Micronutrients for Immune Health

Human health and our immunity to disease are of more importance now than ever before and this criteria is likely to persist well after this pandemic. The elderly are often the most vulnerable segment of the population as we have recently witnessed, and they make up a large portion of the health-conscious consumer segment. Below is a list of Vitamins and Minerals which are essential to maintaining a healthy immune system:

Key vitamins and minerals

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Selenium

Key roles in the immune system

  • Necessary for generation of antibody responses to antigen
  • Have antimicrobial properties
  • Free-radical scarvenger
  • Help maintain immune homeostasis
  • Help maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity
  • Antioxidants for protecting immune cells
  • Have immunomodulary effects
  • Support antibody production
  • Enhance elimination of invading bacteria,viruses and fungi

Micronutrient deficiencies in the elderly population.

It is estimated that 35% of adults over the age of 50 in Europe, USA and Canada are deficient of one or more micronutrients. Critical micronutrients are vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, folic acid, iron and zinc that play important roles in the immune system.

Reasons for malnutrition in older people:

  • Loss of taste, smell, and therefore appetite
  • Dental problems which cause pain and reduce appetite
  • Gastrointestinal disorders which reduce nutrition absorption
  • Lack of knowledge about food, cooking and nutrition
  • Poverty, isolation or loneliness which lead to poor diets

*8,671 products launched 02/2015-02/2020, global (Innova Market Insights)

Food Supplements with Vitamins and Minerals for Immune Health

Top 10 micronutrients by number of product launches*

*7,130 products launched 02/2015-02/2020, global (Innova Market Insights)

The Top micronutrient:

Vitamin C – a strong partner for the immune system

✅  Effective antioxidant which protects against reactive oxygen species produced when pathogens are killed by immune cells.

✅ Can increase serum levels of antibodies

✅ Has a role in antimicrobial cell activities

SternVitamin’s concepts to boost the immune system

SternGutV – An oat drink concept for boosting the gut immune system

Product Highlights:

✅ Combines immune and gut-supporting ingredients in a plant-based product.

✅ Directly supports the gut immune system through vitamins, trace element and fibers

✅ EU authorized health claim is possible: source of fiber