Vitamin Supplements for Autoimmune Health

Autoimmunity happens when an organism in the body does not recognize part of itself and causes the immune system to react by fighting off these organisms. In simpler terms, an autoimmune response is the human body attacking itself, according to "Structure & Function of the Body" by Gary Thibodeau. There are numerous autoimmune diseases, including lupus, arthritis, Crohn's disease, Cushing's syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Vitamins and supplements that aid the immune system can be taken to help fight autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C comes from fruit or vegetables or in table form.

  Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps clear out toxins and free radicals that get into your body through pollution in the air and through processed foods and smoking. Antioxidants' system-cleaning properties is what makes them helpful to immune systems. When the toxins are cleared out of your body, it gives the immune system less work to do, according to the "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements" by Michael Murray. The recommended dosage of vitamin C for an adult is 60 mg, but up to three times the regular amount can be taken during illness. Good natural sources of vitamin C are bell peppers, broccoli, oranges and spinach.

Vitamin D

• Milk is a good source of calcium.

  Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone, according to the "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements." This vitamin that is best gotten through time spent in the sun helps strengthen the bones, which fights autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Calcium and vitamin D work together to make the body healthy and whole, according to Rodale Health Books' "Healing With Vitamins." It is recommended that a person get at least 15 minutes a day in direct sunlight. Those who cannot get the right amount of sunlight because of medications or allergies can take a supplement of 200 to 400 IU's of vitamin D each day. Also get 1,000 mg of calcium each day.

Zinc

• Zinc is a found in every cell of the body and is important to enzymes. Zinc is known to help with colds, making their duration shorter, which is also why it is good in the fight against autoimmune deficiencies. Zinc missing in cells should be replenished by getting 12 to 15 mg each day through a supplement. Without zinc, the body cannot function properly, including immune system functioning.

Fatty Acids

• Fish are an excellent source of good omega-3 fats.

  The good fats, essential fatty acids, are not just good for bettering cholesterol counts. According to "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements," these fatty acids can help regulate pain responses, which is helpful to autoimmune disease sufferers. Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken each day through healthy food choices like fish and flaxseed oil.