Immune Support

Heading into cold season, or just want to give your defenses a hand? Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, quercetin, NAC, and immune health formulas.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3

Bone health, immune function, mood regulation, calcium absorption

Strong Evidence10 products
Zinc

Zinc

Immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and reproductive health - supported by decades of clinical evidence

Strong Evidence8 products
Vitamin C

Vitamin C

Supports immune function, reduces common cold duration, acts as a potent antioxidant, and enhances non-heme iron absorption.

Likely Effective10 products
Elderberry

Elderberry

Reduces the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms when taken at the onset of illness.

Mixed Evidence10 products
Quercetin

Quercetin

Anti-inflammatory flavonoid with moderate evidence for blood pressure reduction, allergy symptom relief, and upper respiratory infection reduction in athletes.

Weak Evidence10 products
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Replenishes intracellular glutathione, acts as a mucolytic agent, and serves as the standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose. Also studied for respiratory conditions, psychiatric disorders, and oxidative stress.

Likely Effective10 products
Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin

Skin photoprotection, eye fatigue, oxidative stress

Mixed Evidence9 products
Resveratrol

Resveratrol

Modest improvements in insulin sensitivity, endothelial function, and systolic blood pressure in metabolic and cardiovascular populations

Mixed Evidence10 products
Garlic Extract

Garlic Extract

Modest blood pressure reduction in hypertensives, small LDL cholesterol drop, mild antiplatelet effect, possible cold-frequency reduction

Likely Effective10 products
Spirulina

Spirulina

Modest improvements in lipid panel, blood pressure, exercise endurance, and inflammatory markers from a nutrient-dense microalgae

Mixed Evidence10 products
Chlorella

Chlorella

Modest LDL and blood pressure support, mucosal immune (sIgA) signal in athletes

Weak Evidence9 products
Moringa

Moringa

Whole-leaf nutrient density, with early signals for blood glucose, lipids, and inflammation in small RCTs

Weak Evidence10 products
Olive Leaf Extract

Olive Leaf Extract

Mild blood pressure reduction, modest triglyceride and LDL improvements, antioxidant support

Mixed Evidence9 products
Echinacea

Echinacea

Modestly reduces the odds and duration of upper respiratory infections, mostly when taken at first symptoms with the right species and preparation.

Mixed Evidence8 products
Cordyceps

Cordyceps

Aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance, immune modulation, anti-fatigue support

Mixed Evidence9 products
Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom

Immune modulation and adaptogenic support; modest evidence for cancer-adjuvant immune markers, fatigue, and quality of life

Mixed Evidence9 products
Chaga Mushroom

Chaga Mushroom

Antioxidant support and traditional immune use, with thin human evidence and a real oxalate kidney concern

Weak Evidence10 products
Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane

Activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant defense pathway and phase II detoxification enzymes

Weak Evidence8 products
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Studied for nerve discomfort, low back pain with sciatic involvement, and general pain comfort via PPAR-alpha activation and modulation of mast cell and glial cell signaling.

Mixed Evidence8 products
Glutathione

Glutathione

Marketed as the body's master antioxidant for immune support, detoxification, and skin brightening. Oral bioavailability is the central problem and most downstream claims are weak or unproven.

Weak Evidence8 products
D-Mannose

D-Mannose

Studied for urinary tract function support in women with a history of recurrent uncomplicated UTIs, with biologically plausible anti-adhesion mechanism but mixed and recently more negative trial evidence

Mixed Evidence8 products
Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Stress response support, mood balance, and sleep quality through Ayurvedic adaptogen pathways; secondary signal for blood-glucose regulation

Mixed Evidence10 products
Bromelain

Bromelain

Supports post-surgical recovery, post-exercise soreness, sinus and nasal comfort, and supplemental joint comfort in osteoarthritis adjunct use

Mixed Evidence9 products
Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow Root

Traditional demulcent that coats irritated throat and digestive mucous membranes; supports throat comfort during dry cough and oral/pharyngeal irritation.

Weak Evidence8 products
Cranberry (PAC-Standardized)

Cranberry (PAC-Standardized)

Studied for urinary tract health support, particularly the reduction of recurrent UTIs in women, children, and patients after bladder procedures, when standardized to deliver around 36mg of A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) per day

Mixed Evidence9 products
Astragalus

Astragalus

Traditional immune and qi tonic with a long Chinese herbal history; modern human RCT evidence is limited and most positive trials are chemotherapy or kidney-disease adjuncts, not stand-alone immune support in healthy adults.

Weak Evidence8 products
Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Nettle root supports normal prostate function and urinary flow in older men with BPH-related symptoms; nettle leaf (a separate plant part) supports a normal allergy response in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Mixed Evidence10 products
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa, thymoquinone-containing)

Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa, thymoquinone-containing)

Supports normal lipid balance, blood pressure within the normal range, glycemic markers, and modest weight management; thymoquinone is the studied bioactive

Mixed Evidence8 products

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.