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The 6 Best Immune Supporting Supplements, According to a Dietitian

Supplements can help support a strong immune system

By
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD
sarah anzlovar

Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant.

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and
Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD
Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD

Shushy has worked for a variety of private practices and organizations, gaining a wide range of experience in gastrointestinal health, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders and oncology. She is also certified through Precision Nutrition.

Learn about our editorial process
Updated on April 05, 2024
Medically reviewed
Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Willow Jarosh, MS, RD
Willow Jarosh
Medically reviewed by Willow Jarosh, MS, RD

Willow Jarosh is a registered dietitian and nutrition coach specializing in intuitive eating. She is the author of Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook.

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Fact checked
Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
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Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

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Assortment of supplements outlined in white and displayed on a two-tone blue striped background

Amazon, Thorne

A strong immune system can help you ward off illnesses and recover more quickly. Eating a well-balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, protein-rich foods, and probiotic-rich foods, is key to a healthy immune system. It’s also important to engage in other health-promoting habits, including getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Meeting these basic needs is most important, but a supplement can help boost your efforts or fill in gaps if you're falling short in any of these areas. Certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and D, as well as zinc, are known to play an important role in the immune system. They don't fight off bacteria and viruses but instead help build your body's ability to defend itself. Our dietitians researched and put together this list to help you find the best immune-supporting supplements.

Importantly, if you are taking other supplements or medication or have any underlying medical condition, always check with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement since some immune supporting supplements can interact with medications and other supplements.

Editor's Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.

Pros
  • NSF certified

  • Gluten-free and vegetarian

  • Available in multiple doses

Cons
  • Dose may be higher than needed for some

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: Vitamin D3, calcium | Dose: 2,000, 4,000, or 6,000 IU | Servings per container: 180 | Form: Capsule

Who's It For

Best for those who don't live in a sunny climate or don't go out in the sun much.

Why We Recommend It

We recommend Theralogix Thera-D because it’s NSF contents certified, which means that it contains what the label says and doesn't have any harmful contaminants. It’s also budget-friendly, and comes in three different doses—2,000 IU, 4,000 IU, and 6,000 IU. The right dose for you will depend on your current vitamin D status, which is why we recommend having a healthcare provider check your levels before starting a supplement

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system, by regulating immune cells, controlling inflammation and even boosting antimicrobial activity. Some research suggests that having adequate stores may play a role in reducing severity of the flu and even COVID-19. Supplements have also been shown to reduce risk of respiratory infections in people who are vitamin D deficient.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 600 IU for most adults, but emerging research suggests we may benefit from higher doses for both maintenance and repletion. One study even found that people who were deficient were able to quickly raise their vitamin D levels to ideal levels with a dose of 10,000 IU per day. These levels help support the immune system and help fight off viruses like the flu and COVID-19. More research is needed, and that level may not be safe for everyone (plus it shouldn’t be taken long-term).

Thera-D is also gluten-free and vegetarian.

Things To Consider

  • The lowest available dose is 2,000 IU, which may be more than some people need.
  • Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common, especially for people who live in parts of the world where year-round sun exposure is not possible. “In the winter months, most of us have a difficult time getting enough vitamin D. Plus, there are not many foods that are naturally packed with Vitamin D, so unless you're eating and drinking foods that are fortified with this fat-soluble vitamin, getting enough without sun exposure is nearly impossible,” says Lorencz.
Pros
  • NSF certified for sport

  • Gluten-free and vegan

  • Easy to consume chewable tablet

Cons
  • Contains sugar alcohols

  • Not all will love flavor

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: Vitamin C, calcium, sodium | Dose: 525 milligrams | Servings per container: 60 | Form: Chewable tablet

Who's It For

Best supplement if you are in the cold and flu season.

Why We Recommend It

If you need a good Vitamin C supplement, we recommend KLEAN-C. It’s NSF certified for sport, which ensures that its contents match the label and it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients or ingredients banned by sport. It contains 525 milligrams of vitamin C along with a very small amount of calcium and sodium. It doesn’t contain additional nutrients that could potentially interact with medications—a common challenge with many vitamin C supplements. It’s also gluten-free and vegan.

Vitamin C is well known for its role in the immune system. While most people consume plenty of vitamin C by eating fruits and vegetables—like strawberries, oranges, mango, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes—a supplement may be helpful for some. This Vitamin works as an antioxidant by protecting cells from damage and enhancing immune cell function. It also plays a role in our skin and mucus, acting as a physical barrier against pathogens.

Vitamin C supplements aren’t necessarily going to stop you from getting sick, but they could reduce symptoms and help you recover more quickly. “A large review of over 11,000 people found that taking 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced the length of a cold by 8% in adults and 14% in kids,” says Lorencz.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men, but the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 2,000 milligrams. KLEAN-C falls well below that limit.

Things To Consider

  • This supplement is sweetened with a small amount of sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive upset in some people when consumed in excess.
  • Some people might not love chewing these tablets.
Pros
  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • Zinc is the only active ingredient

Cons
  • May be a higher dose than you need

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: Zinc | Dose: 30 milligrams | Servings per container: 60 | Form: Capsule

Who's It For

Best for vegans, vegetarians and the elderly population.

Why We Recommend It

Thorne is a well-trusted supplement brand, and this product is NSF Certified for Sport. This supplement also stands out because the dose is below the UL of 40 milligrams (many supplements provide well over that dose), and zinc is the only ingredient. This is especially important because high doses of zinc may lead to gastrointestinal upset and dizziness.

Zinc acts as a cofactor or a catalyst in the immune response; it's necessary to activate and develop immune cells . Some studies even suggest that zinc supplements may reduce severity and length of symptoms from the common cold, but more research is needed. Initial studies also suggest that low zinc levels may increase risk for more severe COVID-19 symptoms. 

Zinc is found in a variety of foods including seafood, beef, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy, and most people can get enough from food. While it is available in plant-based foods, vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk for deficiency because phytates found in whole grains and beans may reduce the absorption of zinc. It’s also estimated that nearly 30 percent of the elderly population is zinc deficient. If you’re not getting enough through diet, Thorne Research’s zinc picolinate is a good option.

Things To Consider

  • To-date, there’s insufficient evidence to support regular supplementation for those that get enough through food. So if you choose to supplement while you are sick, you shouldn’t continue supplementation for a long period of time unless a healthcare provider has detected a deficiency.

Interactions and Long-term Use

It’s important to note that long-term zinc supplementation can lead to a copper deficiency, and zinc supplements may interact with medications including antibiotics, diuretics, and drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting a zinc supplement.



Pros
  • Contains a dose supported by preliminary research

  • Vegan and no gluten-containing ingredients

Cons
  • May need to take multiple doses per day

  • More expensive than other options

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: Echinacea herb extract | Dose: 1,000 milligrams | Servings per container: 30 | Form: Capsule

Who's It For

Best for those want to try an herbal remedy in the short-term, that may prevent or reduce severity of common cold.

Why We Recommend it

If you choose to take echinacea, we recommend Vital Nutrients Echinacea Extract. There currently is no concrete recommended dose, but the 1,000 milligram dose appears to be safe in the short-term. This supplement has been verified to contain what it says it contains with no harmful contaminants, which is especially important with many herbal supplements.

Echinacea is an herb often used to treat the common cold. Research on the benefits has shown mixed results, which may be related to inconsistent forms and dosing of the herb. Many studies are also funded by organizations that sell echinacea supplements, which may introduce some bias. 

Some studies have suggested that when taken at the first signs of a cold, echinacea may help reduce the severity and length of symptoms, though other studies have shown no benefit. A review of 29 studies showed that taking it preventatively may lessen the chance of getting an upper respiratory infection (such as a cold), though the data was extremely limited, and most of the studies included in the review actually showed no benefit. In general, it appears to be a safe supplement for most adults when taken in the short-term.

Things To Consider

  • Echinacea may interact with certain immunosuppressants and can increase the time it takes for your body to metabolize caffeine. There is no research on long-term safety, so it’s best to use it only during the height of cold and flu season. So when you're thinking about braving the cold, think about echinacea.
Pros
  • USP verified

  • Gluten-free

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • May not contain enough B-12 for some

  • Contains gelatin

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: B-vitamins | Dose: varies | Servings per container: 160 | Form: Softgel

Who's It For

Best for those who want to prevent a weakened immune system.

Why We Recommend It

If you’re not getting enough through diet, a B-complex supplement can be helpful for closing any gaps. Nature Made Super B Energy Complex contains all eight B-vitamins, is USP verified, and is budget-friendly. While it does contain 6 micrograms (250 percent of the RDA), only a small percentage of vitamin B12 is absorbed from supplements. It’s recommended to take 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms to replete a deficiency, so some people may have to take multiple capsules to get enough.

Each B vitamin has a different role in the immune system, but some important factors to note are their function in red blood cell formation, antibody production, and normal functioning of immune cells. While there isn’t research to suggest that more is better, inadequate levels of B vitamins can contribute to a weakened immune system. B vitamins are found in a variety of foods, so as long as you eat a balanced diet and don’t eliminate entire food groups, you can get enough through food. However, vegans and some vegetarians are at higher risk for deficiency, especially for vitamin B-12.

Things To Consider

  • This supplement contains gelatin, so it may not be ideal for vegans. Check out Thorne's Basic B complex if you are looking for a vegan option.
  • If you're already eating a ton of variety (including meat and dairy), you're probably already getting enough B vitamins and a supplement may be excessive.
Pros
  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • Contains recommended immune supporting nutrients

  • Vegan and gluten-free

Cons
  • Some nutrients may interact with certain medications

  • More expensive than other options

Key Specs:

Active nutrients: Many | Dose: Varies | Servings per container: 30 | Form: Capsule

Who's It For

Best for those want an all-in-one option, don't have much variety in their diet or have higher nutrient needs.

Why We Recommend It

Taking a multivitamin can be helpful if you have multiple nutrient deficiencies, consume a diet that may be lacking enough essential nutrients, or have higher nutrient needs. Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a good choice as it includes essential nutrients for immune health including vitamin C and D, all eight B-vitamins, and zinc. 

Thorne’s multivitamin also includes other nutrients that are known to play a role in the immune system such as vitamins A and E as well as selenium and magnesium (though these don’t have enough evidence to support recommending them on their own for immune health). 

As with many Thorne supplements, this one is NSF Certified for Sport, which means that includes what is listed on the label, and is free of unsafe levels of contaminants and substances banned for athletes. It’s also dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

Things To Consider

  • Keep in mind that when you are taking a multivitamin, there are more ingredients to be mindful of when considering what may interact with certain medications. Speak to a healthcare provider before starting this multivitamin.
  • This option is more expensive as it contains more ingredients.

Where We Stand

Our top pick is Theralogix Thera-D because it’s NSF contents certified, budget-friendly and comes in a variety of doses. We recommend this especially to those who don't get out in the sun much. If you want a blend of all the vitamins that may support a healthy immune system, a multivitamin like Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day might be the best choice for you.

Are Immune Supporting Supplements Beneficial?

A healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and regularly moving your body, paired with proper hygiene such as handwashing, is the best line of defense for cold and flu season. However, supplements may play a role in supporting the immune system of certain groups of people, including the following: 

  • People with a known nutrient deficiency. Nearly a dozen vitamins and minerals are known to play a role in the immune system. Research suggests the particular importance of vitamins C, D, and zinc in supporting immune health. If you aren’t getting enough through diet—or are not getting regular strong sun exposure for vitamin D—a supplement may help support your immune system.
  • People with elevated nutrient needs, such as athletes, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and people with medical conditions that increase their vitamin and mineral needs, may benefit from a supplement.
  • People who follow a restrictive diet. If you eliminate entire food groups or eat a limited number of foods, you may be at risk for a nutrient deficiency, and a supplement can help close those gaps to support immune health.
  • People with poor nutrient absorption. Certain diseases that affect the digestive tract, such as Crohn’s, colitis, celiac disease, some autoimmune disorders, and more, can affect nutrient absorption leading to deficiencies or insufficiency. Supplements can help boost stores and support overall immune health. 
  • Older adults. Older adults are at higher risk for both severe illness from flu and COVID-19 and risk for nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D.

Who May Not Benefit from Immune Supporting Nutrients?

  • People who eat a balanced diet. If you eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods, taking supplements may not actually provide any benefit. The one exception may be vitamin D, since it’s found in a limited number of foods and it can be difficult to get enough through diet alone.
  • People with autoimmune disease. “Some supplements that help to boost the immune system should not be taken by people who have any sort of autoimmune disease. In many autoimmune diseases, the immune system is already overactive, attacking even healthy cells, and adding supplements that heighten the immune response can make problems worse,” says Lorencz. If you have an autoimmune condition, talk to a healthcare provider before starting a supplement.
  • People with certain underlying medical conditions. While those who are immunocompromised may be at heightened risk for more severe viral illnesses, it doesn’t mean you should definitely take a supplement. Supplements with high doses of nutrients may make problems worse, so always check with a healthcare provider to determine if one is appropriate for you.

Supplements that May or May Not Support Your Immune System

  • Elderberry. To date, the research on elderberry extract’s ability to prevent colds or the flu or lessen the severity of symptoms is mixed. Some studies suggest it may slightly lessen the length and severity of symptoms, while others have shown no benefit. Elderberry is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), though little is known about safety during pregnancy.
  • Probiotics. Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and immunity. Initial studies suggest that probiotics may provide additional immune support, though more research is needed to understand the strain, dose, and timing of probiotics in relation to cold and flu season. There are dozens of strains, and choosing a probiotic is highly individual. Some probiotics may worsen the digestive symptoms of people with underlying digestive disorders or introduce new symptoms to otherwise healthy people. Until we have more research, it’s best to focus on probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to support gut health. 

Ingredients and Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

Many supplements that are marketed as immune-supporting contain additional ingredients like herbs, antioxidants, or probiotics that may interact with medications or make certain conditions worse. In general, it’s best to choose supplements that contain just the nutrient you’re looking to replete (such as vitamin D or zinc) rather than combination supplements. The exception to this may be if you can benefit from more than one nutrient, in which case choosing a multivitamin may be helpful. 

What to Look For in Immune Supporting Supplements 

  • Form: The best form will vary by supplement and your needs. You may prefer a capsule over a chewable or liquid form, so pick the form you are most likely to take.
  • Type: Depending on your preferences, you will want to choose the right type of immune supporting supplement. For example, if you are vegan or vegetarian, you may want to consider a B vitamin complex, as you are more likely to be deficient in these. However, if you know you don't get out in the sun much, a Vitamin D may be best.

How We Select Supplements 

  • Third-party testing: We prioritize supplements that are third-party tested as they are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here
  • Evidence: There are a plethora of supplements on the market boasting about their ability to boost immunity, but we only included those that are backed by research on our list.

Immune Supporting Nutrient Dosage 

The recommended dose varies by supplement. Please review the recommended dosing within each individual supplement review. 

How Much Is Too Much? 

It’s important to ensure that you don’t exceed the upper limit as established by the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here

Supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, lozenges, and liquids. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you may prefer a chewable tablet or liquid supplement.

There are many different types of supplements available. For example, there is a huge variety of probiotic strains, three species of echinacea, and multiple forms of zinc. Speak with your physician to figure out what works best for you.

It's important to note that these evidence-based supplements may optimize and bolster your immunity; however, it's always a good idea to check with your physician before adding any supplement to your routine. Specifically, ask your healthcare provider about the supplement and dosage that is right for you.

Our Experts

  • Kelsey Lorencz, RDN: an intuitive eating registered dietitian, health writer, recipe developer.
  • Amy Gorin, MS, RDN: a nationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), media personality, spokesperson, media coach, and writer in Stamford, CT.
  • Shushy Setrakian, MS, RD: a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and gut health - and one of our nutrition supplement and commerce editors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there foods that help boost immunity?

    A well-balanced diet can support immunity by giving you the nutrients you need to build your immune system. This includes vitamin C, B-vitamins, and zinc. No one food will boost your immunity, rather focus on emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of protein-rich foods like meat, fish, or beans to get the nutrients you need to build a healthy foundation. 


    Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi may also support a healthy gut, which may play a role in immunity, though more research is needed. “Eating foods high in antioxidants like ginger, turmeric, and green tea is a good immune-supporting strategy,” says Lorencz.

  • What are some other ways to keep my immune system strong?

    Diet and supplements are just two of the ways to support your immune system. Getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and participating in regular movement are also the foundation of a healthy immune system.

  • Does protein support the immune system?

    “Yes, protein consists of amino acids, and these amino acids help your body’s T cells, B cells, and antibodies fight infection,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN. Many protein-rich foods also contain vitamins that can support your immune system, such as zinc and B-vitamins. It’s important to get enough protein, but getting more than you need won’t supercharge your immune system.

  • What can I do for immune support while I'm pregnant?

    Supporting your immune system while pregnant is not that different than when you’re not pregnant. The foundation lies in your lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods (especially fruits and vegetables), getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and moving your body in ways that feel good and are safe for your pregnancy. It’s also important to take a prenatal multivitamin while pregnant. Choose one that includes the basics as well as immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and B-vitamins (which most quality prenatals will include). 

    It’s important to note that the safety of echinacea and other herbs is not known during pregnancy.

  • How can I tell if a product advertising immune support will work?

    Supplements that are marketed to support immunity are not guaranteed to work. Look for supplements that we’ve reviewed and included in this article, and focus on ones that you know will specifically fill gaps in your diet. “You also want to check that the supplement company conducts third-party testing, such as from NSF International,” says Gorin. This ensures the product contains what the label says without potentially harmful contaminants. Otherwise, you may be getting more or less of a nutrient than you think, which could impact its effectiveness.

Why Trust VeryWell Fit

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian with her master's degree in nutrition communication from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She owns a private practice in the suburbs of Boston, where she helps her clients ditch diets and learn to eat foods that help them feel their best and achieve optimal health. Sarah is also a freelance writer, where she lends her expertise in translating the research on a wide variety of nutrition topics into relatable and approachable recommendations for consumers.

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