As the golden hues of autumn give way to the crisp chill of winter, many of us find ourselves reaching for thicker jumpers and planning cosy evenings in. But while we focus on keeping our homes warm, it's equally vital to consider how we support our internal defences. Imagine waking up congestion-free after a frosty night and starting your day with clarity and energy. Such a rewarding sense of wellness can be a reality by boosting your internal defences for the season.
If you are over 50, you might have noticed that bouncing back from a winter cold takes a little longer than it used to. This isn't just in your head; we often experience changes in our immune system as we age.
The good news? You can actively support your body's defences. Let's dive into the science of winter immunity and look at why a tailored solution, like Woods Health 50+ Multivitamins, is a good investment for the colder months.
How our Bodies Change as we age
Our nutritional needs are not static; they evolve just as we do. As we enter our 50s and beyond, two significant changes can make winter especially challenging: the Absorption Slump and the Sunshine Shortfall.
- Reduced Absorption: Our bodies become less efficient at absorbing key nutrients from food, including Vitamin B12 and magnesium. Imagine enjoying the same scrambled eggs you've always loved, but now your body only captures part the Vitamin B12 it used to. This change highlights the importance of considering nutrient absorption as we age.
- The "Sunshine" Gap: As we age, our skin’s ability to synthesise Vitamin D from sunlight decreases. Combine this with the grey British winter, and deficiency becomes almost inevitable without supplementation.
To bridge this gap, you don't just need more vitamins; you need the right balance.
The "Big Three" for Winter Immunity
There are some beneficial nutrients that science shows are critical for immune defence. The Woods Health 50+ Multivitamin ticks all three boxes efficiently:
-
Vitamin D3: The Immune Modulator
Often called the "Sunshine Vitamin," Vitamin D is essential during winter. Public Health England recommends everyone supplement it between October and March.
- Why you need it: It activates the T-cells in your body that detect and kill invading pathogens like flu viruses.
- The Woods Health Benefit: This formula provides 100% of your Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) of Vitamin D3, ensuring you hit that baseline protection even on the cloudiest days.
-
Zinc: The Gatekeeper
Zinc is often overlooked, but it is essential for immune cell development.
- Why you need it: Research suggests that maintaining adequate zinc levels can help reduce the duration of cold symptoms and acts as a "gatekeeper" for your immune response against respiratory infections.
- The Woods Health Benefit: The 50+ Multivitamin formula includes a robust 10mg of Zinc, vital for older adults who may not be getting enough from diet alone.
-
Antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and Selenium)
Winter can put our bodies under stress (oxidative stress, to be precise). Antioxidants are the cleanup crew that repairs cell damage. What happens to damaged cells left unrepaired for months? This neglect can lead to further cellular damage, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. It's vital to address oxidative stress to maintain overall health.
- Why you need it: Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, while Selenium is crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting an ageing immune system. Vitamin E helps to modulate the immune function.
- The Woods Health Benefit: This isn't just a Vitamin C tablet; it combines Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and 55μg of Selenium for a multi-layered defence system.
Beyond Immunity: Energy and Clarity
Winter isn't just about avoiding the flu; it's about avoiding the "winter blues" and fatigue.
One standout feature of the Woods Health 50+ Multivitamin is the inclusion of Ginkgo Biloba Extract. While not typically found in standard multivitamins, Ginkgo is fantastic for the 50+ demographic. It supports healthy blood circulation and cognitive function, helping with the "foggy" feeling that often accompanies the darker days.
Furthermore, the high levels of B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12) help reduce tiredness and fatigue, helping you with energy levels so you can still enjoy your winter walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I choose this "50+" multivitamin?
A: Some standard multivitamins are often formulated for younger adults with higher metabolic rates and different absorption capabilities. This 50+ blend is tailored to account for lower absorption rates and includes specific additions such as Ginkgo Biloba to support healthy ageing.
Q: When is the best time to take my multivitamin?
A: To maximise absorption, take your tablet just after a main meal. Vitamins A, D, and E are fat-soluble, meaning your body absorbs them much better when they are consumed alongside a small amount of healthy dietary fat.
Q: Can I take this alongside my prescribed medication?
A: Always consult your GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement if you are on prescription medication.
The Verdict
Navigating the supplement aisle can be confusing, but simplicity is often key to consistency. Rather than juggling four or five different bottles (Vitamin D, Zinc, B12, Ginkgo), the Woods Health 50+ Multivitamin offers a tailored, "one-a-day" solution designed specifically for your biology.
It is cost-effective and grounded in the science of what our bodies actually need as we age. Are you ready to help build your winter defences?
Disclaimer: Food supplements should not replace a varied diet. If you are taking prescribed medication, please consult your doctor before taking food supplements.
References
Schulz, M.T. & Rink, L. (2025). Zinc deficiency as possible link between immunosenescence and age-related diseases. Immunity & Ageing, 22(19).
Calder, P.C., et al. (2022). Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients. Advances in Nutrition, 13(5).
Fantacone, M.L., et al. (2020). The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 12(8).
Zhu, Z., et al. (2025). Dietary antioxidants and nutritional risk in the elderly. Frontiers in Immunology, 16.
Kassis, A., et al. (2023) Nutritional and lifestyle management of the aging journey: A narrative review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 24 (9) 1087505. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9903079/
Wessels, I. et al. (2017) Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function. Nutrients, 9(12) 1286. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5748737/
Kurrutas, E. B. (2016) The importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular response against oxidative/nitrosative stress: current state. Nutrition Journal, 15 (71). Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4960740/
Huang, Z., Rose, A. H. and Hoffman, P. R. (2012) The Role of Selenium in Inflammation and Immunity: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxidants and Redox Signalling Journal, 16(7), 705-743. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3277928/
Vogel, J. (2022) Cardiovascular Activity of Ginkgo biloba—An Insight from Healthy Subjects. Biology, (1) 15. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9855530/
