Immune Support

The foundations are familiar: vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D, each labelled to help maintain immune function as part of the everyday nutrients your body relies on. You'll find them as straightforward capsules and tablets, liquid complexes you measure by the spoonful, and combination formulas that bundle several into one. NAC — a form of the amino acid cysteine with antioxidant properties — has also become a fixture here, in extra-strength tablets shoppers ask for by name.

The herbal side of the shelf runs deep. Echinacea is the classic, appearing on its own and in blends, while elderberry syrups and mushroom formulas have grown into staples of their own. Honey-based comfort is a specialty here too: Honibe's Canadian-made lozenges come in honey-lemon, honey-menthol and honey-cherry, plus versions that add vitamin C, zinc and echinacea to the honey base — small enough to live in a coat pocket all season.

Choosing depends on the job. Daily-routine shoppers usually pick one or two foundations and stick with them; others come in for lozenges, a chest rub like Herbion's, or a syrup to keep in the cupboard. Compare amounts per serving rather than bottle sizes, and check whether a formula is a single ingredient or a blend. If you take medications or you're shopping for kids, a quick word with your health-care practitioner is always time well spent.