A good multivitamin/mineral can enhance the immune system by supporting the body's natural defenses on both structural and cellular levels

A recent article published in the British Journal of Nutrition summarizes the roles of selected vitamins and trace elements in immune function. Adequate intakes of micronutrients are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immunity by affecting antibody responses, leading to imbalances in the immune system. This situation increases susceptibility to infections, which increases disease and death risk. In addition, infections aggravate micronutrient deficiencies by reducing nutrient intake, increasing losses, and interfering with utilization by altering metabolic pathways.

Inadequate intakes of micronutrients are common in all people, since our food is now depleted, but in particular in smokers (active and passive), individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the elderly, deficiencies can be dangerous.

Micronutrients contribute to the body's natural defenses on three levels by:

• supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa)
• cellular immunity and
• antibody production.

Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral zinc assist in enhancing the skin barrier function. The vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid and the minerals iron, zinc, copper and selenium work in synergy to support the protective activities of the immune cells. Finally, all these micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin C and iron, are essential for the production of antibodies. Overall, inadequate intake and status of these vitamins and minerals may lead to a suppressed immune system, which increases the risk of infections and aggravates malnutrition.

Therefore, supplementation with a good quality multivitamin/mineral can support the body's natural defense system by enhancing all three levels of immunity.

Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.

10 things you should know about alcohol

Did you know that alcohol has to be detoxified by the liver? First the liver converts alcohol into the toxin "acetaldehyde", before turning it into "acetate". Acetate is then used by our cells as fuel.



Unfortunately excessive alcohol intake is linked to 4 different types of liver damage:

• fatty degeneration (similar to the liver changes in geese that are forced-fed to produce foie gras;


• inflammation


• formation of scar tissue (fibrosis)


• and cirrhosis (a serious condition in which the liver shrinks and becomes covered in nodules.

Alcohol is a sedative that has a depressant action on the brain. At first it makes you feel happy, this is only because it suppresses social inhibitions, but after, alcohol suppresses those parts of the brain that control movement, reaction times and coordination.

Alcohol also lowers testosterone and sperm count, and increases the production of oestrogen in men. In women, alcohol reduces oestrogens and may lead to menstrual problems and infertility.

But it's not all bad news!! One or two units of alcohol a day (100ml of wine is approximately 1 unit) can reduse stress levels. Drinking red wine is best since it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol and can protect your heart and your brain.

If you want to protect your liver than the best solution is for you to take Hepasil every day. This is a fantastic product from USANA which will protect your liver and help with liver detoxification. Also your liver will be protected from alcohol damage. For more information go to

http://www.nutritionals4health.usana.com/ click on products and buy some before your next night out.

Jessica