People who eat foods rich in vitamin E or take supplements have an added weapon against bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E also helps in the fight against heart disease and cancer. Good food sources of are whole grain foods and vegetable oils. Supplements are recommended to reach the daily requirement of this vitamin. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system by producing lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are cells important to fighting infection.
The best sources for carotenoids are the red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkin, etc. and leafy green foods. The four important carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. All of these provide excellent protection against disease. The immine system gains strength from minerals to synthesize proteins which make up all the cells of the body. However, too much iron can be harmful and a physician should be consulted before starting a program of using iron supplements.