Top 5 Immune Supplements According to a Registered Dietitian

By Kristen Carli, R.D.

Kristen Carli is a Registered Dietitian and is the owner of a private nutrition practice which specializes in nutrition consulting, providing nutrition writing, recipe development, chronic disease prevention, and plant-based nutrition. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics as well as a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has extensive experience in clinical acute care, clinical long term care, outpatient, private practice, school nutrition, nutrition policy, and much more.

Top 5 Immune Supplements

1. BlueBiology Immune Essentials 

Dietitian-formulated and recommended by numerous health specialists, BlueBiology Immune Essentials is the most comprehensive and effective immune supplement available to date. In addition to every immune-modulating super nutrient, this product also includes immune-specific probiotics (Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) and elderberry extract for additional digestive and immune support. The ingredients of BlueBiology’s Immune Essentials are third-party and consumer-reviewed as safe immune and digestive supplement ingredients for kids, children, and young adults, men and women*.

To visit the BlueBiology Immune Essentials product page, *you can just click here*

BlueBiology Immune Essentials provides a once-daily comprehensive solution for anyone who needs immune support. Whether you’re suffering from a weakened immune system, recently finished a course of antibiotics, are in need of some extra digestive and immune support during upcoming travels, or are currently feeling under the weather and want to get back to feeling better as soon as possible, BlueBiology Immune Essentials can provide the immunity boost you need. It is designed to naturally support your immune system and stimulate energy production, combating harmful pathogens, “brain-fog,” and fatigue.

BlueBiology Immune Essentials has all five of the recommended immune-boosting ingredients we look for (zinc, vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, omega-3), as well as four additional ingredients that strengthen the potency of the others.

Each of the 9 ingredients in BlueBiology Immune Essentials play an integral role in supporting your immune system and opposing those everyday stressors that drain you of your energy. 

The vitamins, probiotics, and flavonols in BlueBiology Immune Essentials can support a healthy blood flow to the brain and heart, fight cell damage, and help lower blood pressure.

The probiotics included in this product help support a healthy digestive system and normal gut microbiota. Specifically, Lactobacillus casei has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells while helping your body absorb vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Studies have shown Pediococcus acidilactici to protect against the degeneration of intestinal villi, as well as support a healthy level of other healthy gut bacteria. 

This product also contains elderberry fruit extract. The berries and flowers of the elderberry plant are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could also help reduce inflammation, lower stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry extract to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.

​​BlueBiology Immune Essentials meets our other standard of quality, including only the active ingredients it promises and nothing more. The vitamin comes in vegetable capsules which are enteric-coated to ensure safe passage through the stomach acid. The capsules are hermetically sealed, providing a barrier against bacteria, yeast, mold and other environmental contamination.

The BlueBiology Immune Essentials supplement is formulated with high quality ingredients and tested to ensure it contains an effective dose of each probiotic (1 billion CFUs), and that all ingredients are at peak quality. This product contains zero fillers, dyes, preservatives, or unnecessary ingredients. For our allergen-sensitive friends, it is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. 

We highly recommend this product as the best product on the market for immune support because of its evidence-based formula, high-quality ingredients, and its lack of unnecessary additives or fillers. 

<Click here to read our full review>

2. Iwi Immunity 

Iwi Immunity comes in close second on our list of the best immune supplements. It contains a blend of ingredients that are shown to support the immune system. It has most of the ingredients contained in our first pick, but it falls short on the probiotics. 

Iwi Immunity contains Almega®PL, their proprietary form of algae omega-3, and it’s clinically shown to help your body absorb 50% more omega-3 than fish or krill oil. Their unique EPA is an essential constituent of the immune cells and a powerful mediator in the inflammatory response. 

For even more immune support, Iwi Immunity contains a blend of the most bioavailable forms of Vitamin A, C, D and E to boost overall wellness, and zinc to act as a powerful antioxidant. 

This product contains all of the ingredients we’d hope to see in an immune supplement. It’s also free of artificial flavors, colors, and added sugars. This product does not contain probiotics. 

3. Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour

Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour is number three on our list. Not all products can fulfill our expectations the way BlueBiology does, but Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour contains four out of the five ingredients we look for in immune supplements, and none of the stuff we don’t. 

This formula contains Ester-C vitamin C, providing advanced, long-lasting immune support to help keep you healthy. It contains 1,000 mg of clinically studied Ester-C, providing immune support for up to 24 hours. Ester-C is highly bioavailable and can increase vitamin C levels in the body. Adequate vitamin C is important for white blood cell function, as white blood cells play a vital role in the immune system and contribute to the health of the upper respiratory tract. 

Additionally, the Nature’s Bounty formula contains vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc for extra immune and antioxidant support. This pick also includes herbal ingredients elderberry and Echinacea, plus 9 essential nutrients for your overall health. It functions great as a multivitamin and immune booster, reducing the need for multiple products. 

This product is non-GMO and free of artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, fish, and sodium, making it a top contender for the best available immune supplements available today. 

4. Further Food Ultimate Immune Support

Number four on the list of best available immune supplements is Further Food Ultimate Immune Support supplement. It contains four out of five of the ingredients we look for in an immune supplement (zinc, vitamin A, C, and D), and it’s free from any synthetic additives or ingredients. 

Each immunity capsule contains a high level of critical immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc, a combination scientifically shown to support and maintain a healthy immune system. 

It also includes clinically-researched herbs to boost immune function including antioxidant-rich elderberry, echinacea, andrographis, and astragalus. The formula is designed to boost immunity, provide antioxidant support, and stimulate healthy immune responses. 

The formula is gluten and soy-free for anyone with sensitivities. It does contain white rice powder, rice extract blend and rice concentrate, but this is fine by our standards since it’s a natural additive instead of synthetic. 

This product does not contain any omega-3 or probiotic which could enhance the other ingredients and provide additional support for the immune system. 

5. Nordic Immune Daily Defense

The last pick to make the list is Nordic Immune Daily Defense. This product is a 4-in-1 immune supplement designed to boost your body’s ability to fight off unwanted infections. 

Nordic Immune Daily Defense contains three of the five evidence-backed ingredients we hope to find in an immune support product. The formula includes vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Like many of other immune supplements on the market, it also contains elderberry extract to provide immune-boosting antioxidants.

The ingredients are specially selected to promote the body’s natural innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and provide powerful antioxidant support for a healthy response to immune stressors. While this product is lacking omega-3 and probiotics, it is a good source of the other vitamins and minerals we mentioned. If you choose this product, you may want to pair it with a fish oil and high quality probiotic. 

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop in an immune supplement, you may want to go with number one on the list, BlueBiology Immune Essentials. 

Amidst the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many people are taking extra measures to ensure they stay healthy. Even though things are starting to return to normal, there is an increased focus on immune health. While practicing good hygiene and social distancing are good practices to prevent the spread of the virus and other germs, it’s important to have a strong immune system that can fight back against infections when they do occur. 

If you find yourself feeling tired, sick, or have other symptoms that you can’t get to the bottom of, you may have a weakened immune system. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of a weakened immune system, and what measures you can take to give yourself a boost. 

Studies have shown that the right immune supplement can have an immense impact on your body’s ability to protect itself.

Should I take an immune supplement?

There are a variety of factors which can weaken your immune system and taking the right supplement can make a huge difference. It may be a sign you need an immune system if…

You live a high-stress life

A report published by the American Psychological Association linked a weakened immune system to long-term exposures to stress. 

Stress increases the levels of cortisol that circulate in the body. Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to decreased immune function. Evidence shows that the stress hormone decreases the body’s total number of lymphocytes, the number of white blood cells that help fight off infection. The fewer lymphocytes the body has, the more at risk it is for viruses and bugs. 

Stress can also impact the immune system indirectly. Some people use unhealthy behaviors to cope with stress such as smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating. These behaviors can also compromise the effectiveness of the immune system. 

Additionally, stress responses have an effect on the digestive system. Studies show that the digestive system, particularly the gut microbiota that resides in the gastrointestinal tract, is directly related to immune function. The gut microbiota help regulate immune homeostasis, and changes in these bacterial colonies can cause abnormal regulation of the immune system. One study showed that stress and depression can actually alter the makeup of gut bacteria, which can negatively affect the immune system. 

As you can see, if you’re constantly unders stress, it’s likely your immune system isn’t functioning as optimally as it could be. 

You have frequent colds or other infections 

It’s not uncommon for adults to have two – three colds per year, usually lasting about seven to 10 days. If you find yourself getting sick more often than that, or you have a cold that just won’t resolve, it’s likely that your immune system is struggling to fight off infections. 

According to The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, the following are indicators of a possible immune deficiency in adults:

• More than four ear infections in one year
• Having pneumonia more than twice per year
• More than three cases of bacterial sinusitis or chronic sinusitis in one year
• Needing more than two courses of antibiotics in one year 

You have frequent digestive issues 

Studies suggest that about 70% of the human immune system is found in the digestive tract. The gut microbiota found in a healthy digestive system work hard to protect the gut from infection and support the immune system. 

If you often have diarrhea, gas and bloating, or constipation, your immune system may be compromised. 

When the types or amounts of healthy bacteria in the gut are altered, this can increase the risk for infection, chronic inflammation, and even autoimmune disorders. 

Cuts and scrapes heal slowly 

A healthy immune system can heal the average burn, cut, scrape or bruise pretty quickly. When you experience this type of injury, the body sends nutrient-rich blood to the area to start the healing process and help build new tissue or skin. This healing process depends heavily on a healthy immune system. 

If your immune system is weakened, your body can’t respond as quickly and won’t be able to repair and regenerate the skin for healing. In this case, it takes much longer for a small wound to heal. 

You constantly feel fatigued or worn down

You get eight hours of sleep every night, drink plenty of water, eat pretty healthy, and manage your stress, but you still feel sluggish throughout the day. If you’re doing all the right things and you still feel tired all the time, you may have a compromised immune system. 

When your immune system is compromised, your energy levels decrease, too. As the body struggles to keep up with fighting off infections, it conserves energy so it can use it toward immunity. This can leave little energy left for you to accomplish your daily activities and leave you feeling burnt out. 

Best ingredients for immune supplements

There are many supplements out there that claim to boost immunity, and it can be quite overwhelming trying to figure out which one might work for you. There are a few ingredients you want to look out for that actually support immune function, and some you should avoid. 

Look for products that include: 

• Zinc
• Vitamins A, C, D 
• Omega 3
• Probiotics*

Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in many of the body’s processes. Zinc increases the strength of the immune system, improves wound healing, and supports normal growth. Zinc is an ingredient that should be present when you’re looking for immune support. 

Vitamin A is another essential vitamin involved in immune support. It protects the body’s epithelium and mucus integrity, both of which play a significant role in fighting off infection. It also regulates the antibody response of the immune system. Vitamin A, when used on a short-term basis, can help support the body’s ability to fight infections, especially respiratory infections.

Vitamin D – as mentioned before – low levels of Vitamin D can lead to compromised immune function. There have been multiple cross-sectional studies associating lower levels of vitamin D with increased rates of infection. On the surfaces of white blood cells, there are vitamin D receptors and activating enzymes. The role that vitamin D plays in keeping the immune system healthy is very complex because the immune system has to be perfectly balanced. If there is too much stimulation, autoimmune diseases can occur. If there is not enough immune system activity, frequent infections can occur. Evidence shows that daily and weekly vitamin D supplementation can help keep the immune system balanced and working properly during cold and flu season. 

Vitamin C is one of the more obvious vitamins that comes to mind when thinking of boosting immunity. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against damage from free radicals, plus it can help promote the production of white blood cells.

Omega 3 is an immune-modulating nutrient as well as a prebiotic. A prebiotic is a source of fuel for healthy bacteria. Remember that the digestive system plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the immune system, so maintaining a healthy gut flora can provide support for the immune system. 

When shopping for an immune supplement, look for a product that includes only the ingredients the product promises and nothing more.

Probiotics – although they are usually sold separately, there are a rare few immune supplements which combine – to great effect – probiotics with other immune boosting ingredients. Healthy bacteria play a key role in the vast majority of your immune system’s defenses, stimulating the production of white blood cells and out-competing harmful bacteria for resources.

Avoid products with extra ingredients such as dyes, preservatives, sugars, fillers, and additives. These are unnecessary ingredients that won’t do any good for your immunity. 

How we choose 

When deciding which products function as the best immune boosting supplements, we look for formulas and ingredients that show real improvements in current, repeatable studies. There have now been many studies demonstrating that the supplementation of specific vitamins and minerals can quickly and significantly improve immunity. We use this research to decide which products actually work and which ones fail to live up to their claims. The type of capsules and freshness of ingredients, at the time of analysis, also factor into each product’s overall rating. Products with any fillers, dyes, preservatives, or unnecessary ingredients don’t make the cut.

List of common immune supplement ingredients 

There are some ingredients that are popularly seen and promoted in many different immune supplements. Below is a list of commonly used ingredients and their functions: 

• Vitamin A –  Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that aids in immune support. It helps regulate the response of the immune system. Vitamin A can help support the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against damage from free radicals, plus it can help promote the production of white blood cells. 
• Vitamin D – Vitamin D is becoming increasingly known as a factor in the strength of the immune system. Evidence shows that low levels of vitamin-D can be related to decreased immunity. 
• Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that can improve the immune response during aging. Studies suggest that it can reduce the oxidative damage that may contribute to cancer and asthma, as well as the damage that may occur during exercise.
• Omega-3 – Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body must get from an outside source (food or supplement). It is an immune-modulating nutrient as well as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are a source of fuel for healthy bacteria. Omega-3 supports a healthy gut flora which can improve immunity. 
• Probiotics – Probiotics are live microorganisms. When taken in sufficient amounts, they can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiota supports a healthy immune system. 
• Zinc – Zinc is a mineral that increases the strength of the immune system, improves wound healing, and supports normal growth. 
• Elderberry – Elderberry is a plant packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. It could also help reduce inflammation, lower stress, and protect your heart
• Echinacea – Echinacea plants contain a variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and polyacetylenes. Studies have linked echinacea and its compounds to many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity and lower blood sugar levels. 

Importance of probiotics for immune health 

Several studies have shown probiotics to be effective in improving immunity. We know that about 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, so it makes sense that a balanced, healthy gut microbiota would facilitate better immunity. 

Probiotics help to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. An imbalance can occur when there are too many “bad” bacteria, or not enough “good” bacteria. This can happen as a result of illness, taking antibiotics, poor diet, and more. Restoring an optimal balance of gut bacteria has been shown to improve digestion and immunity. 

A systematic review of evidence regarding the benefits of probiotics in immunity suggested that probiotics regulate the functions of immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Probiotics showed therapeutic potential for diseases, including several immune response-related diseases, such as allergies, eczema, and viral infections. 

Some studies have shown that probiotics promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. Evidence also suggests that probiotics may boost immune cells like T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. 

Another review showed that taking probiotics reduced the incidence and duration of respiratory infections in children and adults.

Overall, there is good evidence that supports the use of probiotics to improve the immune system.

Risks associated with a weakened immune system

The immune system protects the body from infections. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to frequent infections, and they may have a harder time fighting them off. A compromised immune system also leads to worsened symptoms. A simple cold could cause a person with a weak immune system to develop pneumonia or other more severe conditions. 

It’s important to practice good habits, such as eating a healthy diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and taking an immune support supplement when needed. 

What to take from this article

A healthy immune system is essential to living well. There are many signs and symptoms of a weakened immune system that you should watch out for. If you constantly feel tired, you have frequent colds, or you notice it takes longer for cuts and bruises to heal, you may benefit from an immune support supplement. 

When searching for an immune supplement, look for vitamins, A, C, and D, zinc, and omega-3. Avoid products that have added inactive ingredients, dyes, and fillers. Refer back to our top picks to help you make your decision. 

In addition to the vitamins listed above, scientific research shows a relationship between healthy gut bacteria and immunity. Taking an immune supplement that includes a probiotic can provide additional benefits for the immune system. 

It’s important to maintain a healthy immune system, so you can avoid frequent infections that keep you from doing what you love. Make healthy lifestyle choices that will support your immune system, and take an immune boosting supplement for added support.

Other things that may weaken your immune system

There are many things that can impact your immune system, and it’s good to be aware of those factors so you can work to improve them. 

Sleep quality and duration affects the immune system. Aim to get about seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. If you have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, try incorporating a nightly bedtime routine to get your body ready for sleep. 

As mentioned before, stress and anxiety have a negative impact on the immune system. Try to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety in your life, or find ways to effectively manage it. 

Poor nutrition also negatively impacts the immune system. Low vitamin and mineral intake from eating too few fruits and vegetables can weaken the immune system. Low levels of vitamin D have also been shown to lower the effectiveness of the immune system. A diet too high in fat is bad news as well. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of added sugars and saturated fat.  

Poor lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and lack of physical activity also affect the immune system. For optimal immune health, avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to one to two drinks per day. Participate in regular physical activity, at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. 

If you find that any of these factors could be affecting your immune system, you may want to consider adding a supplement for immune support to your routine. Not all immune supplements are created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for (and avoid) when buying immune boosters. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or illness. You should always consult with your physician before taking this supplement or any other supplement.