Essential Nutrients People Turn to During Immune-Focused Seasons**

Winter is a trying time for your immune system. Cold weather slows down the activity of immune cells, dulling immune responses. [1][2]

According to Sharon Evans, a cancer immunologist and researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the body expends more energy maintaining homeostasis, a state of balance that is critical for optimal functioning, when the weather is cold, leaving less fuel for immune cells to do their job. As a consequence, your natural defenses become weaker during winter. [3]

People’s tendency to stay indoors, often in crowded environments, to keep warm only worsens the threat from these pathogens. Because cold, dry air dries out the mucous membranes that line the inside of your nose, mouth, and throat, they lose their ability to defend against airborne invaders, leaving you vulnerable to infections. [4]

This is why it is crucial to fortify your body’s natural defenses throughout the winter season. Fortunately, you can give your body the support it needs by ensuring you get the right nutrients from the foods you eat. If that is challenging, natural supplements can also help.

Two types of nutrients keep your body functioning optimally: macronutrients (fats, protein, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). While macronutrients are known as the main energy-giving nutrients, micronutrients play a crucial role in converting them into usable fuel for your cells.

Micronutrients also have specific functions beyond energy conversion. Some, like vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as copper, manganese, and selenium, have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage. Others, like vitamins B12, magnesium, and iron, are important for DNA stability and processing. [5] Still others, such as vitamins C, D, and K and the mineral zinc, contribute to proper cell functioning and support your body’s natural defenses. [6]

During times of stress and immune vulnerability, getting enough of these essential nutrients is one of the best ways to ensure your body is well equipped to deal with potential threats.

Vitamin B12**

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble nutrient found primarily in animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. It is involved in various biological processes, most notably proper development, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. [7]

What many people may not realize is that vitamin B12 also plays a significant role in your body’s natural protection. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, your body’s production of defensive cells requires the participation of this vitamin. [8]

Research warns that inadequate levels of vitamin B12 can weaken your body’s natural defensive capabilities by interfering with the proper functioning of relevant cells, proving that B12 is a critical nutrient for maintaining optimal health and wellness. [9]

To help you meet your daily requirement, the Health Ranger Store offers Groovy Bee® Liposomal Vitamin B12 1 fl. oz (30 ml). Packaged in convenient, easy-to-use pump bottles, each 0.5 mL serving delivers 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of highly bioavailable vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin (41,667% of the Daily Value) for easy absorption.

Groovy Bee® Liposomal Vitamin B12 1 fl. oz (30 ml) is non-GMO, made in the USA, and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Vitamin C**

Vitamin C is another water-soluble nutrient that impacts cellular and immune health. Found in abundance in citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, vitamin C is known for its powerful antioxidant activity, its role in collagen synthesis, and its ability to support your body’s natural defenses. [10]

Studies show that vitamin C contributes to overall wellness by supporting the normal activities of cells that make up your body’s first line of internal defense. [11] At the same time, vitamin C helps protect these cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals that cause cellular damage. [12] Numerous studies have linked vitamin C deficiency to weakened natural defenses, highlighting its importance in maintaining a strong and healthy body, especially during the winter months.

For those needing a vitamin C boost, the Health Ranger Store offers Groovy Bee® Non-GMO Vitamin C Powder 4.4 oz (125 g), a premium supplement that can be easily added to smoothies, teas, juices, and other beverages. Carefully sourced and manufactured in the UK following strict standards to ensure purity, quality, and cleanliness, this high-quality vitamin C powder is also available in capsule form.

For people who use vitamin C therapeutically or are sensitive to acidic foods, Groovy Bee® Buffered Vitamin C Powder 5 oz (141 g) offers a non-acidic, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C as sodium ascorbate. Because it is buffered with sodium, it is pH neutral, taste neutral, and easier to digest.

For those who prefer liquid supplements, Groovy Bee® Liposomal Vitamin C 2 fl. oz (59 ml) is specially formulated for superior absorption using liposomes that mimic cell membranes. Each one-teaspoon serving delivers 1,000 mg of vitamin C (1,111% of the Daily Value).

All vitamin C supplements at the Health Ranger Store are gluten-free, non-GMO, China-free, and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Vitamins D3 and K2**

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient and the only vitamin your body produces on its own, provided you get enough sun exposure, which can be difficult during winter. Vitamin D supports normal calcium absorption, bone growth and remodeling, cell growth, and immune function. [13] Naturally occurring vitamin D is found in only a few foods, including fatty fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and mushrooms.

Vitamin D works closely with vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, to ensure calcium is properly directed to bones and teeth. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and animal products such as eggs, hard cheeses, organ meats, chicken, and fatty fish. Because of their synergistic effects, experts often recommend taking vitamin D3 and K2 together. [14]

Research also suggests this combination supports your body’s natural defenses. Vitamin D is involved in processes that help your body mount appropriate defensive responses when needed, while vitamin K2 helps regulate those responses once they are no longer required. [15][16]

The Health Ranger Store offers Groovy Bee® Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 2 fl. oz (59 ml), a premium supplement formulated for optimal bioavailability. This product combines vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) in a convenient liquid format. The vitamin D3 in this product is derived from lanolin.

For those following a plant-based diet, Groovy Bee® Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 Tincture 1 fl. oz (30 ml) uses vitamin D3 sourced from lichen and includes MenaQ7 (MK-7), along with trace minerals and vitamin E to enhance stability and absorption.

These products are non-GMO and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)**

N-acetyl-L-cysteine, commonly known as NAC, is derived from L-cysteine, a conditionally essential amino acid. Your body uses L-cysteine to produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Supplementing with NAC supports healthy glutathione levels and antioxidant defenses. [17]

Research published in Antioxidants indicates that NAC also supports your body’s natural defenses through its antioxidant activity. The body converts NAC into compounds that help neutralize free radicals before they can damage healthy cells. [18]

As natural cysteine production declines with age, supplementation can be especially beneficial. Groovy Bee® NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) 500 mg 90 Caps provides 500 mg of pure NAC per capsule to support healthy glutathione production.

This supplement is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, China-free, and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Zinc**

Zinc is an essential mineral found in meat, seafood, dairy products, eggs, and especially oysters. It supports enzymatic activity, protein and DNA synthesis, growth and development, and strong natural defenses. [19]

Zinc is a key component of all cells, including defensive cells. Deficiency has been shown to impair normal cell function and disrupt protein production involved in your body’s internal defense mechanisms. [20][21]

To support optimal zinc intake, the Health Ranger Store offers Groovy Bee® Liposomal Zinc 2 fl. oz (59 ml), providing a highly bioavailable form of zinc gluconate. Each half-teaspoon serving delivers 15 mg of zinc (136% of the Daily Value).

For vegans and vegetarians, Groovy Bee® Organic Plant-Based Zinc 2 fl. oz (59 ml) provides zinc derived from organic guava leaf extract. These supplements are non-GMO and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Stay strong, healthy, and resilient this winter by supporting optimal nutrition through a well-balanced diet and carefully selected supplements.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any disease.

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