With cold and flu season upon much of the northern U.S. states, many people may be wondering how to support their immune health. The obvious answer is vitamin C, but there are other nutrients that may be just as important to the function of one's immune system.

For example, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports that zinc plays a critical role in propping up immune health. Deficiencies of this nutrient can lead to potentially serious consequences that make it difficult for individuals to fight off germs.

Without zinc the body cannot produce new immune cells. While this does not necessarily mean that a person will get sick, it does mean that their immune system may have a harder time fighting off infections.

The Office states that alcoholics and vegetarians may be at the highest risk of experiencing a zinc deficiency and that these individuals may benefit from taking nutritional supplements. However, they are likely not the only ones who would benefit from boosting their zinc intake during this time of year.

Just about everyone could stand to experience the immune health support that may come from higher zinc levels.