OMEGA-3 PLUS

How to strengthen your immune system

9 tips for strengthening our immune system

The immune system is essential for humans. It protects the body from pathogens such as viruses or bacteria that can cause illness. Once the pathogens have entered the body, the immune system is responsible for fighting it in various ways.

A strong immune defence helps you to stay fit, efficient and disease-resistant. But how can we support our immune system? First of all: Our diet has a very decisive influence on it. In the following we have collected some important recommendations.

» 9 tips for strengthening our immune system (PDF)

1. Sufficient proteins and micronutrients

Make sure you eat a balanced, varied diet with lots of vegetables and fruit. This ensures a nutrient-dense supply of vital micronutrients. In addition, a sufficient supply of protein is also crucial, as an optimal protein metabolism is not only important for building and maintaining muscle mass, but also for many other functions (e.g. antibodies, blood cells, enzymes, hormones, immune system).

Strong defences depend not only on protein, vitamins and minerals, but also on a healthy intestinal microflora. In addition, there are a number of other nutrients which, due to their specific properties, provide a broad spectrum of effects and thus contribute to wellbeing, an active and vital lifestyle.
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TIP: Make sure to take approx. 25 g protein every 3-4 hours. If these cannot be sufficiently covered by the normal diet (e.g. in the afternoon), protein supplements (protein bars, protein shakes) are a convenient and high-quality alternative.
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2. Sun and vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role for the immune system and the body's own defences. It is mainly formed in the skin by sun radiation. A deficiency of vitamin D is therefore particularly prevalent during the winter months. Vitamin D deficiency is very common, especially in countries with fewer hours of sunshine, such as north of the Alps, and is further favoured by a predominantly indoor lifestyle and possibly excessive sun protection means. In Switzerland, around 50% of the total population, with a higher proportion of older people, has a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that can be produced by the body itself. When sunlight (excluding UVB radiation) strikes the skin, vitamin D is produced in the skin unless sunscreen is applied, which almost completely prevents its formation. The time of day with the highest proportion of UVB radiation is at midday, but this is also when the intensity of the sun is at its highest and the risk of sunburn is greatest. So how can we proceed to have enough vitamin D?

- Short exposure to the sun: already about 15-20 minutes in the midday sun are sufficient to fill the vitamin D stores. During this time, the body's own protection against harmful sunburn is usually sufficient.
- Intake of vitamin D via food supplements. This is a simple way of supplying the body with vitamin D in case of strong sun protection measures.

TIP: OMEGA 3 PLUS from SPONSER contains valuable omega 3 fatty acids as well as a daily ration of vitamin D.

3. Sport And Exercise

Sport influences our health and the immune system in many ways. Exercise has a positive effect on body and mind, and thus contributes to health, for example through the increased release of "happiness" hormones. Sport also has a direct effect on our immune system. Activating the circulation not only improves physical fitness and general well-being, but also trains and prepares the immune system and its various mechanisms. Sport also reduces stress. This has a positive effect on sleep quality, which is also an important pillar of a strong immune system.

Whether running, cycling, long walks or indoor training. Do what you enjoy! Already short and moderate exercise of 20 minutes is effective in many ways, e.g. also anti-inflammatory.

Moderate load: Note that training that is too demanding can also have a negative impact. If the immune system is already working at full speed, hard workouts are not recommended. Therefore, it is important that you do not exercise if you have an infection! In this case, the body needs rest and additional stress only slows down recovery.

TIP: Exercise daily in a moderate way and in the form that you enjoy most. No matter if you need support for your endurance units, muscle building or body shaping, you will find the right support here thanks to the helpful filters:
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4. Reduced Stress & Good Mood

Constant stress makes you sick! It has a negative effect on the immune system, causes increased levels of stress hormones and thus significantly weakens the body.

For humans, stress and the released stress hormones (mainly adrenaline & cortisol) make sense from an evolutionary point of view as a short-term reaction of the body to an exceptional situation, such as escape or fight. Here they ensure the release of additional energy reserves of the body, which helps us to survive by increasing physical performance. The only difference is that a high stress hormone level is not intended to be a permanent state.

Countless studies have already dealt with the effects of stress on our immune system (psycho-neuro-immunology). The result has always been the same: with permanent stress the total number of immune cells in the blood as well as their activity decreases, resulting in a weakened immune defence. As a result, we become ill earlier and more often because viruses, bacteria and germs find less resistance. A healthy intestinal flora as an important barrier against pathogenic germs is also crucial in this context, so that these cannot easily penetrate into the blood.

For a healthy intestinal flora, nutrition is of central importance. A diet rich in sugar increases the stress hormone level (cortisol), whereas a diet rich in dietary fibres (salad, vegetables) has a prebiotic effect and promotes a healthy intestinal flora. Fermented foods (sauerkraut, yoghurt, cheese, etc.) also have a positive effect due to the probiotic bacteria they contain.

TIP: Wherever possible, try to eliminate stressful circumstances and consciously plan relax time. Sport helps one person, music, a walk or meditation helps another. No matter what it is, find out what works and feels best for you, and use it! Eat a varied and healthy diet, rich in fibre, and avoid sugary foods.
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5. Sufficient sleep

The better our sleep, the more effective our immune system works!

Good sleep supports our immune system. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, causes our defence cells, which identify and kill infected cells, to function less effectively. Less antibodies are produced. However, these are essential in the fight against pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) and therefore a prerequisite for staying healthy and, if possible, not getting sick in the first hand.

A lack of sleep also has an indirect effect on our immune system, as stress hormones can no longer be broken down equally well (see tip 4). Nowadays, lack of sleep is one of the main causes of stress, with far-reaching consequences!

Both sleep quantity and quality are crucial. Most research suggests that 7 to 9 hours is ideal for the majority of people. Many people seem to find it increasingly difficult to get deep and good sleep. Good sleep hygiene can help. For example: regular times to get up and sleep, no big late meals, sleeping environment (light, temperature, noise, oxygen supply). On the other hand, alcohol and smoking have a negative effect on sleep quality. Caffeine should be avoided as far as possible in the last hours before going to bed, as should the display of the smartphone because of its blue light component. 

Besides good sleep hygiene, regular physical activity (see tip 3) has a positive effect on your sleep as well. It is recommended to do calming things in the evening to fall asleep more quickly.

TIP: Additionally, support your hormonal and regenerative processes during sleep with a "night protein". This is slowly digested and ensures a continuous influx of amino acids into your bloodstream.
MULTIPROTEIN
CASEIN

6. Vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances

If the body has sufficient elementary vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances at its disposal, the immune system can be supported and pathogens (viruses, bacteria) can be better fended off. This finding is summarized in numerous studies.

The vitamins C and D, the trace element zinc, but also many secondary plant substances are particularly important in support of a healthy immune system.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress and its cell-damaging effects. Citrus fruits and berries are often particularly rich sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D (see tip 2) is primarily produced on the skin by UVB rays, however, can also be absorbed through food. Foods particularly rich in vitamin D are fish (salmon, herring, tuna), liver, cheese or eggs. Alternatively, vitamin D can be taken as a convenient supplement.

Zinc as a trace element is also of major importance for the immune system. Zinc is involved in many metabolic processes, including the formation and activation of defence cells and many enzymes. It also inhibits the reproduction of invading viruses and protects the body's own cells.

The body's defence forces depend largely on zinc balance, which is why a sufficient zinc supply is of major importance. Zinc is mainly found in meat, nuts and cereals.

Secondary plant compounds are found in a wide variety of foods, including fruit and vegetables. They usually have pronounced antioxidant properties as well as health-promoting influence, e.g. by reducing oxidative stress and thus supporting the immune system.

TIP: IMMUNOGUARD is a plant-based food supplement with functional ingredients, secondary plant substances, vitamins and zinc. It was developed with the aim of strengthening the immune system in various ways and protecting the body from oxidative stress.

7. pre- and probiotics

Our intestinal flora is composed of numerous and individually different strains of bacteria. The maintenance of a healthy intestinal flora is of central importance because it serves as the first line of defence against pathogenic germs. The intestinal bacteria can be specifically supported by taking pro- and prebiotics.

Prebiotic, soluble dietary fibres/fibres are naturally found in the fibrous parts of fruits and vegetables. Intestinal bacteria metabolise those fibres into health-promoting short-chain fatty acids, which is why soluble fibres (such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides) are also called prebiotic.

Probiotics, in contrast, are active bacterial strains that occur in our natural intestinal flora and whose regular intake in sufficient quantities supports the maintenance of a normal, healthy intestinal flora. Especially fermented foods such as yoghurt, cheese or sauerkraut contain probiotic bacteria (e.g. Bifidus or Lactobacillus).

TIP: Try to include at least one probiotic, fermented food such as natural yoghurt (without added sugar) or cheese in your daily diet. Eat whole fruit, with the skin on if possible, instead of drinking fruit juice. As far as fibre content is concerned, vegetables are generally preferable to fruit.

The LOW CARB PROTEIN BAR from SPONSER® are also rich in soluble dietary fibres and naturally provide high-quality protein. Also specially enriched with prebiotics are the LOW CARB PROTEIN SHAKE. Prebiotics and probiotics can be taken in combination. Ideal and tasty is for example a natural yoghurt in combination with one of the three delicious flavours of LOW CARB PROTEIN SHAKES.

8. colostrum and nucleotides

Bovine COLOSTRUM, also known as first milk or beast milk, is made from the early milk of cows after calving. Colostrum is rich in growth-enhancing and immunomodulating nutrients such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors. Thus, colostrum provides valuable co-factors for the maintenance of healthy defence forces and the general well-being beyond its pure protein content. Because protein is not only used to build and maintain muscle mass, but also needed for the formation of defence cells, enzymes and hormones.

NUCLEOTIDES are the components of the body's RNA and DNA. They are used for rapid cell multiplication and thus play an important role in situations of increased stress and an enhanced immune response of the body. Wherever rapid cell regeneration is required, e.g. also in the case of infections and diseases, when the immune system has to produce defence cells quickly. There are also additional studies for athletes, which show that the regular intake of nucleotides over 4 weeks strengthens the immune function after "heavy exercise".

TIP: Daily 20-30 g powder of the 100% pure COLOSTRUM (only in CH available) powder as a protein enrichment, for example in food, shakes or drinks. IMMUNOGUARD provides about 300 mg nucleotides from yeast extract per sachet. 1-2 sachets are recommended during periods of stress for the immune system.

9. avoid alcohol and nicotine

Besides stress (see tip 4), alcohol and nicotine are among the crucial factors regarding impaired immune function.

Alcohol inhibits the body's own defence cells, the so-called white blood cells, in their activity. In particular, the so-called "scavenger cells", which are in the front line in fighting against external pathogens such as viruses, are impaired in their function.

Smoking attacks the immune system. The body's own defence system is reduced and, particularly due to an impaired bronchial system, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can penetrate more easily and survive longer.

Medical data also show that smokers are comparatively much more likely to die of treatable infectious diseases than non-smokers.

» Overview: how to reduce your risk of infection with Corona / Covid-19 (PDF)

Omega-3 fatty acids

Occurence and health significance of Omega-3 fatty acids

Fats and oils are composed of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which, depending on their origin, in different compositions and ratios. Thus, the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids occur mainly in plants, omega-3 fatty acids almost exclusively in algae, marine plankton, krill and fish. The omega-3 (n3) fatty acids are further subdivided into alpha-linolenic acid, EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic and decosahexaenoic acid). The latter two are well-known because of their beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, while alpha-linolenic acid serves as a precursor of DHA and can be converted into it to a certain degree by the human organism. In the body, n3-fatty acids are mainly built into cell membranes, which makes cells more flexible and supple, but also affects their functioning and can provide various health benefits.

In the western diet, the polyunsaturated fatty acids are mainly ingested in the form of omega-6 (n6) fatty acids, primarily from vegetables and meat. Over the centuries, switching from a hunter-gatherer life to agriculture has resulted in a health-unfavourable n6:n3 fatty acid ratio, which is associated with adverse health effects on inflammatory factors and cardiovascular health. Conversely, in particular the n3-fatty acid EPA is considered to be beneficial to those health issues, while DHA seems to be more important for healthy brain development and function.

In addition to an optimized n6:n3 fatty acid ratio with regard to its general health significance, also the anti-inflammatory effect for recovery promotion is interesting for athletes. A sufficient intake of the necessary n3-fatty acids can only be achieved by an increased intake of the mentioned marine sources, especially of high-fat cold-water fish, or of dietary supplements with fish or krill oil. A daily intake of 1-2 g of EPA + DHA is recommended, preferably in the ratio 2:1. (Mickleborough 2013, Simopoulos 2007). The maximum acceptable daily intake set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is 5 g EPA + DHA (www.efsa.europa.eu). Human studies have usually been conducted at dosages between 2-5 g daily.

Intense exercise is a challenge for the musculoskeletal system and the immune system. During sports, pro-inflammatory hormones are released. If this happens permanently and in high concentrations, injuries and illnesses can be promoted and the regeneration time after exercise prolonged. An adequate supply of n3-fatty acids, especially of EPA, is therefore recommended for various reasons:

Muscular recovery
Tsuchiya (2016) demonstrated attenuated loss of power and better mobility in response to sore muscles after eccentric loads. Jakeman (2017) demonstrated that an acute dose of a fish oil supplement improves the functional performance of the muscles after eccentric loads. Furthermore, various review articles (Ochi 2018, 2019) discuss the recovery-promoting effects of n3-fatty acids in terms of muscle function and reduced muscle damage due to physical exertion (e.g reduced soreness). Anti-inflammatory effects of n3-fatty acids also play a role here.

Oxygen consumption during endurance exercise
Endurance athletes benefit from an omega-3 supplementation by an economization of oxygen consumption and thus longer anaerobic stamina (Zebrowska 2015, Mickleborough 2013, Da Boit 2017). A multifactorial effect is presumed, which ultimately leads to an increased stroke volume and a reduced heart rate (Philpott 2018).

Immune function
Infections of the upper respiratory tract are a common problem in endurance athletes. In a study with 1.1 g n3 fatty acids, 10 μg vitamin D and 8 g whey protein daily, reduced frequency and duration of infection were found in young athletes (Philpott 2018). Since vitamin D is central to a healthy immune system, its combination with n3-fatty acids seems advisable.

Neuromuscular processes
DHA is an important component of brain neurons. Since physical training also brings about neuromuscular adapations, increased DHA availability can additionally support these adjustments. This seems especially meaningful with ageing with regards to a muscle-preserving effect (Philpott 2018), when the body's neuromuscular functions diminish.

Muscle protein synthesis
More recently, studies have also found an anabolic effect of n3 fatty acids on muscle protein synthesis. Specifically, EPA was recognized as the anabolic and anti-catabolic component (Kamolrat 2013, see graph). However, this applies primarily in the case of insufficient protein intake (McGlory 2016), and thus especially for seniors, where also an age-related "anabolic resistance" comes on top. For this population the muscle protecting/preserving effect is therefore of particular importance. Also, in clinical situations such as In cancer patients, the intake of n3-fatty acids could reduce muscle mass loss (tumor cachexia) (Murphy 2011).

Also in the context of muscle build-up, vitamin D is an important additional micronutrient as it plays a role in cell division and can increase muscle protein synthesis in response to an anabolic stimulus (Salles 2013).

Triglycerides or phospholipids?
In addition to the well-known fish oil capsules, supplements based on krill oil have been available for several years. Krill are small crustaceans that feed many fish and are also the source of their n3-fatty acid content. In krill, however, the n3 fatty acids are to a large extent bound as phospholipids, whereas in fish these occur in the form of triglycerides. While some studies have indicated improved bioavailability of phospholipidically bound n3-fatty acids, the opposite has been noted in other studies. One study showed better bioavailability of EPA + DHA from a fish oil concentrate (triglycerides) compared to krill oil (phospholipids), and also to salmon oil with a reverse EPA:DHA ratio (Laidlaw 2014). In particular, an increased EPA concentration by factor 4 (!) was found in the subjects with fish oil concentrate compared to krill and salmon oil.

OMEGA-3 PLUS from SPONSER
SPONSER® offers its own omega-3 supplement coming in a liquid form. OMEGA-3 PLUS is a mixture of cod liver, sardine and anchovy oil with a uniquely high EPA content and concomitant high ratio of EPA to DHA. The fish oil used is obtained from controlled, certified sustainable wild fish. The lack of the typical fishy taste, flavoured with a mild citrus flavour, is evidence of the maximum freshness of the fish oil raw materials. One daily ration is 1-2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) and delivers 1.5 g, or 3.0 g n3-fatty acids, respectively, of which 820 mg (1640 mg) EPA and 650 mg (1300 mg) DHA. Since n3-fatty acids must be incorporated into the body cells, a multi-week intake is needed until they can develop their effect. It is recommended to take omega-3 supplementation in the evening (detached from physical exercise) and not immediately before exercise. Like this the oxidation of fatty acids for energy use can be reduced and the incorporation into the cell walls can be facilitated.

Literature
Mickleborough et al. (2013): Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in physical performance optimization. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 23, 83-96.
Simopoulos et al. (2007): Omega-3 fatty acids and athletics. Curr Sports Med Rep 6, 230-236.
EFSA (2012): EFSA bewertet Sicherheit langkettiger Omega-3-Fettsäuren. 27. Juli 2012.
Tsuchiya et al. (2016): Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexenoic acids- rich fish oil supplementation attenuates strength loss and limited joint range of motion after eccentric contractions: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. Eur J Appl Physiol116(6),1179-88.
Jakeman et al. (2017): Effect of an acute dose of omega-3 fish oil following exercise induced muscle damage. Eur J Appl Physiol, 117(3), 575-582.
Ochi et al. (2018): Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Muscle Damage and Function. Nutrients, 10, 552.
Ochi, E. (2019): Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Exercise Performance. Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance (2nd Edition), 715-728.
Zebrowska et al. (2015): Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation improves endothelial function and maximal oxygen uptake in endurance-trained athletes. Eur J Sport Sci 15, 305-314.
Da Boit et al. (2017): Fit with good fat? The role with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exercise performance. Metabolism 66, 45-54.
Philpott et al. (2018): Applications of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for sport performance. Res Sports Med, DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1550401.
Kamolrat et al. (2013): The effect of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid on protein synthesis and breakdown In murine C2C12 myotubes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 432(4):593-8.
McGlory et al. (2016): Fish oil supplementation suppresses resistance exercise and feeding-induced increases in anabolic signaling without affecting myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men. Physiol Reports, 4(6), e12715.
Murphy et al. (2011): Nutritional intervention with fish oil provides a benefit over standard of care for weight and skeletal muscle mass in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. Cancer, 117(8), 1775–1782.
Salles et al. (2013): 1,25(OH)2‐vitamin D3 enhances the stimulating effect of leucine and insulin on protein synthesis rate through Akt/PKB and mTOR mediated pathways in murine C2C12 skeletal myotubes. Molecular Nutr Food Res, 57(12), 2137-46.
Laidlaw et al. (2014): Comparative bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids from four different omega-3 supplements. FASEB Journal, 272.6.

Author: Remo Jutzeler
Head R&D SPONSER SPORT FOOD
Ing. Applied Food Sciences UAS
MAS Nutrition & Health ETHZ

NEW: OMEGA-3 PLUS

Certain essential nutrient requirements are hard to meet, even when following a balanced, nutrition-conscious diet. The unique composition of SPONSER®’s OMEGA-3 PLUS delivers sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) and vitamin D3 («sun exposure»). OMEGA-3 PLUS does not require preservatives due to its liquid form and offers a higher concentration of EPA and DHA than conventional capsule products. Just two teaspoons (10 ml) contain 1640 mg EPA and 1300 mg DHA of high-quality and purity. Our fish oil is sourced from sustainable and certified wild fish caught in the cold northwestern marine regions and further processed in Norway. A natural refreshing citrus flavor was added to mask the unpleasant fish taste. The formula is further complemented by vitamin D3, the so-called sunshine vitamin, as many populations suffer from vitamin D deficiency in winter. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are required for numerous body functions i.a. the cardiovascular system and immune defense. For further information & purchase please click/select the product in the slider below.