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When considering the shortage of sunlight (the stimuli for vitamin D synthesis), the additional time spent indoors around others, the cold dry air that promotes virus survival, and the neglect of self-care and additional stress that weakens an already burdened immune system, the connection becomes clear as to why the common cold and flu peak during the holiday and post-holiday months. Of course, much can be done to lessen the likelihood of infection. And while a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, stress management, and good hygiene practices are excellent mitigating factors, it’s prudent to remain mindful of additional strategies that serve to boost immune function, especially when evidence is largely supportive of their efficacy.
At clinically-relevant doses, certain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds have shown to support the activities of the immune system against various pathogens, especially those encountered regularly during the cold and flu season. Though most immune-promoting nutrients are accessible as part of a healthful and well-balanced diet, their availability may fail to reach clinical significance from food alone. Take vitamin D3, for example, which is negligible in most foods, yet may be required at doses exceeding the 600 IU/d (recommended by the Institute of Medicine) to modulate innate and adaptive immunity in several acute and chronic conditions. When seeking to improve nutrient status without significant changes to established eating patterns, supplementation can be a very reasonable and cost-effective strategy.
Cobotic, a formula by BioSpec Nutritionals, includes an evidence-based blend of ingredients identified for their immune supportive properties, especially during times of increased infectious burden and stress.*
Cobotic Ingredients
Vitamin A: One of the immune system’s first lines of defense is found within the mucus membranes of the airway passages, the digestive lining, and also the urinary tract. Vitamin A is essential, not only to maintain the integrity of the mucus membranes, but also to support the production of inflammatory factors necessary to fight infection.⁵
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been touted in mainstream medicine to have a beneficial effect on both innate and adaptive immunity, meaning that it supports and enhances the body’s preprogrammed (innate) defenses, in addition to immunity that develops over time from continuous exposure to foreign substances.⁶ It has been well established in the scientific literature that suboptimal levels of vitamin D can lead to a lowered state of immunity, increasing the risk of infection and associated complications.
Zinc (Picolinate): Zinc picolinate, the most bioavailable form of zinc, is similar to vitamin D such that it supports both adaptive and innate immunity required for the normal development and function of the immune system.⁷ Studies have shown that in children, zinc deficiency can be a contributing factor in diarrheal diseases and lower respiratory infections, primarily pneumonia and flu.⁸⁻⁹ In aging populations it is not uncommon to find significantly diminished zinc levels, which can influence age-related immune decline.¹º
Copper: It is well-known that copper deficiency can result from long-term zinc supplementation at higher doses.¹² As such, balancing the zinc-to-copper ratio in supplements is necessary to avoid potential copper deficiencies and complications that may result. Copper deficiency can lead to a decreased number or response of specific subgroups of white blood cells. Though much has yet to be clarified in this regard, the relationships between copper and the innate immune system, specifically against bacterial pathogens, remains an important consideration.¹³
Lemon Bioflavonoid Complex: Bioflavonoids are compounds found in foods that have many biochemical and physiologic actions that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects to help boost the immune system.¹⁴⁻¹⁵
Echinacea Purpurea Extract: Published trials have suggested that Echinacea may be beneficial for the prevention of early onset upper respiratory tract infection.¹⁶⁻¹⁷
Lysozyme: Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein that is secreted by intestinal cells in the presence of a bacterial invasion.¹⁸
L-Lysine: Studies have shown that L-lysine may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of herpes simplex outbreaks.¹⁹⁻²⁰
» COBOTIC Supplement Facts & Label Info here
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