The truth about immune-boosting supplements

November 20, 2022
by RJ Hamster

YOUR WEEKLY CHECKUP

This week: What you need to know about vitamin C and zinc supplements; why you should start eating algae; some parts of nature are more therapeutic than others; why sperm counts are plummeting so far, so fast.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETE MULLER, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Can you really ‘boost’ your immunity with supplements?

Increasing your intake of zinc and vitamins C and D during winter isn’t a magic bullet. Here’s what the science says about the most commonly touted interventions.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

WHAT TO EAT, WHEN: Salmon for breakfast? Why eating the right foods at the right times is the key to health +

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Is algae the new kale?

As the global population inches toward 10 billion and climate change threatens existing food security, versatile, nutritious algae is entering the stage.

A ‘FLAVOR BOMB’

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What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?

A new study has surprising insights into how spending time outside affects our wellbeing—and which parts of nature may be more therapeutic than others.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

WE’RE WIRED TO BE OUTSIDE: How science is demonstrating what we intuitively know +

MICROGRAPH BY DR TONY BRAIN, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Sperm counts worldwide are plummeting faster than we thought

“We may cross a tipping point when most men will be sub-fertile,” says one expert. Here are environmental and lifestyle factors that could increase a man’s risk.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

COVID AND MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH: The virus can cause erectile dysfunction +

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

NG STAFF

Pfizer is testing a new vaccine that targets T cells

Although they don’t prevent an infection, T cells can clear the virus by killing infected cells. The new COVID-19 vaccine is designed to combat a series of new variants, like BN.1, which the CDC recently began tracking.

TRACKING COVID IN THE U.S.

What’s the difference between RSV, the flu and COVID-19? (Washington Post)

COVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here’s why

Will COVID boosters prevent another wave? Scientists aren’t so sure. (New York Times)

Eating disorders in young people skyrocketed during the pandemic, study shows (CNN)

MORE HEALTH NEWS

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To uncover the secrets of longevity, Chris Hemsworth put his body on the line

In his new Nat Geo series, Limitless, the actor dangles from a rope high above a canyon and surfs frigid waters—all to test extreme strategies for living longer.

READ ON

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are here. Here’s what you need to know. (Washington Post)

Is marijuana more harmful to your lungs than cigarettes? A study suggests it may be. (USA Today)

Earth now has 8 billion people—and counting. Where do we go from here?

Flu and colds are back with a vengeance—why now? (Nature)

More than 1 billion young people could be at risk of hearing loss, a new study shows (NPR)

FDA approves first treatment to delay onset of Type 1 diabetes (CNN)

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The truth about immune-boosting supplements

The truth about immune-boosting supplements

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