Seasonal change, immunity and CBD: the French framework

Several documented phenomena explain the seasonality of respiratory health and immunity:

• Longer nights and reduced exposure to sunlight lead to less cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, whose role in immune function is recognised;
• Greater indoor crowding favours viral transmission;
• Cold, dry air impairs the mucosal defences of the airways;
• Sleep and diet tend to vary from season to season.

Together these create a period of heightened vulnerability between late autumn and early spring, particularly marked among people with little daylight exposure, those who stay indoors, older people, or those with a poor diet.

ANSES considers vitamin D deficiency to be common in metropolitan France, particularly in winter and among people with little sun exposure. National surveys carried out by Santé publique France have shown that the majority of the adult population has sub-optimal vitamin D status during the cold season.

The recommended daily intake (ANC) is 15 µg per day for an adult. Supplementation may be advised for:

• Infants and young children;
• Older people;
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women (on medical advice);
• People with little exposure to natural light.

The approved EFSA claim: "vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system".

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) carries an explicit EFSA claim: "contributes to the normal function of the immune system". Dietary sources are numerous: citrus fruits, kiwis, peppers, broccoli, berries, acerola.

Supplementation becomes relevant if dietary intake is insufficient. Useful doses sit around 80-110 mg per day (adult ANC). Megadoses (beyond 1 g per day) have shown no additional effect and carry a risk of digestive side effects.

Zinc likewise carries an approved EFSA claim: "contributes to the normal function of the immune system". Found in seafood, meat, pulses and seeds, it can be the object of targeted supplementation during the cold season. The recommended intake sits around 9-11 mg per day.

On the cannabinoid side, the framework is blunt:

• No immune health claim has been approved by EFSA for CBD;
• No brand may write "strengthens natural defences" or "boosts immunity" on a CBD product sold in France;
• Since 15 May 2026, the DGAL has been withdrawing from the French market any CBD gummies, capsules, ingestible oils and drinks lacking Novel Food authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283;
• The EFSA provisionally safe daily dose is around 2 mg per day for a 70 kg adult.

An "immunity gummy" combining CBD and vitamins is therefore no longer an option on the French market as far as the ingestible part is concerned.

To support a seasonal routine while respecting the French framework, several options coexist:

• Conventional food supplements (vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc) without CBD, compliant with Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 for their claims;
• CBD cosmetics (balms, creams, sticks) for external use with no therapeutic claim;
• CBD e-liquids compliant with the TPD directive;
• Industrial hemp flowers and resins at THC ≤ 0.30 % for non-food use;
• Underlying habits: sleep, diet, physical activity, exposure to natural light.

A few reminders for winter supplementation:

• Fat-soluble vitamin D accumulates in the body: chronic excess (beyond 100 µg per day without medical advice) can lead to hypercalcaemia.
• Vitamin C beyond 1 g per day encourages digestive upset.
• Zinc beyond 25 mg per day can interfere with the absorption of copper and iron.
• Any prolonged supplementation should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist, especially alongside concurrent treatment.

• The seasonal transition period increases immune vulnerability for several documented reasons.
• Vitamins C, D, A, B6, B9 and B12, along with zinc, selenium and copper, have approved EFSA immune claims.
• No immune claim is approved for CBD, astragalus, elderberry or echinacea.
• Since 15 May 2026, ingestible CBD gummies without Novel Food authorisation have been leaving the French market.
• Chronic excess of fat-soluble vitamins or of zinc can be counterproductive.

Should you take a vitamin D course all winter?

ANSES considers that winter vitamin D supplementation may be relevant for the general French population, but the specifics should be discussed with a health professional, especially alongside concurrent treatment or an existing condition.

Is a CBD "immunity" gummy still on sale in France?

Not as far as the ingestible CBD part goes, since 15 May 2026 (the DGAL withdrawal of products without Novel Food authorisation). Conventional food supplements without CBD may still be marketed, provided they stick to the approved EFSA claims.

Do elderberry and echinacea have recognised efficacy?

No EFSA claim is approved for these plants. The scientific literature on their efficacy remains mixed and insufficient by European assessment standards, even though their traditional use is long-standing.

Is vitamin C more effective as a course or taken daily?

Regular supplementation at a physiological dose (matching the recommended intake) is more relevant than an occasional high-dose course. The body has no significant storage capacity for vitamin C, and the excess is excreted.

How can you make up for a lack of sun exposure?

Favour moderate sun exposure at permitted hours (face and arms, 10-15 minutes a day), keep to a varied diet rich in natural sources of vitamin D (oily fish, eggs, fortified dairy products), and consider supplementation after medical advice if you fall into an at-risk profile.

CBD is not a medicine. If fatigue persists or your immunity is repeatedly low, consult a health professional. To explore our wellness selection, [browse our catalogue](/categorie-produit).

• French Public Health Code, art. L.5111-1 (definition of a medicine) — primary
• EFSA Journal 2026 — Update statement CBD novel food — primary
• ANSES — Statement of 19 June 2025 on the reprotoxic classification of CBD (PDF) — primary