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With consumer demand for immune support solutions still high, consider boosting the appeal of your next innovative food or beverage product with these top immune support micronutrients.
Consumers across the globe remain concerned about their immune health: 1 in 5 in the UK and France, 1 in 4 in the US and Canada, and even higher rates in Brazil (34%), China (38%), Germany (43%), and Indonesia (46%).1 In response, 61% of consumers have taken action to maintain their immune health in the past 12 months.2
Boosting immunity is now the #2 reason people take supplements (after general health), with 40% citing this reason.3 Additionally, around 1 in 5 supplement users report increasing their supplement use over the last year.4
To meet the significant demand for immune health solutions—whether through supplements, foods, or beverages—brands need a strong understanding of the key immune-support micronutrients.
Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, are nutrients used by the body in miniscule amounts to support specific physiological functions. Immune support micronutrients are those with essential roles in strengthening or maintaining the immune system.
The actions of immune support micronutrients range from regulating inflammatory responses to protecting immune cells from oxidative damage to aiding in white blood cell production. Consumers can support a resilient and effective immune system by ensuring an adequate intake of micronutrients such as vitamins A, B6, B9 (folate), B12, C, D, and E.
| Micronutrient | Main Role in Immunity |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Strengthens mucosal barriers (skin, gut, and respiratory tract) and enhances white blood cell function |
| Vitamin B6 | Supports antibody production and white bloods cell formation |
| Vitamin B9 (folate) | Aids DNA synthesis and supports rapid reproduction of T cells and NK cells |
| Vitamin B12 | Helps produce red blood cells, supporting oxygen transport to immune cells |
| Vitamin C | Enhances white blood cell activity and reduces inflammation |
| Vitamin D | Regulates immune responses, preventing both underactive immunity and excessive inflammation |
| Vitamin E | Protects immune cells from oxidative damage and boosts T cell function |
Vitamin C is probably the most widely recognized immune ingredient. It’s also the most frequently used micronutrient in immune health products launched over the past three years.5 Vitamin C enhances the function and production of lymphocytes and phagocytes, immune cells that detect and fight infections, while also improving neutrophils’ ability to engulf and destroy pathogens. In addition, this micronutrient helps reduce inflammation and, as an antioxidant, helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage.
Other standout immune-support micronutrients in recent immune product launches are vitamins A, D, and E.6 All are involved in numerous essential functions in the body, with several of these functions influencing the immune system.
Vitamin A supports the mucosal barriers, specifically the skin, gut lining, and respiratory tract, which are the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Vitamin A also enhances the function and production of white blood cells, plus regulates the body’s inflammatory response (to prevent excessive inflammation).
Vitamin D is vital in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses and enhancing the pathogen-fighting abilities of macrophages and dendritic cells. It also helps reduce chronic inflammation, which can weaken the immune system. Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased susceptibility to infection, including respiratory illness.
As an important fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E works to protect immune cells from oxidative damage, particularly at the cell membranes. Furthermore, vitamin E enhances the activity of T cells (which identify and destroy infected cells) and supports the production of natural killer (NK) cells (which fight against viruses and tumors).
While B vitamins may be most strongly associated with energy, especially in energy drinks, they also make important contributions to immune health—particularly vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and B12.
Vitamin B6 is essential for immune function, as it helps produce white blood cells, including T cells. It also supports the production of antibodies, which target and neutralize pathogens. Additionally, vitamin B6 helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the body’s overall immune response.
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is crucial for DNA and protein synthesis. It also supports cell division, allowing for rapid reproduction of immune cells such as T cells and NK cells when they are most needed by the body. A folate deficiency can weaken immune function and increase the risk of infection.
Vitamin B12 supports the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to immune cells, and maintains the health of bone marrow, where both red and white blood cells are produced. It also plays a key role in maintaining nerve cell health, which is important for immune signaling. Sufficient vitamin B12 is also needed to prevent anemia, which can weaken the immune system.
Immune-support micronutrients offer brands a powerful advantage by significantly enhancing the appeal and health benefits of their food and beverage formulations. Beyond the traditional pill format, there is growing consumer demand for wellness products in fun and convenient formats like gummies, confections, chewing gum, savory snacks, and ready-to-mix beverages.
By incorporating these micronutrients into everyday products, brands can create effective solutions encouraging immune health maintenance while appealing to a broader audience. Innovative delivery formats make it easier for consumers to seamlessly integrate immune support into their daily routine, while opening new opportunities for developing enjoyable, on-the-go wellness products.
Including key immune-support micronutrients in your products can help your consumers in their quest to stay healthy and provide a competitive edge in the market, especially when they’re added to functional foods and beverages in innovative formats that consumers will truly enjoy.
Contact Glanbia Nutritionals to tap into our extensive knowledge and expertise in formulating premixes with immune-supporting micronutrients that will elevate your product and benefit your consumers.
