Deficiencies in certain vitamins, including vitamin C, zinc, and others, may weaken your immune system. Taking supplements of these vitamins may help support immune system function.
An important note
No supplement will cure or prevent disease.
With the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement or diet can protect against COVID-19.
Physical distancing, also known as social distancing, and proper hygiene practices may help protect you from COVID-19.
Your immune system consists of a complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that
Keeping your immune system healthy is key to preventing infection and disease.
Some research suggests supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs may help boost your immune system.
However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying a new supplement, as some supplements may interact with medications.
Here are 15 supplements that are known for their immune-boosting potential.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of your immune system.
Vitamin D
Many people are deficient in this important vitamin, which may negatively affect immune function.
Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of several conditions,
- osteoporosis
- some types of cancer
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- depression
Research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may help improve immune response.
For example, a
Vitamin D has also been researched in connection with COVID-19 because of its effect on the immune system. It may
However, more research is needed to fully support its effects in the treatment of COVID-19.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is
Supplements 101: Vitamin D
Zinc is a mineral commonly added to supplements and other healthcare products.
It’s
- immune cell development and communication
- reduce inflammation
- protect tissue barriers in the body
- prevent foreign pathogens from entering
Zinc deficiency may affect your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an
Zinc deficiency affects around
Research suggests that zinc supplements may be beneficial for people who are already sick. For example, it could
Taking zinc long-term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of
Excessive doses may interfere with copper and iron absorption, which could increase your infection risk.
Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement for protecting against infection due to its important role in immune health.
This vitamin
- promote cellular death by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones
- function as an antioxidant and protect against oxidative stress
- reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold
Additionally, high dose intravenous vitamin C treatment may help improve symptoms in people with severe infections,
That said, more research is needed to fully support the role of vitamin C supplementation in this setting.
The upper limit for vitamin C is
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has long been used to treat infections, is being researched for its effects on immune health.
Animal studies suggest elderberry extract may have antiviral potential against pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus.
A
Some people recommend using elderberry supplements only in the early stages of COVID-19. However,
Raw elderberries
Speak with a healthcare professional before taking elderberry supplements.
Elderberry supplements are most often sold in liquid or capsule form.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used since ancient times to help prevent and treat infection and disease.
Research suggests that many types of medicinal mushrooms may
For example, a
Similarly, a
Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom that
Medicinal mushroom products can be found in the form of tinctures, teas, and supplements.
A wide range of other supplements may help improve your immune system.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to support their full effects. Speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
6. Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
7. Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral for immune health.
Animal research demonstrates that selenium supplements may enhance antiviral defense against influenza strains, including
8. Garlic
Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties.
9. Andrographis
This herb contains andrographolide, a terpenoid compound that may have antiviral effects against several respiratory disease-causing viruses. It works by stimulating different types of cells,
10. Licorice
Licorice contains many substances, including glycyrrhizin, that may help protect against viral infections.
- hepatitis A, B, and C viruses
- vesicular stomatitis virus
- herpes simplex virus
- influenza A
- respiratory-syndrome–related coronavirus (SARS-CoV)
- respiratory syncytial virus
- vaccinia virus
- arboviruses
11. Pelargonium sidoides
Some
Still, results are mixed, and more research is needed.
12. B complex vitamins
B vitamins, including B12 and B6, are important for a healthy immune response.
Yet, many adults are
13. Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and animal studies indicate that it may
14. Echinacea
Echinacea is a genus of plants in the daisy family.
Certain species have been shown to
15. Propolis
Propolis is a resin-like material honeybees produce for use as a sealant in hives.
Though it has impressive
What is the strongest immune system booster?
There’s no single, most powerful immune system booster. However, some foods, including bell peppers, fish, almonds, and citrus fruits, provide nutrients that may help strengthen your immune system.
What can I drink to boost my immune system?
Beverages,
Do any immune supplements actually work?
Research suggests that some supplements — like vitamin D, medicinal mushrooms, and elderberry — may help boost the immune system. However, more research is needed, and it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying a new supplement.
Many supplements on the market may help improve immune health, such as zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D, among others.
Although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they can’t be used to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you decide you want to try a supplement, speak with a healthcare professional first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications or are inappropriate for some people.