We will concentrate, of course, on the immune system during the winter months because of colds and flu. In a previous article (The Immune System and Aging), we discussed the importance of healthy lifestyle habits in keeping an immune system healthy, and able to defend itself well. We will now introduce you to the ingredients of Vitoli® Immunity; a complete formula which contains three high quality plant extracts (echinacea, astragalus and olive), in addition to zinc and vitamin D3.

Echinacea

Echinacea, used to support the immune system, no longer needs a formal rundown. It is however important to emphasize that, as with all plant extracts used as a supplement, the quality of the products on the market varies greatly. One of the recent meta-analyzes which conclude that this plant is safe to use and that it is effective, highlights a problem of the great heterogeneity of the extracts used during the studies considered. Thus, Echinacea is safe and can be effective, but attention must be paid to the quality of the products at hand. When it comes to quality for plant extracts, it is necessary to validate the species used, the part of the plant, the extraction method and the standardization of active molecules. Very few products on the market confirm the amount of active molecules present in the product. The Vitoli® product line is the only one that uses only standardized ingredients at the doses necessary to ensure greater efficiency (A Better Understanding of the Vitoli Quality).

Astragalus root

Besides echinacea, it is the astragalus root that is best documented scientifically for its modulating effects on the immune system. Astragalus root is one of the plants most used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a large number of applications. Although some applications are questionable, the effects of astragalus on the modulation of the immune system are very well documented and several applications specific to the respiratory tract have been the subject of recent studies. It is also a plant extract with a very safe clinical profile.

Olive polyphenols

The polyphenols in olives present in this product (the exclusive Provitol® Complex) are at the dose recommended by the European Union for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This dose is equivalent to the dose consumed by Europeans practicing the Mediterranean diet and consuming quality olive oil. We have added this dose to all Vitoli® products to allow consumers to benefit from the large number of health benefits associated with their consumption. These are various benefits including immune health (Olive Polyphenols and Vitoli Products – Article 2: The Benefits).

Zinc and vitamin D

Among the other elements to consider, be aware that zinc and vitamin D3 are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and this is even more important as we get older, since some people are deficient in it. This mineral and vitamin are essential for certain functions of the immune system and for its optimal functioning.

A complete and high quality formula

You will find all these ingredients, in the necessary doses, in a single product: Vitoli® Immunity. We recommend using it every 2 weeks, stopping and starting again if necessary. Its use is particularly useful for periods of risk such as autumn or spring, and cold and flu situations to reduce symptoms and/or the period of illness. Here are the claims allowed by Health Canada:
– Used in herbal medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system.
– Helps relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of respiratory tract infections.
– Provides antioxidants.
Do not hesitate to ask us questions, it is always a pleasure to read and advise you accordingly.

 

References:

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  • Catanzaro M, Corsini E, Rosini M, Racchi M, Lanni C. 2018. Immunomodulators Inspired by Nature: A Review on Curcumin and Echinacea. Molecules. 2018 Oct 26;23(11). Review.
  • David S, Cunningham R. 2019. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun; 44:18-26.
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