Immunity By Cognizance Overview & Drug Interactions

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is also available as a dietary supplement and is often added to skincare products. Vitamin E has many roles in the body, including protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting immune function.

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is involved in many important physiological processes, including immune system function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Zinc is found in a variety of foods, including meat, seafood, and whole grains, and it is also available as a dietary supplement. Zinc supplements may be used to treat or prevent zinc deficiency, which can occur due to certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Zinc supplements may also be used for other purposes, such as to boost the immune system, improve acne, and reduce the severity and duration of colds. There are several different forms of zinc supplements available, including zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and zinc sulfate. The most common form of zinc supplements is zinc gluconate, which is well absorbed and is less likely to cause stomach-related side effects than other forms of zinc.

L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, produced primarily in skeletal muscle and then released into circulation. It serves vital roles in various tissues, including the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and liver, where it supports essential functions such as maintaining intestinal integrity, immune response, and amino acid balance. Although traditionally classified as a non-essential amino acid, during periods of severe stress, glutamine becomes conditionally essential due to the body's increased demand. It acts as a critical nitrogen and carbon transporter between organs, and while the intestinal mucosa can synthesize glutamine, this production is insufficient during times of significant physiological stress. Dietary supplements generally contain L-glutamine as it is the biologically active form of the amino acid.

Echinacea is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family and is native to cental and eastern North America. It is known for its purple, cone-shaped flowers. In traditional medicine, echinacea has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. It is believed to work by stimulating the immune system and helping the body to fight off infection. Some studies have suggested that echinacea may be effective at reducing the severity and duration of colds and other respiratory infections, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary herb native to central Asia, but is now widely cultivated. It is a member of the onion family and is known for its pungent smell and flavor. In addition to its culinary use, it has been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infections.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor. In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections. Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose. Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of lactic acid-producing bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut, as well as in other areas of the body such as the mouth and vagina. L. acidophilus can also be found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir. It is commonly utilized in probiotic dietary supplements as it is considered a "friendly" or "beneficial" bacteria because it helps to maintain the balance of microorganisms in the body, and is purported to help improve digestion and boost the immune system. Some studies have suggested that L. acidophilus may also have a role in preventing and treating certain conditions such as diarrhea, vaginal yeast infections, and eczema.