Immune Support Guide

Your immune system works every day to protect your body. Learn how it works and how nutrients and healthy habits can support normal immune function.¹,²

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What does the immune system do?

It helps your body recognize and respond to germs and other potential threats.¹

What are the two main types of immunity?

Innate immunity responds quickly. Adaptive immunity targets specific threats and remembers them.¹

Which nutrients support immunity?

Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc help maintain normal immune function.²

Do daily habits matter?

Yes. Eating well, sleeping consistently, staying active, and managing stress all support overall health.³,⁴

What is immune support?

Your immune system is your body’s defence network. It includes physical barriers, such as your skin, as well as cells, tissues, and organs that work together to recognize and respond to potential threats.¹ 

Immune support means giving this system what it needs to function normally. A varied diet, consistent sleep, regular movement, and key nutrients all play a role.²–⁴ 

How your immune defences work together

Your skin and mucous membranes provide the first line of defence. If a potential threat gets through, innate immunity responds quickly and broadly.¹ 

Adaptive immunity delivers a more targeted response. It can also remember threats it has encountered, helping the body respond more efficiently in the future.¹ 

Key Ingredients for Immune Support

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps maintain normal immune function. It also helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones and teeth.²

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps maintain normal immune function. It also helps the body metabolize nutrients and supports normal growth and development.²

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps maintain normal immune function. It is also an antioxidant that helps protect cells against oxidative damage.²

Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve cold symptoms, including sore throats.⁵

What daily habits support your immune system?

  • Everyday habits that support immunity 
  • Eat a varied diet with plenty of nutrient-rich foods. 
  • Stay active by making regular movement part of your day. 
  • Aim for consistent, quality sleep each night. 
  • Find practical, repeatable ways to manage daily stress.³,⁴ 

What to look for in immune support

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Know your goal: Everyday support or relief from cold symptoms? 
  • Check the label: Review the ingredients, dose, directions, and possible overlap with other supplements. 
  • Consider who it’s for: Make sure it suits the person’s age and life stage. 
  • Find the right fit: Choose a format and dietary features that work for your routine. 
  • Look for quality: Check for an eight-digit NPN and trusted testing for purity and potency. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

FAQs

What does an NPN on a supplement label mean?

An eight-digit Natural Product Number means Health Canada has authorized the natural health product for sale in Canada after reviewing its safety, efficacy, and quality.⁸

Are daily immune-support products different from cold-relief products?

Yes. A product’s intended use depends on its ingredients and licensed claims. Some products support normal immune function, while certain herbal products are traditionally used to help relieve cold symptoms.²,⁵–⁷

Can a supplement replace a balanced diet?

Supplements can help provide specific nutrients, but they are not a replacement for varied, nutrient-rich foods. Canada’s Food Guide recommends making healthy foods part of your regular routine.³

Sources
  1. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. In brief: How does the immune system work? InformedHealth.org. Updated June 6, 2023. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/ 
  2. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated March 5, 2026. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=multi_vitmin_suppl&lang=eng 
  3. Health Canada. Canada’s Food Guide: Healthy Food Choices. Government of Canada. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-food-choices/ 
  4. Public Health Agency of Canada. Promoting Positive Mental Health. Government of Canada. Updated August 28, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/promoting-positive-mental-health.html 
  5. Health Canada. Echinacea – Echinacea purpurea Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate; 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_echinacea-purpurea_english.pdf 
  6. Health Canada. Ginger – Zingiber officinale Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate; 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/894 
  7. Health Canada. Elder – Sambucus Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate; 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_elder--sambucus_english.pdf 
  8. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database. Government of Canada. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/applications-submissions/product-licensing/licensed-natural-health-products-database.html