On today’s Liz's Healthy Table podcast, we’re talking about foods, nutrition, and dietary supplements that support a healthy immune system. What does science say about vitamins D, C, A, and E? What about zinc? Why is a diet rich in fruits and vegetables more important now than ever as we deal with a global pandemic? And why are the elderly at greater risk for nutritional deficiencies? Join me as we dive into these topics and more, including why you’ll never hear me claim that anything can "boost" your immune system. (I prefer the term, "support.")

Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., is a Nutrition Researcher and Director of Scientific Affairs at Jarrow Formulas in Los Angeles. Anthony evaluates research for ingredient use in dietary supplement formulations, including dosing and usage recommendations to reflect scientifically supported benefits. He has authored and co-authored multiple published peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and served as peer reviewer with relevant expertise in the field of nutrition and metabolism for multiple scientific journals.  Anthony is an avid user of dietary supplements, but he believes strongly that diet and physical activity come first. You may remember Anthony from last year’s two-part series on probiotics. If you scroll down, you'll find those links. 

Show Highlights:

• Updates on Anthony’s family, which includes a new baby girl
• To put diet and immunity in perspective, Anthony doesn’t use the phrase “boost immunity,” but thinks of diet and supplements as things that reinforce and prime immunity
• How macronutrients and micronutrients are the building blocks for cellular function
• With Anthony’s “food first” approach, nutrition supplements are one tool to support immunity and overall health
• Other lifestyle factors that affect immunity include stress management, sleep, and physical activity
• The role of a healthy immune system and how it relates to COVID-19
• Why the elderly and people who suffer from obesity tend to have higher rates of nutrient deficiency, and may be more susceptible to COVID-19
• How to get more calcium, vitamin D, and zinc into your diet
• Why eating for immunity is not an “all-or-nothing” proposition (a weekend cheat meal won’t blow it for you!)
• Protein’s role in a healthy immune system
• How fruits and vegetables (and vitamins A and C) are critical for fighting infections
• Anthony’s thoughts on the role of probiotics in immune function
• The scoop on turmeric, garlic, and ginger as they relate to immunity
• Why elderberry and mushroom supplements could be important during times of higher stress and vulnerability
• Why Anthony says everyone could benefit from taking vitamin D supplements
• The benefits of zinc supplementation
• The supplements that Anthony takes every day or every other day: vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics
• Takeaways we’ve learned from the global pandemic: “We weren’t well-prepared, but we can learn and be better prepared for the next one with our diet and strategic supplementation.”
• A final question: Does a healthy immune system reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 or improve our outcome?