In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are trying to protect ourselves by following precautions like frequently washing our hands for 20 seconds, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. However, it’s also important to have a strong immune system that can fight back against this virus as well as other intruders we may encounter. The good news is there are things we can do to boost our immune system, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, minimizing stress and getting enough vitamin D.

Commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin” due to its connection with sunlight, vitamin D3 is a vitamin that our skin has the ability to synthesize naturally from sun exposure. We can also gain the benefits of this vitamin from certain foods; however, the majority of us do not consume enough of the foods that would provide a sufficient amount. This can cause a deficiency of this essential vitamin in the body. This is why taking a supplement containing vitamin D3 is so important.

In addition to maintaining immune health, vitamin D3 is essential for healthy bones and teeth. When a person has a deficiency in vitamin D3, bones can become weak and fragile, which could be preventable with proper supplementation, such as taking Enzymedica’s whole food sourced Vegan Vitamin D3+K2 supplement. The vitamin D3 in this product increases the absorption of calcium, which is beneficial for bone and teeth health and can stave off certain degenerative bone issues. Calcium and vitamin D are essential components for brain health as well. A lack of these necessary nutrients can lead to what has been termed as “brain fog”—a feeling we get when we feel as though we just cannot think.

Enzymedica’s vitamin D3 is naturally derived from U.S.-grown shiitake mushrooms. When exposed to sunlight, this unique mushroom responds by producing a plentiful amount of vitamin D3. There are numerous foods that contain vitamin D3, but not at the generous levels that the shiitake mushrooms provide. This mushroom food source has a powerful dose of 5,000 international units (125 micrograms) per capsule that is easy to digest and assimilate into our body.

The company’s vitamin D3 is combined with their soy-free vitamin K2 from whole-food sourced chickpeas. This combination, plus inulin, can aid in proper absorption of calcium into the bones. Their chickpea-sourced vitamin K2 is the MK-7 form (MenaQ7), which has been clinically studied to deliver the highest bioavailability. Inulin is a type of dietary fiber that can improve digestive health. It is also a naturally occurring prebiotic derived from agave and has the capacity to replenish the microbiome. This supports a healthy immune system and has a low glycemic index.

Enzymedica’s Vegan D3+K2 non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) dietary supplement is available at a 25 percent discount during March at Debbie’s Health Foods, in Port Orange and Orange City.