Our two immune systems
We have two immune systems: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. Most of the time, the innate immune system is more important in protecting us against infection. It consists of specialized cells and enzymes that are always present and ready to fight microbes at the site of infection as soon as the threat appears. The adaptive immune system can remember specific pathogens so it can provide long-lasting defence and protection against recurrent infections. Vitamin D is crucial to activating all our immune defences, and without sufficient intake of the vitamin, the immune system is less able to fight off infections in the body.
Vitamin D
The most important form of vitamin D for your health is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is produced in your skin when you get enough sunlight, but also occurs in vegan foods like mushrooms and non-vegan sources such as fatty fish, shrimps, egg and beef liver. In the northern part of the world, sun exposure is limited during the winter season, and therefore the skin does not produce enough vitamin D3. Insufficient vitamin D intake is common, and supplements play a crucial role in preventing and treating low vitamin D status. There is only one vegan source for production of vitamin D3, namely lichen. The vegan vitamin D3 in Protect+ is derived from organically grown, GMO-free lichen.
Vitamin C
The oxidative stress in our body varies both in different periods of life and from day today. In situations when the oxidative stress increases, for example as a result of air pollution, heat and sun exposure, travelling and high-intensity exercise, our body needs more antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role as internal neutralizers and protect our cells from oxidative damage (rusting). Protect+ contains the highly potent antioxidant known as vitamin C, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
1-3, 1-6 Beta Glucans
The 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans in Protect+ are a specialized and standardized form of beta glucans derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. The 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans prime innate immune cells, allowing them to work more effectively. 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans are naturally found in foods such as baker’s yeast, shiitake mushrooms, and some cereal grains but these are rarely consumed in today’s modern diet.
