Dr. Michael Murray The IMMUNE FA CTOR - Natural MediFAQS

T H E I M M U N E F A C T O R
vitamins C, E, A, B6, B12, and folic acid. Minerals that
are especially important are zinc, iron, and selenium. In
addition to a multiple, some specific nutrients are
particularly helpful in boosting immune function:
vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in
the immune system. Many different immune-enhancing
effects have been demonstrated, including enhancing
white blood cell response and function, increasing
interferon (a special chemical factor that fights viral
infection and cancer) levels, and improving the integrity
of the linings of mucous membranes. Numerous clinical
studies support the use of vitamin C in the treatment of
infectious conditions, particularly the common cold.
Vitamin C levels are quickly depleted during the stress
of an infection. The recommended level for immune
building is 500 to 1,000 mg one to three times daily. It
is useful to take vitamin C with an equal amount of
bioflavonoids since these compounds raise the
concentration of vitamin C in some tissues and increase
its beneficial effects.
Vitamin E exerts very good immune-enhancing activity.
Even without signs of vitamin E deficiency, supplementation
with vitamin E has been shown to exert a
number of positive effects on immune functions. The
benefits of vitamin E are especially helpful in enhancing
immune function in the elderly. The recommended
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