Question 1

What counts as an immune support supplement?

Accepted Answer

In practice it is any food supplement built around nutrients that contribute to the normal function of the immune system, most often vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium. Some products add plant extracts such as elderberry or echinacea, or live bacteria. Those extras are sold on tradition and research rather than an approved claim. A supplement fills a nutritional gap, so it works alongside food, sleep and daylight, not instead of them.

Question 2

Which nutrients are allowed to make an immune claim?

Accepted Answer

Under European food law, only a defined list may state that it contributes to the normal function of the immune system: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, selenium, copper and iron. Nothing on that list is described as preventing or treating illness, because no food supplement may claim that. We flag which nutrient in a formula carries the claim, so you can see what you are actually paying for.

Question 3

How much of each nutrient do adults need each day?

Accepted Answer

These are the UK reference amounts for adults aged 19 to 64. They describe what a normal diet plus supplements should supply in total, not a therapeutic dose. Most people in the UK meet the vitamin C, zinc and selenium figures through food, while vitamin D is the one that regularly needs a supplement in autumn and winter.

Nutrient	Men	Women
Vitamin C	40 mg	40 mg
Vitamin D	10 mcg (400 IU)	10 mcg (400 IU)
Zinc	9.5 mg	7 mg
Selenium	75 mcg	60 mcg

Source: NHS

Question 4

Which form should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Form decides absorption, comfort and how easy the product is to keep taking. This is how the main options in this collection compare.

Nutrient	Men	Women
Vitamin C	40 mg	40 mg
Vitamin D	10 mcg (400 IU)	10 mcg (400 IU)
Zinc	9.5 mg	7 mg
Selenium	75 mcg	60 mcg

Question 5

When should I take them, and how quickly do they work?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D and vitamin A are fat-soluble, so take them with a meal that contains some fat. Zinc absorbs best away from food, but if it makes you feel queasy, take it with a light meal instead. Vitamin C is water-soluble and fine at any time. Expect a gradual effect: refilling low vitamin D stores takes weeks, and most people notice the value of consistency rather than a single dose.

Question 6

Can I combine several immune supplements without overdoing it?

Accepted Answer

Add up the labels first. A multivitamin, a vitamin D softgel and a zinc lozenge can easily double your intake without you noticing. Vitamin A is the one to watch, since intake from food and supplements combined should stay at or below 1.5 mg a day. If you already take a broad formula from our multivitamin range, one targeted extra is usually enough.

Question 7

Are immune supplements suitable for children or during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Children have their own dosing, so use products made for their age group rather than half an adult tablet. UK guidance is that children aged 1 to 4 take 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily all year. During pregnancy, avoid supplements high in vitamin A and avoid liver, because too much vitamin A can be harmful to the baby. Vitamin D at 10 micrograms a day is advised in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Question 8

How much zinc or vitamin D is too much?

Accepted Answer

High daily zinc over long periods competes with copper absorption, which is why we do not stock everyday zinc above the levels below. Very high vitamin D over time raises calcium in the blood. The figures here are upper limits for adults from all sources, not targets to aim for.

Nutrient	Men	Women
Vitamin C	40 mg	40 mg
Vitamin D	10 mcg (400 IU)	10 mcg (400 IU)
Zinc	9.5 mg	7 mg
Selenium	75 mcg	60 mcg

Source: NHS, EFSA

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