Curcumin: Multi-Mechanism Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin provides potent anti-inflammatory activity through direct NF-κB inhibition and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Umbrella meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show curcumin supplementation significantly reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) by 30-60%. Curcumin also increases endogenous antioxidant enzymes supporting immune cell protection. BioPerine enhancement ensures therapeutic blood levels validated in clinical research.
Hewlings & Kalman, Foods 2017 | Sahebkar et al., Biomed Pharmacother 2015
Resveratrol: Polyphenolic Immune Support
Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol with multiple mechanisms supporting immune and cellular health including direct antioxidant activity, Nrf2 activation, and SIRT1 pathway modulation. Clinical trials demonstrate resveratrol supplementation reduces oxidative stress biomarkers, supports immune function, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Combined with curcumin, provides synergistic polyphenol protection for comprehensive immune and antioxidant support.
Tomé-Carneiro et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013 | Gliemann et al., Nutrients 2013
Zinc & Immune Cell Function
Clinical trials demonstrate zinc supplementation significantly reduces the duration and severity of common cold symptoms when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset. Zinc is essential for development and function of T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages. Deficiency impairs immune responses, while adequate zinc intake supports optimal immune cell activity.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2017 | Nutrients 2013, PMID: 23344024
Selenium & Antiviral Defense
Selenium supports production of glutathione peroxidase and other antioxidant enzymes that protect immune cells from oxidative damage. Research shows selenium supplementation enhances immune cell function, supports antibody responses, and may reduce viral mutation rates. Selenium status influences susceptibility to viral infections and immune system effectiveness.
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2005, PMID: 15562834 | Nutrients 2015
Vitamin A & Mucosal Immunity
Vitamin A is critical for maintaining epithelial barriers and supporting mucosal immune responses. It regulates T-cell differentiation, enhances antibody production (particularly IgA), and supports lymphocyte trafficking to mucosal tissues. Vitamin A supplementation in deficient populations significantly reduces infectious disease morbidity and mortality, particularly respiratory infections.
Journal of Immunology 2011, PMID: 21690323 | Clinical Medicine & Research 2013, PMID: 23902317
Vitamin C & Immune Function
Vitamin C supports neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis, enhances natural killer cell activity, and protects immune cells from oxidative damage. While it doesn't prevent colds in the general population, vitamin C supplementation reduces cold duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children. It supports immune function under physiological stress, including during and after exercise.
Nutrients 2017 Nov 3;9(11), PMID: 29099763 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013
Vitamins C & E: Synergistic Immune Protection
Vitamin C supports neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis, enhances natural killer cell activity, and protects immune cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin E enhances T-cell-mediated immune function, particularly in supporting immune responses. Combined C+E supplementation provides superior antioxidant protection compared to single antioxidants, maintaining immune cell integrity during infection and supporting sustained immune function.
Nutrients 2017 Nov 3;9(11), PMID: 29099763 | JAMA 1997 May 7;277(17)
BioPerine: Bioavailability Enhancement
BioPerine is a standardized extract from black pepper containing 95% piperine. The landmark study by Shoba et al. demonstrated piperine increases curcumin bioavailability by 2000% in humans by inhibiting glucuronidation. BioPerine also enhances resveratrol absorption. Without bioavailability enhancement, oral curcumin and resveratrol achieve minimal systemic exposure. BioPerine inclusion is essential for clinical effectiveness, transforming theoretically beneficial compounds into therapeutically active nutrients.
Shoba et al., Planta Med 1998 (PMID: 9619120) | Johnson et al., J Agric Food Chem 2011