Vitamins are essential components in the human diet. The immune system, in particular, benefits from specific vitamins by providing a much-needed boost during times of susceptibility and illness, according to TeensHealth. In addition, they support growth and development, while helping cells and organs to carry out mandatory tasks.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the growth and repair of tissues within the body. It is responsible for forming collagen, the important protein necessary for skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. MayoClinic.com also says that vitamin C is a welcomed boost to the immune system as it helps to heal wounds and supports vital immune functions. In addition, vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect the body from free radical damage associated with aging and certain diseases. Eating a variety of citrus fruits, berries and green peppers can deliver high amounts of vitamin C to stimulate the immune system.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, like vitamin C, is a strong antioxidant that protects the body's cells. It plays a vital role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell functions and the immune system, according to MedlinePlus. It stimulates white blood cell productivity and function, helps in the maintenance of endothelial cells and also regulates the growth and division of cells, the Harvard School of Public Health notes. White blood cells are especially important in fighting infections and keeping the immune system strong. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables and drinking whole milk can provide ample amounts of vitamin A for healthy immunity.
Vitamin E
As with the preceding vitamins, vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that safeguards the body against damage. It is essential for the functioning of the immune system and metabolic processes. A 1979 U.S. National Institutes of Health study found that regular vitamin E stimulation increased the activity of T-lymphocytes, the cells responsible for the body's immune response. Eating dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils provide vitamin E, which is also healthy for the skin.
Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are an essential component to maintaining a healthy immune system. They are responsible for enzyme and protein activity, and regulate chemical reactions within the body, the American Cancer Society reports. For example, vitamin B9, or folic acid, helps to prevent disease--possibly even cancer. The complete vitamin B complex group consists of: vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7 and vitamin B12.
Vitamin D
A U.S. Institutes of Health 2010 study found that vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of T and B cells, which are fundamental to immunity. Vitamin D specifically has the potential to treat many immune-mediated diseases, such as Crohn's disease, juvenile diabetes and rhemuatoid arthritis. The vitamin functions by maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, MayoClinic.com says. Eating fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil provide essential levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin K
MedlinePlus defines vitamin K as the clotting vitamin because without it, the blood would fail to clot. This function is essential in keeping the body's immune system healthy by ensuring infections, injuries and other traumas heal. A vitamin K deficiency is quite rare due to its presence in a variety of green leafy vegetables, like spinach, arugula and collard greens.
