| (NC)-Many experts believe vitamins, | | | | beta-carotene helps to boost the immune |
| especially antioxidant vitamins, help | | | | system. Also, evidence suggests that |
| boost the disease-fighting powers of the | | | | diets rich in carotenoids, including |
| immune system. Antioxidants are thought | | | | beta-carotene, are associated with |
| to help protect cells in the immune | | | | lowered risks of certain types of |
| system from damage caused by | | | | cancer. |
| environmental contaminants, cigarette | | | | Beta-carotene is found in yellow, red |
| smoke, radiation and normal wear and | | | | and orange fruits, as well as dark green |
| tear. | | | | vegetables. |
| Following Canada's Food Guide is a great | | | | Zinc & Selenium - The importance of |
| way to get a full compliment of vitamins | | | | adequate zinc intake has also been |
| and minerals on a daily basis. The | | | | demonstrated in numerous studies. A |
| following are some specific nutrients | | | | survey of an elderly, low-income |
| that many researchers believe may help | | | | population indicated that inadequate |
| boost the immune system: | | | | zinc intake may be linked to abnormal |
| Vitamin E - Studies showed an | | | | immune function. A study conducted in |
| improvement in immune function in | | | | 1999 revealed that trace supplementation |
| healthy individuals who received vitamin | | | | of zinc and selenium was associated with |
| E supplements ranging from 400 to 800 mg | | | | reduced incidence of infectious disease |
| (IU) per day. Vitamin E is found in | | | | in adults. Zinc and selenium are found |
| nuts, vegetable oil, corn, soya beans, | | | | in meat, poultry, whole grains and dairy |
| wheat germ and whole grain cereals. | | | | products. |
| Vitamin C - Recent reviews suggest that | | | | Canadians should consider taking a daily |
| vitamin C may reduce the duration of a | | | | multivitamin like Centrum(R) Forte to |
| cold, as well as the severity of its | | | | acquire adequate amounts of these immune |
| symptoms. The current recommended daily | | | | boosting nutrients. Multivitamins are |
| intake of vitamin C may be enough to | | | | formulated to complement a healthy diet |
| prevent scurvy, but it might not be | | | | and maintain a consistent level of |
| sufficient to support the immune | | | | nutrients required by the body. Their |
| response. Vitamin C is readily available | | | | careful combination of ingredients |
| in citrus fruits, green vegetables and | | | | provides optimal absorption and maximum |
| potatoes. | | | | benefits. |
| Beta-Carotene - Some researchers believe | | | | |