Most public inoculation programs typically begin in October, shortly before the beginning of the cold and flu season. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that delays in the production of the vaccine could limit its availability and delay its distribution until mid-November or even December. For the 70 to 76 million people estimated to be at high risk for serious flu-related complications, this could be too late.

"Even the influenza vaccination isn't 100 percent effective for everyone," said Dr. John J. Walker, Scientific Advisory Board member of vitacost.com, an online wholesaler of nutritional supplements and information resource on nutraceuticals. "According to multiple clinical studies, herbs and vitamins can significantly strengthen the immune system, helping the body resist infection or shorten the duration of cold or flu symptoms."

After an exhaustive review of recent clinical studies regarding the effectiveness and potency of the use of herbs and vitamins to prevent or shorten cold or flu symptoms, vitacost.com’s Scientific Advisory Board identified the following top-brand products to be the most effective against the cold and flu (as specifically supported in clinical studies):

• Echinacea - Nature’s Way Echina Guard Capsules, Nature’s Way Echina Guard Liquid: The findings from a Swedish study showed that daily treatment with Echina Guard, from the first signs of an upper respiratory infection, inhibits the full expression of the disease and also can lead to more rapid recovery than in patients treated with placebo. Additional studies support the use of echinacea for decreasing duration of cold symptoms.
• Elderberry - Nature’s Way Sambucol (Black Elderberry Extract or lozenges): A series of studies from Israel have shown that in patients with influenza, a complete cure was achieved within two to three days in nearly 90 percent of the Sambucol-treated group and within at least six days in the placebo group. This difference showed a high degree of statistical significance.
• Zinc Lozenges - Natrol Thera Zinc Lozenges: These lozenges contain zinc gluconate, the form of zinc salt that has been shown to be most effective in minimizing cold symptoms. When taken at the very first sign of a cold, this product can decrease symptoms and shorten duration of colds, as documented in several scientific studies published in major journals.
• Vitamin C - Natrol Ester-C with Bioflavonoids Capsules: When taken at the outset of symptoms, 1000 mg of vitamin C taken every hour for the first day and then three times per day thereafter was shown to decrease the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

Other supplements that have a sound scientific basis to support the immune system but lack specific product-related studies include:

• Selenium - Nature’s Way Selenium 200 mcg, Twinlab Super E caps + Selenium: Selenium deficiency appears to result in immunosuppression, whereas supplementation with low doses of Selenium appears to result in augmentation and/or restoration of immunologic functions. A deficiency of Selenium has been shown to inhibit resistance to microbial and viral infections. Adding Vitamin E may augment the response.
• Goldenseal - Nature’s Herbs Echinacea and Goldenseal Capsules, Nature’s Way Goldenseal Capsules: Goldenseal may help with soothing inflamed mucous membranes. It also has antibacterial activity.
• MGN-3 - This product has been shown in several studies to stimulate Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, thus strengthening immune response. MGN-3
• Garlic - Kwai Odor-Free Garlic Tablets, Natrol GarliPure Capsules: Garlic (Allium sativum) supports immune function and has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity - killing bacteria, parasites, fungus and viruses including type B influenza virus.

For more information about the recommended dosage and ingredients in the above immunity-boosting herbs and vitamins or to purchase them at or below wholesale cost, visit www.vitacost.com.

About vitacost.com

Vitacost.com is the online destination consumers can trust for detailed information on nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants and nutraceuticals, and the first and only to offer consumers products at or below the published wholesale cost (33 to75 percent below retail). vitacost.com provides consumers with analyses of top nutritional supplements tested by FDA-approved independent labs and evaluated by a distinguished scientific advisory board. The company also offers a five star guarantee, ensuring customers a secure online shopping experience, a large selection of high quality/safe products at or below the published wholesale cost and expert service backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. vitacost.com has been reviewed and approved by BBBOnLine Reliability, TRUSTe and Verisign.

Clinical Studies Reviewed
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2. Skwarek T, et al. Herba Pol 1996;42(2):1210-17.
3. Schoenberger D. Forum Immunology 1992;8:2-12.
4. Braunig B, et al. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie 1992;13:7-13.
5. Zakay-Rones Z, et al. J Altern Complement Med 1995;1(4):361-9.
6. Weber ND, et al. Panta Medica 1992;58:4176-23, Volume 2, Section IV: botanical medicine research summaries.
7. Nagai K. Jpn J Infect Dis 1973;47;321
8. Wald ER, et al. J. Pediatrics 1988;112:540-6.
9. E. Katz and E. Margalith, Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy 19 (1981): 213-7.
10. G.A. Eby, D.R. Davis, and W.W. Halcomb, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 25
(1984): 20-4.
11. S.B. Mossad et al., Ann Int Med 125 (1996):142-4.
12. Gorton HC; Jarvis K, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999.
13. Garland ML; Hagmeyer KO. Ann Pharmacother 1998 Jan;32(1):63-9.

CONTACT: Carey McDaniels, cmcdaniels@stoorza.com, (619) 236-1332, Ext.262, Stoorza Communications