The native North American coneflower, used by the Great Plains tribes for over 400 years, has become a popular natural supplement to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu. However, echinacea has been used for decades to combat viruses, particularly respiratory viruses, prior to the antibiotic generation. [3] Currently, the strongest evidence comes from studies of Echinacea purpurea or the purple coneflower.

 In addition to possessing potent virucidal activity against several membrane containing viruses, echinacea also showed positive results in virus-induced pro-inflammatory responses in cultured epithelial cells from the lungs [3] Echinacea supplements may also possess selective anti-bacterial and immune modulation activities that might also contribute to their beneficial properties. [4]

Vitamin D has long been recognized as essential to the skeletal system.[5] Newer evidence suggests that it also plays a major role regulating the immune system, perhaps including immune responses to viral infection. [5] Interventional and observational epidemiological studies provide evidence that vitamin D deficiency may confer increased risk of influenza and respiratory tract infection. [5]

The recent discovery that vitamin D induces antimicrobial peptide gene expression explains, in part, the ‘antibiotic’ effect of vitamin D and has greatly renewed interest in the ability of vitamin D to improve immune function. [6] Subsequent work indicates that this regulation is biologically important for the response of the innate immune system to wounds and infection and that deficiency may lead to suboptimal responses toward bacterial and viral infections. [6]

…is abundant in Polyphenols, Bioflavonoids, Resveratrol, Vitamin C and other nutrients. An all natural fruit & berry blend, containing acerola, cranberry, blueberry, maqui berry, strawberry, and amla berry.

Support your immune system, skin and eyes with this potent form of natural vitamin C. Visit our Berry-C page for a detailed description of the individual fruits and berries contained in Berry-C and how they may affect your health.

The olive tree is known as the Tree of Life. The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. [7] In several civilizations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism. In particular, the polyphenols present in olive leaves, olives, virgin (unrefined) olive oil and olive mill waste are potent antioxidant and radical scavengers with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. [7]

   One of the active ingredients in olive leaf, Oleuropein also possesses a well-documented antiviral activity. [7] Studies have also shown that oleuropein exhibits a significant antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus and para-influenza type 3 virus [8]. In light of the unique combination properties of oleuropein (Table 3), it looks like we should “go back to the future” and continue to exploit this key dietary component of the Mediterranean diet to promote human health. [7]

You probably know that it supports vision through its precursor beta-carotene, but you may not know of its even greater role in strengthening and regulating the body’s immune system. In the last two decades, considerable evidence has emerged that vitamin A plays an important role in immunity to infectious diseases. [9]

   Vitamin A was initially coined “the anti-infective vitamin” because of its importance in the normal functioning of the immune system. [10] The skin and mucosal cells, lining the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract function as a barrier and form the body’s first line of defense against infection. [10]

While most zinc supplements aren’t easily absorbed and may cause gastric upset, LIDTKE zinc is chelated to produce small, organic molecules that pass easily through the digestive tract and are gentler on the digestive system.

LIDTKE has partnered with Albion, who developed an exclusive technology that mimics the body’s natural chelation process, producing readily absorbable organic chelated minerals in supplement form. [11] Albion’s mineral amino acid chelates that are both chemically validated through our patented testing method utilizing infrared (FT-IR) fingerprinting, as well as clinically validated through published clinical research. [11]

   This study compared the oral bioavailability of Albion’s zinc bisglycinate chelate with zinc gluconate in a randomized cross-over study in 12 female volunteers. [12] Study results show that zinc chelate was safe and well tolerated. Compared with the gluconate, the oral bioavailability of zinc chelate was 43.4% more bioavailable. [12]

[1] Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Rajendra Pavan, Sapna Jain, Shraddha, Ajay Kumar.

[2] Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. Section 6.3Viruses: Structure, Function, and Uses. Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al.  

[3] Induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea , a potent antiviral herbal extract. Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R, Hudson JB. 

[4] Selection of Natural Health Products for Clinical Trials: a Preclinical Template. Vohra S, Adams D, Hudson JB, Moore JA, Vimalanathan S, Sharma M, Burt A, Lamont E, Lacaze N, Arnason JT, Lee TD. 

[5] Vitamin D and the anti-viral state.  Jeremy A. Beard, Allison Bearden, Rob Strikera. 

[6] The vitamin D–antimicrobial peptide pathway and its role in protection against infection. Adrian F Gombart.

[7] Effects of the Olive-Derived Polyphenol Oleuropein on Human Health. Barbara Barbaro, Gabriele Toietta, Roberta Maggio, Mario Arciello, Mirko Tarocchi, Andrea Galli, Clara Balsano. 

[8] Oleuropein in Olive and its Pharmacological Effects. Syed Haris Omar. 

[9] Vitamin A and immunity to viral, bacterial and protozoan infections. R. D. Semba. 

[10] Vitamin A and immunity to viral, bacterial and protozoan infections. R. D. Semba. 

[11] WHY ALBION.  

[12] Zn Bisglycinate vs. Zn Gluconate After a Single Administration to Twelve Healthy Female Volunteers. Gandia P, Bour D, Maurette J, Donazzolo Y, Duchene P, Bejot M, Houin G. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res., 77(4), 243-248.