Immunity

7 nutrients that help produce immune cells, ward off infections, and more

There’s no magic bullet to boost your immune system. The key is a consistent intake of vitamin- and mineral-rich foods. Here’s how UP Proteins can help fill the nutritional gaps.

A subpar diet can be one of the main contributors to a weakened immune system-messing with your ability to fight off viral infections like the common cold or manage more insidious autoimmune conditions. But research shows that the right vitamins and minerals can support the body’s immune system at three separate levels: 1. physical barriers (e.g. skin and the gut microbiome), 2. cellular immunity, and 3. antibody production. The good news: UP Proteins is packed with most of these immune-boosting nutrients.

See The Top 7 Immune-Boosting Nutrients In UP Proteins

Zinc:

protects immune cells + supports the gut

Zinc is an essential mineral with antioxidant properties that helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage; it also helps produce new immune cells. Additionally, zinc aids in cellular repair and helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which is home to around 70% of our immune cells. Low zinc levels can up your risk for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and increasing zinc intake has been shown to help reduce the duration and severity of the cold. Zinc is predominantly found in animal-based foods, and a few plant foods like cashews-but UP Proteins packs 68% of your daily zinc needs.

Vitamin C:

protects immune cells

Praised for its cold-fighting powers, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help protect immune cells from oxidative damage, so they can better do their job. Low levels of vitamin C have also been shown to decrease resistance to infections5. Boosting vitamin C intake may not be a magic bullet, but research suggests it may reduce risk of catching a cold by up to 50% in people who regularly partake in intense exercise6. Ingredients in UP Proteins such as acai berry, blackberries, spinach, and broccoli are high in vitamin C, and one serving of UP Proteins contains 50% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Vitamin D:

aids in production of immune cells + supports the gut

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system by promoting the creation of anti-inflammatory T-cells and cytokines. Low vitamin D levels have been shown to increase risk of infections and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and lupus. Like zinc, vitamin D also helps maintain the integrity of the gut (intestinal) lining, which is home to around 70% of our immune cells. Ramping up intake of vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D is primarily found in animal based food sources, but UP Proteins contains 50% of your daily needs per serving.

Selenium:

protects immune cells + reduces inflammation

Selenium is an essential mineral with antioxidant properties that helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage. Low selenium levels have been associated with impaired immunity and chronic inflammation, and research suggests selenium deficiency might be a potential contributing factor to autoimmune thyroid diseases. Boosting selenium intake may also help quel the body’s dysfunctional inflammatory response that contributes to the development and progression of many chronic health conditions. Selenium is found in nuts and seeds (with a high concentration in Brazil nuts), and a serving of UP Proteins delivers 64% of your daily needs.

Probiotics:

supports the gut + reduces inflammation

Certain probiotics can help improve gut microbial diversity and maintain the integrity of the gut lining-which is in your best interest, since around 70% of the body’s immune cells lie in the gut. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, along with prebiotic fiber, have been found to improve the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut and increase the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-beneficial compounds that quel gut inflammation and help heal intestinal damage that might otherwise trigger an unhealthy immune response. UP Proteins contains both L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus, plus inulin prebiotic fiber.

Vitamin A:

protects immune cells

Vitamin A is an antioxidant vitamin that helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage. It also influences the number and functioning of immune cells, including natural killer (or NK) cells, and low vitamin A levels can increase your risk for infection. Ingredients in UP Proteins such as carrots, kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are high in the vitamin A precursor called beta-carotene, and one serving of UP Proteins contains 83% of your daily vitamin A needs.

B-COMPLEX VITAMINS:

aids in production of immune cells

Vitamins B12, B6, and folate play an important role in the production and development of new immune cells, and low levels have been shown to contribute to a depressed immune system response16. Aside from vitamin B12 (found only in animal-based foods), B vitamins are found readily in a variety of fruits and vegetables. UP Proteins contains 50% of your daily needs for all B-complex vitamins.