biotin. There are herbal ingredients as well, including ginseng.
The B12 Energy Plus Patch:
- May support healthy energy metabolism.*
- May promote a better mood.*
- May support heart, blood, and brain health.*
- May support healthy hair, nails, and skin.*
- May support breast and colon health.*
PatchAid Vitamin Patches are easy to use. Just peel off the backing and stick it onto your skin. Leave it on for up to 8 hours, while you sleep, exercise, and go about your regular routine. Then remove and discard it, and repeat the next day. It is okay to use multiple PatchAid patches at one time.
More Ways to Boost Immunity
Taking your vitamins is not the only thing to do to maximize your immune function. A generally healthy diet and lifestyle can help, as well. These are some ways to help stay healthy.
- Eating a diet that is high in nutrients, especially antioxidants. Fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats are examples of nutritious foods.
- Exercising regularly.
- Getting enough sleep each night. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours, and you can get a good idea of whether you need more sleep if you notice that you feel sleepy during the day or have trouble getting up in the morning.
- Managing stress. Feeling chronically overwhelmed can be taxing on your body.
In addition to generally healthy lifestyle choices, you can take more specific precautions against infections. These are some ways you can help prevent yourself from getting sick.
- Wearing a mask when you are around people, especially indoors, when people have symptoms, or at gatherings.
- Washing your hands with soap and warm water frequently, including before and after eating and using the bathroom, and before touching your face.
- Using sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Keeping hygienic living conditions, such as cleaning surfaces often.
It is necessary to have adequate amounts of certain nutrients if you want to be sure your immune system has the chance to be as strong as possible. Vitamin Patches by PatchAid, including the Vitamin C Plus Patch and B12 Energy Patch, contain nutrients that can support immune function.* Along with making sure you are following healthy lifestyle guidelines for immunity, ask your healthcare provider which vitamins may be right for you, and enjoy the convenience of vitamin patches to support your health goals.*
*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. PatchAid patches are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone with a medical condition should seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Individual results may vary.