Immune-boosting supplements are a multimillion industry that has grown rapidly in recent years. People’s growing awareness on important compounds and food ingredients that can lower the risk of developing certain diseases contributes to the growth. Different manufacturers and brands have also sprouted.

Demand generates supply. But with the immense supply and numerous options, consumers cannot help but be torn between Brand A and the other possible alphanumeric combinations.

Intelligent consumerism is key to getting the best possible product in the market. Keep this fact in  mind:  Not all supplement brands are the same. There are several pointers in knowing which brand to choose. But before that, here are the top ten immune-boosting supplements in the market that will definitely satisfy your needs.

Beta 1, 3 Glucan

First on the list is beta glucan. Beta glucan is a soluble fiber nutrient commonly derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast, cellulose of plants, some mushrooms and fungi, and from the bran of cereal grains. Different studies have evaluated the benefits of beta glucan in promoting better health and preventing diseases. In its long list of health benefits, beta glucan’s significance in cancer prevention has received more positive observations from different clinical studies.

Beta glucan comes in the form of Beta-1, 3 glucan as manufactured food supplement. A study showed beta-1, 3 glucan’s potency in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and tumors in laboratory animals. The compound was also found to improve the effects of chemotherapy treatment. The mortality rate of cancer patients was observed to be lower with the use of beta-1, 3 glucan than with chemotherapy alone. The compound demonstrates potency in lowering blood cholesterol levels and enhances the immune system by improving the macrophages’ ability to respond to infection.

Coenzyme Q 10

Coenzyme Q 10 is normally associated with anti-ageing skin care products. It is an oil-soluble substance which demonstrates similar properties with vitamins. Coenzyme Q 10 naturally occurs in eukaryotic cells and is an important element of the electron transport chain.

The compound has been subjected to more than 5,000 clinical studies and its role in fighting the adverse effect of oxidative stress. As a person grows older, the body’s production of coenzyme Q 10 decreases. This makes the body more susceptible to disease like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In a study conducted to evaluate the health benefits of coenzyme Q 10, researchers observed that cancer patients had lower levels of the compound than healthier individuals. Coenzyme Q 10 can potentially help in strengthening the immune system and is also effective as a secondary treatment against cancer. Numerous studies have established and gathered significant evidence to support the health benefits of coenzyme Q 10. This makes it one of the most significant and popular food supplements in the market. Though normally used as a topical treatment, the benefits of coenzyme Q 10 can be better obtained through oral consumption. I recommend the brand Jarrow Formulas, which is oil based. This is important for a CoQ10 supplement.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fats are used for two purposes in the human body. Most fats act as fuel and essential fatty acids are essential in biological processes. There are two types of essential fatty acids: omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid. EFAs were previously called vitamin F but further studies on the substance found it better classifiable as fatty acids than a vitamin. The most significant function of EFAs is its unique influence on the human DNA. They have been observed to inhibit the process that results to the production of cytokines. Inflammation has been long associated with the development of chronic diseases, neurodegeneration and cellular damage that is commonly linked to cancer. The two brands I recommend are Carlson's liquid fish oil  and Nordic Naturals.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries as an important food ingredient and as an essential medicinal plant. It is a member of the onion family and is cultivated around the world with no definite ancestry. Garlic contains numerous compounds that have been found by different studies to be effective in fighting oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It also has a strong antibacterial and antiviral property which makes it important in fighting various diseases. This bulbous food ingredient has also been found to enhance the immune system’s ability to ward off infection. The potency of garlic is significantly reduced when subjected to heat. This is the main reason why taking supplements coupled with the right food choices deliver better results. I only supplement with the brand Kyolic by Wakunaga of America

Maitake Extract

Maitake is a type of edible mushroom that has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries in order to treat diseases. Maitake extract has been found by studies primarily conducted in Japan to have benefits in fighting cancer. It is a rich source of beta glucan which has been known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Maitake extract, therefore, is better effective in reducing cancer risk.

High-Potency Multivitamins

Vitamins are normally found in the found we eat. But getting the benefits out of these vitamins depends on the body’s ability to digest and absorb. High Potency multivitamins are packed with more vitamins to help the body get the best of it. Also, it's a good idea to switch up your multivitamin every so often.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Vitamin c is an acidic nutrient with a strong antioxidant property. It boosts the body’s immune system by enhancing the immune cells’ ability to protect the body from infection. Vitamin C also protects the body from oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals and by reducing cellular inflammation. Bioflavonoid is another strong antioxidant. The body gets better protection against diseases with the intake of these two essential nutrients combined.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract contains polyphenols, carbohydrates, lipids and protein which are all important in maintaining and promoting better health. The manufacturing of grape seed extract as a food supplement is commonly due its strong antioxidant property. According to different studies on the health benefits of grape seed extract, the immune-boosting supplement has 50 times stronger antioxidant properties than vitamin C and 20 times stronger than vitamin E.

Acidophilus

Acidophilus is a group of probiotics known to improve digestion, nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, colorectal cancer and other diseases linked to an unhealthy colon microflora. Lactobacillus acidophilus is prepared in beverage form but it is also available in capsulated supplement form.

Quercetin with Bromelain

Quercetin with bromelain helps improve the body’s response to histamine and other allergens to help support a healthier sinus. Quercetin is a strong antioxidant that contributes to the food supplement’s health benefit by inhibiting inflammation caused by an allergic reaction while bromelain supports better absorption of quercetin.

Tips in Choosing the Best Immune-boosting Supplement

Before buying supplements, it is always wise to perform due diligence first. A particular website, Consumerlab.com, is a reliable resource for people looking for the best brands of immune-boosting supplements. I have no financial ties to this website but I am posting it here so that, like me, people will be better informed. I personally recommend the use of Consumerlab.com for further study and reference. The site is supplied with articles and updates on the supplements industry which better educates consumers prior to deciding on a purchase.

Sources
benbest.com
garlic-central.com
cancer.org
dietary-supplements-guide.com
worldimage.com
preventive-health-guide.com
askdrsears.com