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, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than physical distancing, also known as social distancing, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19. Currently, no research explicitly supports using any supplement to protect against COVID-19.
Your immune system consists of a complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defends your body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria.
Keeping your immune system healthy year-round is key to preventing infection and disease.
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Explore new cuisinesHealthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods and getting enough sleep and exercise are essential to bolster your immune system.
In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness.
However, note that some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements.
Here are 15 supplements that are known for their immune-boosting potential.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of your immune system.
Vitamin D enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages — white blood cells that are essential parts of your immune defense — and decreases inflammation, which helps promote an immune response.
Many people are deficient in this vital vitamin, which may negatively affect immune function. Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma.
Some studies show that supplementing with vitamin D may improve immune response. Recent research suggests that taking this vitamin may protect against respiratory tract infections.
In a 2019 review of randomized control studies in 11,321 people, supplementing with vitamin D significantly decreased the risk of respiratory infections in people deficient in this vitamin and lowered infection risk in those with adequate vitamin D levels.
This suggests an overall protective effect.
Other studies note that vitamin D supplements may improve response to antiviral treatments in people with certain infections, including hepatitis C and HIV.
Depending on blood levels, anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day is sufficient for most people, though those with more severe deficiencies often require much higher doses.
Vitamin D has been highly researched in connection with COVID-19 because of its effect on the immune system. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system.
A recent rapid review study concluded that more research is needed to recommend Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
However, many professionals within the health and science community argue that supplementing with Vitamin D is generally safe and could possibly help protect individuals from the virus.
Summary: Vitamin D is essential for immune function. Healthy levels of this vitamin may help lower your risk for respiratory infections.
2. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral commonly added to supplements and other healthcare products like lozenges meant to boost your immune system. This is because zinc is essential for immune system function.
Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an essential role in the inflammatory response. Zinc also protects tissue barriers explicitly in the body and helps prevent foreign pathogens from entering.
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A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function correctly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia.
According to research, 16% of all deep respiratory infections worldwide are due to zinc deficiency.
Zinc deficiency affects around 2 billion people worldwide and is very common in older adults. Up to 30% of older adults are considered deficient in this nutrient.
Zinc deficiency is relatively rare in North America and in developed countries.
Nevertheless, many individuals in the United States have marginal zinc deficiency related to intake or absorption. Older individuals are generally at an increased risk.
Numerous studies reveal that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory tract infections like the common cold.
What’s more, supplementing with zinc may be beneficial for those who are already sick.
In a 2019 study in 64 hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs), taking 30 mg of zinc per day decreased the total duration of infection and the duration of the hospital stay by an average of 2 days, compared with a placebo group.
Supplemental zinc may also help reduce the duration of the common cold. Additionally, zinc demonstrates antiviral activity.
Taking zinc long-term is typically safe for healthy adults as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc.
Excessive doses may interfere with copper absorption, increasing your infection risk.
Summary: Supplementing with zinc may help protect against respiratory tract infections and reduce the duration of these infections.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement to protect against infection due to its essential role in immune health.
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This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection. It’s also necessary for cellular death, which helps keep your immune system healthy by clearing old cells and replacing them with new ones.
Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals.
Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases.
Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
A large review of 29 studies in 11,306 people demonstrated that regularly supplementing with vitamin C at an average dose of 1–2 grams per day reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children.
Interestingly, the review also demonstrated that regularly taking vitamin C supplements reduced common cold occurrence in individuals under high physical stress, including marathon runners and soldiers, by up to 50%.
Additionally, high-dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has significantly improved symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from viral infections.
Still, other studies have suggested that the role of vitamin C in this setting is still under investigation.
These results confirm that vitamin C supplements may significantly affect immune health, especially in those who don’t get enough of the vitamin through their diet.
The upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg. Supplemental daily doses are typically between 250 and 1,000 mg.
Summary: Vitamin C is vital for immune health. Supplementing this nutrient may help reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
4. Elderberry
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has long been used to treat infections, is being researched for its effects on immune health.
In test-tube studies, elderberry extract demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral potential against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus.
Moreover, it has been shown to enhance immune system response and may help shorten the duration and severity of colds and reduce symptoms related to viral infections.
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A review of 4 randomized control studies in 180 people found that elderberry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.
An older, 5-day study from 2004 demonstrated that people with the flu who supplemented with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of elderberry syrup 4 times a day experienced symptom relief 4 days earlier than those who didn’t take the syrup and were less reliant on medication.
However, this study is outdated and was sponsored by the elderberry syrup manufacturer, which may have skewed results.
Though it has been suggested that elderberry can help relieve symptoms of certain infections and the influenza virus, we also must be aware of the risks. Some report that elderberries can lead to the production of excess cytokines, which could potentially damage healthy cells.
Therefore, some researchers recommend elderberry supplements only be used in the early course of COVID-19.
It should be noted no published research studies have evaluated the use of elderberry for COVID-19. These recommendations are based on previous research done on elderberries.
A systemic review of elderberry concluded:
- In laboratory animal and human research, elderberry had antiviral effects, inhibiting several influenza A and B strains.
- Raw elderberries must be cooked to avoid nausea, vomiting, or cyanide toxicity risk.
- Elderberry should be used under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.
Elderberry supplements are most often sold in liquid or capsule form.
Summary: Taking elderberry supplements may help reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections and help alleviate flu symptoms. However, elderberry also has risks. More research is needed.
5. Medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to prevent and treat infection and disease since ancient times. Many types of medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their immune-boosting potential.
Over 270 recognized species of medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune-enhancing properties.
Cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail are all types that have been shown to benefit immune health.
Some research demonstrates that supplementing with specific medicinal mushrooms may enhance immune health and reduce symptoms of certain conditions, including asthma and lung infections.
For example, a study in mice with tuberculosis, a severe bacterial disease, found that treatment with cordyceps significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs, enhanced immune response, and reduced inflammation compared with a placebo group.
In a randomized, 8-week study in 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps mycelium culture extract led to a significant 38% increase in the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that protects against infection.
Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom that has powerful effects on immune health. Research in humans indicates that turkey tail may enhance immune response, especially in people with certain types of cancer.
Many other medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their beneficial effects on immune health. Medicinal mushroom products can be found in tinctures, teas, and supplements.
Summary: Many medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps and turkey tail, may offer immune-enhancing and antibacterial effects.
6–15. Other supplements with immune-boosting potential
Aside from the items listed above, many supplements may help improve immune response:
- Astragalus. Astragalus is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Animal research suggests that its extract may significantly improve immune-related responses.
- Selenium. Selenium is a mineral that’s essential for immune health. Animal research demonstrates that selenium supplements may enhance antiviral defense against influenza strains, including H1N1.
- Garlic. Garlic has potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It has been shown to enhance immune health by stimulating protective white blood cells like NK cells and macrophages. However, human research is limited.
- Andrographis. This herb contains andrographolide, a terpenoid compound with antiviral effects against respiratory-disease-causing viruses, including enterovirus D68 and influenza A.
- Licorice. Licorice contains many substances, including glycyrrhizin, that may help protect against viral infections. According to test-tube research, glycyrrhizin exhibits antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory-syndrome–related coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
- Pelargonium sidoides. Some human research supports using this plant’s extract to help alleviate symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections, including the common cold and bronchitis. Still, results are mixed, and more research is needed.
- B complex vitamins. B vitamins, including B12 and B6, are important for healthy immune response. Yet, many adults are deficient in them, which may negatively affect immune health.
- Curcumin. Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and animal studies indicate that it may help improve immune function.
- Echinacea. Echinacea is a genus of plants in the daisy family. Certain species have been shown to improve immune health and may have antiviral effects against several respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial viruses and rhinoviruses.
- Propolis. Propolis is a resin-like material that honeybees produce as a sealant in hives. Though it has impressive immune-enhancing effects and may also have antiviral properties, more human research is needed.
According to results from scientific research, the supplements listed above may offer immune-boosting properties.
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However, remember that many of these supplements’ potential effects on immune health have not been thoroughly tested in humans, highlighting the need for future studies.
Summary: Astragalus, garlic, curcumin, and echinacea are some supplements that may offer immune-boosting properties. Still, they have not been thoroughly tested in humans. More research is needed.
Summary
Many supplements on the market may help improve immune health.
Zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D are some substances researched for their immune-enhancing potential.
However, although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they should not and cannot replace a healthy lifestyle.
Aiming to eat a nutrient-dense balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking (or considering quitting if you smoke) are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.
If 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.
Moreover, remember that there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that any of them can protect against COVID-19 — even though some may have antiviral properties.
