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immunity

Vitamin D3 2,500 IU – The New Dose in Town

Earlier this year, Health Canada increased the maximum amount of vitamin D in supplements sold over the counter from 1,000 IU to 2,500 IU per dose for adults over the age of 19. This change was driven by an increasing amount of evidence to support the safety of higher vitamin D limits.

Think Zinc! Many Canadians may be low, say researchers

One out of every four Canadians eat diets that are low in the mineral zinc, according to researchers from McGill University who analyzed data from the Food Habits of Canadians Study. Zinc plays a key role in immune function where it is needed for the body to develop...

Colds and canker sores? Try zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that supports a number of body systems, including the immune system. Recent clinical studies show that zinc can reduce the duration of a cold and may also help with chronic canker sores. At the Heritage Center in Utah, researchers studied the...

Aging and Immunity

Research suggests that some of the decline in immune function seen as people age may be preventable with good nutrition. The Penn State study, published in the British journal Mechanisms for Aging and Development, found that women aged 60 to 80 who were well nourished...

Moms-to-be need to watch zinc levels

One-quarter of all Canadians eats a diet that is low in the mineral zinc, according to researchers from McGill University. Zinc plays a key role in immune function where it is needed to develop natural “killer” cells to fight infection. It also has many other...

Echinacea cuts cold time, symptoms

Echinacea isn’t known as the “immune herb” for nothing! As two German studies prove, it has a well-deserved place on your natural cold remedy shelf. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 adult patients were given echinacea or a placebo at the...

Watch vitamin D levels this winter

Vitamin D regulates the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels to maintain strong bones and teeth. It also helps immune system function. This vitamin can be obtained through the diet but is also synthesized by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Given Canada’s long,...

Plant sterols up immunity during stress

Plant sterols and sterolins are natural plant fats that have recently gained worldwide attention as natural immune enhancers. The pioneering researcher Dr Patrick Bouic and his team conducted several studies to show how plant sterols affect the human immune system. In...

Protein Power: Do you need some?

In the last few years, protein powders have come out of the gym and into the kitchen. No longer just for athletes and weightlifters, protein has proven health benefits for all men and women. Protein accounts for the largest percentage of material in the human body...