Immunity 101: Staying Healthy this Fall

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The change of seasons is upon us and fall is here. What can you do to keep your immune system healthy this time of year? In honor of October being American Pharmacists Month, registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist, Suzy Cohen, is offering tips on immune system health and the importance of vitamins and supplements.

“Just as it is essential to talk to medical professionals about prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, it is important to discuss one’s use of vitamins and dietary supplements as well”

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“According to a recent survey, Primary Care Physicians and Pharmacists top the list of health professionals that consumers are most likely to trust when it comes to providing information about vitamins and nutritional supplements” says Cohen. “Yet few consumers talk to their local pharmacists about vitamin use.”

Whether you are heading to the pharmacy to pick-up a prescription or get your flu shot, Cohen recommends talking to your pharmacist. “Just as it is essential to talk to medical professionals about prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, it is important to discuss one’s use of vitamins and dietary supplements as well,” she says.

Cohen offers the following recommendations to help keep your immune system healthy this fall.

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps to maintain a healthy immune system and protects against damaging free radicals.
Vitamin D: Supports teeth, bone and immune health. Nature Made®, the #1 pharmacist recommended brand of letter vitamins, tops the list of Suzy’s recommendations.
Probiotics: Some probiotics help to maintain immune system health. Check product labels to find ones that support the immune system.
Zinc: Provides antioxidant support, helps to protect the body against free radicals and supports a healthy immune system.
Echinacea: may support healthy immune function as well.
Importance of a Healthy Diet: Eat immune-supporting “super foods” such as blueberries, raspberries, kiwis and almonds.
Remember the basics: Along with eating right and getting plenty of sleep, it is always important to wash your hands frequently, cough into your elbow, and avoid close contact with others who are sick.

Cohen also offers advice on what to look for when choosing vitamins and supplements. “I always tell my patients it is important to look for quality and seek out brands that participate in third-party verification programs such as with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an independent public health organization responsible for setting supplement quality standards” says Cohen. “As a pharmacist, I know I can trust Nature Made, a reputable brand that ensures every product is made according to the highest standards in the industry, to ensure what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle.”

For more information about vitamins and quality processes, as well as a customized vitamin assessment, visit www.NatureMade.com.

About the Survey:

This survey was conducted via live telephone interviews by ORC International on behalf of Nature Made from August 26-29, 2011 among a random sample of 1,014 adults in the continental United States. The sample is based on a methodology designed to produce a representative sample of the U.S. adult population. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.1%.

About Nature Made

Nature Made® is the number one supplement brand in the food, drug, club and mass channels. Manufactured by Pharmavite, Nature Made was the first line of dietary supplements to earn a third-party quality seal of approval through the United States Pharmacopeia’s Verification Program. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states. Nature Made is a Proud Partner of FamilyDoctor.org, an award-winning website featuring physician-reviewed information on more than 900 health and wellness topics provided in English and Spanish, including vitamins and supplements. Visit NatureMade.com for the latest news and offerings.