How Much of Your Immune System is In Your Gut? Your Immune System Questions, Answered.

When it comes to the immune system, there is a lot of misinformation being passed around and new discoveries being made every day.

We’re here to let science set the record straight about your commonly asked questions concerning immune health, and to help you make more informed decisions.

What vitamins are best for the immune system?

There are a variety of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that help support immune health.

Important vitamins for immune health:*

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A

Important mineral for immune health:*

• Zinc

Herbs & other supporters of immune health*:

• Echinacea
• Quercetin

When do babies develop an immune system?

The development of an infant’s immune system is a fascinating topic about which scientists are still learning.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the mother shares an immune system with her baby by passing antibodies through the placenta. This is called “passive immunity,” because the baby is given antibodies from the mother instead of making them on its own.¹

This passive immunity continues to protect the infant for the first few weeks or months of its life, depending on the mother’s immune system and antibodies. Breast milk also contains antibodies, which means that babies who are breastfed will have passive immunity longer than formula-fed babies.

Premature babies are at a greater risk of infection than babies born at full term because they haven’t had as many antibodies passed to them from their mothers.

After a few weeks or months, babies begin to develop “active immunity,” which refers to the antibodies they develop when exposed to antigens. It takes time for an infant’s immune system to fully develop.²

How much of your immune system is in the gut?

Approximately 70% of the body’s immune cells are housed in the gut. The immune and digestive systems interact closely, and supporting your gut health can lead to improved immune health as well.

Read more: How the Digestive System & Immune System Work Together

How does vitamin C help the immune system?

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for humans, but the body cannot make vitamin C on its own. You need to consume vitamin C through external sources, such as through your diet or supplements. Like the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C is water-soluble. Because our bodies don’t store water-solubles well, vitamin C needs to be replenished every day.

Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid, is on the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List because it is needed by so many parts of the body. Vitamin C is involved in collagen formation which contributes to healthy skin and connective tissue.*

Vitamin C helps support the immune system by supporting various functions.* It is a potent antioxidant and helps fight oxidative stress which is important for a healthy immune response.* It also supports the functioning of white blood cells, which are major components of the immune system.*

ADULT VITAMIN C GUMMIES

If you find it difficult to swallow pills, or want a tastier way to get your vitamin C, Solgar® Adult Vitamin C Gummies are perfect for you. They are an easy and delicious way to get your daily dose of immune-supporting vitamin C.* These pectin-based gummies are suitable for vegans, non-GMO, and are made with naturally-sourced flavors and colors.

Each serving offers 500 mg of vitamin C — about the same amount of vitamin C as seven medium-sized oranges!† And, there’s only 5 grams of sugar per four-piece serving, which is approximately 1.25 grams per gummy.

U-CUBES™ CHILDREN’S VITAMIN C GUMMIES

Vitamin C is essential for your child’s immune system, and getting them to take it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Solgar® U-Cubes™ Children’s Vitamin C Gummies are tapioca-based gummies that provide 500 mg of vitamin C per four gummies.

Made with naturally sourced colors and flavors, these gummies are the perfect way to get your child excited about immune health.* And, they’re non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

Can your mental health affect your immune system?

The connection between mental and physical health is endlessly fascinating. In fact, there’s a whole field of psychology known as “psychoneuroimmunology,” which explores how your state of mind affects your immune and physical health.

The link between stress and immune health is widely accepted, and the link between depression and suppressed immune health is also becoming evident. Research shows that chronic feelings of loneliness can help to predict health status. This is perhaps because lonely people have more psychological stress or experience it more intensely and that stress tamps down immune health.³

When stressed, depressed, anxious, or suffering from other mental health struggles, you are also less likely to do the things that support immune health, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep which can, in turn, make your immune health suffer.⁴

Read more: 4 ways stress affects your health, and how to cope

Does alcohol weaken the immune system?

In short, yes. There is a long-observed association between alcohol consumption (both moderate and excessive) and adverse immune-related health effects.⁵

The digestive system is the first point of contact for alcohol as it passes through the body and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is important because 70% of immune cells are in the gut. Alcohol alters the microbes in the gut microbiome and other microorganisms in the intestine that aid in normal gut function. Alcohol disrupts the communication between these gut organisms and the intestinal immune system. It can also damage important immune cells such as T-cells.⁶

You do not have to be an alcoholic for alcohol to affect your immune system; research shows that acute binge drinking also affects your immune health.⁷

Before consuming alcohol, know your risks and practice safety. One way is to drink in moderation, which the CDC defines as 2 drinks or less in a day for men, and 1 drink or less in a day for women.⁸

Make informed immune health decisions

Turning to scientific, research-based information about immune health can help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family. Choosing a science-backed supplement brand like Solgar® can make you confident that you are giving your immune system the gold standard it deserves.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.