What is the clinical evidence for the immune benefits of Vitamin D3 and Zinc?

Research confirms Vitamin D3’s crucial role as an immune modulator, helping the body manage immune responses. Zinc is an essential mineral required for the development and function of immune cells. The evidence is strongest for the synergy of these two nutrients in supporting upper respiratory health. Explore the human clinical trials cited on this page.

How do Beta-Glucans from Functional Mushrooms support the immune system?

Beta-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides found in functional mushrooms (like Reishi and Shiitake). They function as immunomodulators, meaning they signal to the immune system’s first line of defense cells (macrophages and natural killer cells) to enhance their activity and promote overall immune resilience.

The Science of Immune Support

Immune Support Collection

Your immune system is a sophisticated network requiring specific nutritional cofactors and modulators to function optimally. Our Immune Support formulas are powered by clinically-backed essential vitamins, minerals, and plant-based adaptogens. Explore the peer-reviewed evidence for our key ingredients below.

Nutribliss Multivitamin & Key Minerals (Vitamin D3 & Zinc)

This formula provides the essential micronutrients proven to act as cofactors for nearly every immune process in the body. Shop Multivitamin →

Ingredient: Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is often considered a pro-hormone due to its critical role in immune cell maturation and function, modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Evidence for Immune System Modulation

Vitamin D: The "Sunshine" Vitamin.
REVIEW ARTICLE
Citation: Nair, R., & Maseeh, F. (2012). Vitamin D: The "sunshine" vitamin. Journal of pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, 3(2), 118–121.
[PMC]
This review highlights the non-skeletal roles of Vitamin D, specifically its influence on the immune system, where receptors are found on nearly all immune cells, including T cells and B cells.

Ingredient: Zinc

Zinc is essential for maintaining the integrity of the immune system and is known to be required for the production of T-lymphocytes, which are crucial for immune defense.

Evidence for Support of Immune Cell Function

Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells.
CLINICAL REVIEW
Citation: Prasad, A. S. (2008). Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.), 14(5-6), 353–357.
[PUBMED]
This landmark review details how zinc deficiency can lead to immune dysfunction and how supplementation supports lymphocyte and phagocyte function, improving host resistance to pathogens.

Nutribliss Functional Mushroom Blend (Reishi & Shiitake)

Our functional mushroom blend provides potent Beta-Glucans that interact with immune receptors, priming the body’s defenses for resilience and balance. Shop Mushroom Blend →

Ingredient: Beta-Glucans (from Mushrooms)

Beta-Glucans are polysaccharides that bind to receptors on immune cells (like natural killer cells and macrophages), initiating a cascade of events that enhances their ability to respond to threats.

Evidence for Immunomodulatory Activity

Immunomodulatory activity of beta-glucan.
PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW
Citation: Akramiene, D., Kondrotas, A., Didžiapetriene, J., & Kevelaitis, E. (2007). Immunomodulatory activity of beta-glucan. Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), 597-601.
[PUBMED]
The authors examine the significant role of beta-glucans in modulating the immune system, including their ability to activate macrophages and stimulate cytotoxic cells, supporting enhanced immune function.

Nutribliss Turmeric Curcumin Complex

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a drain on the immune system. Turmeric helps balance the body’s inflammatory response, allowing the immune system to allocate resources more efficiently. Shop Turmeric Complex →

Ingredient: Curcumin

Curcumin, the active polyphenol in Turmeric, is a well-researched compound known for its potent antioxidant properties and its ability to modulate various signaling molecules involved in inflammation.

Evidence for Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.
CLINICAL REVIEW
Citation: Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92.
[PMC]
This comprehensive review details how curcumin can influence multiple targets, including its known efficacy as an antioxidant that helps prevent cellular damage and its role in managing systemic inflammation.