Supporting Innate and Adaptive Immunity
The immune system protects the body against infection and disease. It is a complex and integrated system of cells, tissues, and organs that play roles in defending against foreign substances and pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Immune cells originate in the bone marrow and circulate through the blood and lymph.
The immune system is divided into two major components: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity involves immediate, nonspecific responses to foreign invaders, while adaptive immunity requires more time to develop its complex, specific responses.
Three primary nutrients that support immune function are Vitamins C, D and Zinc.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, protects the body’s cells against reactive oxygen species that are generated by immune cells to kill pathogens. Oxidative stress limits the body’s natural immune function. Vitamin C affects both innate and adaptive immunity; it stimulates the production and function of white blood cells, which attack foreign bacteria and viruses, helping your body fight infection. It stimulates cellular motility, so it helps the cells keep actively moving.
Vitamin D activates in both the innate and adaptive immune functions. It is a potent modulator of the immune system, and enhances innate immunity by suppressing pathogens, especially bacteria. Vitamin D also helps protect against infections caused by pathogens, suppresses antibody production by B cells, inhibits proliferation of T cells, and helps modulate inflammation.
Zinc maintains the integrity of the immune system. It is critical for normal development and function of cells that mediate both innate and adaptive immunity. Even marginal zinc deficiency, which is very common, impairs immune cells, ability to generate oxidants that inhibit invading pathogens, and contributes to low T cell production, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Statistics from the National Institute of Health state that seasonal distress is the most common reason children miss school and adults miss work. In the United States, this can affect millions of us each year. Adults have an average of 2-3 episodes of seasonal distress per year, with children having even more. Signs of seasonal disorder may include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, congestion, and sneezing, inconveniencing us for about 7-10 days per episode.
To help maintain wellness even in the most challenging of times, Rainbow Light has expanded our immunity platform of fine products. These products are all vegetarian; and all contain our ‘triple action’ approach to supporting the immune system with vitamin C, and zinc - with the added benefit of elderberry.
Our legacy, Counter Attack, was formulated in 2004 and has been a strong favorite for over 15 years. Counter Attack has a powerful combination of ingredients to support healthy immune function, including vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry. The concentrated herbal blends contain andrographis, yerba santa, echinacea, horehound, mullein, Chinese lovage and licorices, as well as peppermint and oregano oils.
We also have two new gummies for both kids and adults, which have this ‘triple-action’ approach to addressing your immune system; vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry – all working together to support you through seasonal distress.
Terri Anne Cooper is a public speaker and health & nutrition educator with over 20 years of experience in the natural health industry.






