Micronutrients: Nutrients That Support Your Immunity

Do you know your micronutrients from your macronutrients? Many of us don’t, but both are essential for keeping your body healthy, especially when it comes to immunity. Here’s our guide to the most important micronutrients and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

What are Micronutrients and Macronutrients?

Macronutrients refer to the nutrients that our bodies need in large quantities in order to gain energy. These include proteins, fats and carbohydrates. As for micronutrients, these are the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need, but in smaller amounts.

Micronutrients are critical when it comes to important functions in the body including organ function, bone development and immune health. Many of us struggle to fit in the recommended amounts of certain nutrients, and that’s where supplements can help.

Which Micronutrients Support Immunity?

Vitamin A

Skin

Vitamin A is best known for its contribution to eye health, (1) but this nutrient is also essential for immunity. (2) Research shows that our immune organs need constant intake of vitamin A to function effectively, (3) making it an essential addition to your daily routine.

Vitamin C

Most of us associate vitamin C with immunity, but why is it so important? Vitamin C supports the cellular response to pathogens as well as protecting our cells from oxidative damage. (4) This vitamin also contributes to iron absorption, (5) another essential micronutrient for immunity.

Vitamin D

Commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ due to being produced naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is largely known for its maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. (6) Vitamin D also plays an important part in the immune system. (7) During winter periods when we don’t see much sunlight, supplements can help to boost your vitamin D intake.

Zinc

Finally we come to zinc, a mineral that’s incredibly important to our internal and external wellbeing. Zinc contributes to our immunity by maintaining cell function, (9) whilst also promoting healthy hair (10) and supporting cognitive function. (11) Getting enough zinc into your diet can be tricky, but one way to ensure you’re getting the right amount is with our Zinc Tablets, which also contain 75% of your recommended intake of vitamin C.

Multivitamin Gummies

For a delicious way to boost your intake of over 10 micronutrients, try Myvitamins Multivitamins Gummies. These Strawberry flavour supplements contain vitamin D and A to support immune function, (2, 7) as well as biotin to promote healthy hair and skin. 12

Shop the whole Myvitamins range of immunity products here.

References

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863
Vitamin C help to protect cells against oxidative stress.
Vitamin A contributes to the absorption of iron.
Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and teeth.
Vitamin D helps support the normal functioning of your immune system.
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Zinc helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Zinc contributes towards the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.
Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.
Biotin maintains normal hair and skin.

Katie Lambert

Writer and expert

After studying History at The University of Leeds, Katie moved back to her home town of Manchester to start a career in content writing. Katie has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys running in her spare time. Her favourite topics to write about include healthy recipes, performance strategies and general wellbeing.