With India’s COVID 19 cases rising every day and increase in death cases caused by the same, our country has encountered one of the worst medical crisis.  . Considering this fatal pandemic of COVID-19 where no effective preventive and curative medicine is yet available; a healthy immune system is the most crucial and promising defence against such a viral infection. Human race over centuries have combated epidemics like smallpox, polio and the Spanish flu and the immune system has adapted to survive these pathogens. Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus, there is no pre-existing immunity in human beings. This has raised several questions in the minds of parents.

In general, our immune system is like a barrier – it protects us from illness, pathogens and toxins by providing a resistance to those infections. Without the body`s own defence mechanism the functioning of organs and overall health can be compromised.

There are different types of immune cells which work in a synchronised manner to identify, locate, capture and to destroy the pathogens.

Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells against free radicals, which play a role in diseases. Free radicals are molecules produced when our body breaks down food or when we are exposed to infection, or chemicals.

Vitamin C & Immunity

Research shows vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body. Vitamin C is documented to support several immune mechanisms in our body. Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. White blood cells (WBCs) are an important component of our immune system. There are different types of WBCs, each of which helps to fight viruses and other pathogens in different ways. Vitamin C helps to stimulate both the production and function of many types of WBCs, helping the body to produce important antibodies, proteins that bind invading microbes to neutralise them. The powerful antioxidant properties of Vitamin C helps to protect certain WBCs from the toxic compounds that are produced in their fight against pathogens. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells (WBCs), such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis (movement towards virus), phagocytosis (killing), generation of reactive oxygen species (harmful chemicals), and ultimately microbial killing. Therefore, Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for healthy immune system response.

Clinical studies with supplementation have shown that vitamin C reduces the duration of common cold symptoms, given the consistent effect of vitamin C on the duration and severity of colds in the supplementation studies, and the low cost and safety, it may be worthwhile for common cold patients to supplement vitamin C to prevent and limit the symptoms.

Glutathione the “master antioxidant”

Glutathione (GSH), a major cellular antioxidant, is considered an inhibitor of the inflammatory response involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). In simple language Glutathione protects the cell and the body from damage caused by harmful chemicals generated during the fight between immune system cells and the invading pathogens or other chemicals. Research supports the view that endogenous GSH plays an important role for the establishment of the immune responses to viruses. Research has also shown that active glutathione (GSH) primes WBCs in body’s front-line infection fighters. GSH-enhanced in immune cells are able to produce more infection-fighting substances, controlling both bacterial and viral infections. When intracellular glutathione stores are rich, immune molecules are stimulated, and both viruses and other pathogens are inhibited.

Glutathione is produced by the body itself however; age, pollution, infections cause blood glutathione levels to deteriorate. Low glutathione levels are documented to hamper the function of various immune cells (esp. lymphocytes) and these cells show restored function post restoring Glutathione levels. Glutathione is important for identification of pathogens and also for generating antibodies which offer long term protection. It is very effective antioxidants which keep inflammation in the lungs under check and especially helpful in keeping lung function during a viral infection.

Vitamin C & Glutathione to boost immunity and protect against viruses

1. Vitamin C & Glutathione are essential for immune cells ,low levels of these hamper the functions of immune cells and their ability to fight pathogens like viruses.
2. Combined Glutathione and Vitamin C work synergistically within the body, plays a critical role towards the activation of Glutathione. and have antioxidant properties thereby protecting against damage done by pathogens like viruses.
3. Glutathione deficiency can be alleviated through Vitamin C supplementation. Combine Glutathione supplementation with an equal or double dose of Vitamin C to maximise their effects, hence assisting the functions of immune cells to fight pathogens like viruses .
4. The Duo of Vitamin C & Glutathione also has effects on functions of WBCs which helps the body fights pathogens like viruses
5. Vitamin C & Glutathione helping the body to produce important antibodies, proteins that bind invading microbes to neutralise the

Combination of “fighter Duo” Vitamin C & Glutathione Both Vitamin C and Glutathione work synergistically within the body. 

Researchers studies have found that taking vitamin C supplements increased glutathione levels in white blood cells in healthy adults.

In another study , Vitamin C supplements increased Glutathione production considerably. The close association of Vitamin C and glutathione in lymphocytes(WBCs) suggests their inter-dependence may be attributed to overlapping antioxidant functions.

Compromised immunity is an important reason to acquire an infection. Elderly, diabetics, immunocompromised patients, poor dietary and lifestyle habits impact immunity adversely and hence are more susceptible to acquire infections. Ensuring potent immunity is key to keep our self-protected, especially in a pandemic like COVID-19. It is almost impossible to avoid exposure to viruses & other pathogens and we have to live with them. We can protect our self by consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.