The immune system is your body's defense system. It protects you from bacteria and viruses by producing the immune response, which involves many tissues, organs and cells including, lymph nodes, the spleen, and antibodies. Immune supplements can help support this system and keep it running smoothly.
Benefits of immune system supplements
Immune system supplements provide your body with added defense against bacteria and viruses that may harm it and make you sick. Vitamin or mineral deficiency may hinder immune system function, so taking relevant supplements may help remedy the problem, for example.
Key supplements
Colostrum
Immune System
This milky fluid that originates from mammal breasts (including humans) following the birth of a baby, before actual milk comes. In addition to proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, colostrum is a rich source of antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses. It can have 100 times the level of antibodies than cow's milk. Researchers created hyperimmune bovine colostrum that comes from cows vaccinated against organisms that cause disease. It has been used in clinical trials to treat diarrhea associated with AIDS [1], and can also help athletes avoid getting sick while taking a breaks from intense training.[2] Research is mixed regarding the ability of cow colostrum to improve immunity in humans, however.[1]
Lactoferrin
This protein is found in colostrum -- in both human and cow's milk. Colostrum has about seven times as much lactoferrin as actual breast milk. Lactoferrin is also in eye, nasal, intestinal, and respiratory tract fluids. It serves as an antioxidant, guarding against infection. It is said to stimulate the immune system and regulates the immune response, but more research is needed to confirm effectiveness as an immunostimulant.[3,4,5]
Artemisinin
This antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent comes from the herb Artemisia annua. It's mostly used to treat malaria. Research shows that it is not an effective immune system stimulator.[6,7,8]
Other potential immune boosters
Many vitamins, minerals, and other substances may play an important role in immune system function. Here is a sampling.
Vitamins
Vitamin | How Does It Improve Immune System? |
|---|---|
A | Treats vitamin A deficiency, a disorder that significantly alters immunity (for example, impairs antibody response). More studies are needed to understand its effect on immunity.[14,40] |
B2 (Riboflavin) | This antioxidant helps prevent cell and DNA damage that may lead to illness, such as cancer. It helps build healthy red blood cells. B2 is needed to convert B6 and folate into usable forms. (See below for more information on B6 and folate's roles in immunity.)[32] |
B6 (Pyridoxine) | Its status influences tumor growth. Aids antibody production. Aids function and growth of white blood cells that fight infection.[37] |
B12 (Cobalamin) | Works with folate to make S-adenosylmethionine, a natural anti-inflammatory compound in the body. Regulates immune responses.[30,31] |
C (Ascorbic acid) | Protects against immune system deficiencies. May help prevent cold-related complications such as pneumonia and lung infection.[9] Helps increase blood antibodies.[22] |
D | Helps activate T-cells, which destroy invading organisms such as bacteria. Treats vitamin D deficiency. [19] |
E | Regulates immune functions. Aids T-cell function.[10] Treats vitamin E deficiency.[11] |
Minerals
Mineral | How Does It Improve Immune System? |
|---|---|
Iron | Involved in making healthy, oxygen-rich red blood cells. Without proper levels of oxygen, fatigue sets in which can potentially hinder the immune system's ability to fight infection.[28,29] |
Magnesium | Helps regulate immune function. Enhances antiviral immune responses.[17,18,23] |
Selenium | Protects cells from damage and infection. [35] Enhances immune function. [34] |
Zinc | Regulates immunity. Involved in innate (general, immediate response) and adaptive (invader-specific, delayed response) immunity. Levels affect T-cell function.[15,16,20] |
Herbs
Herb | How Does It Improve Immune System? |
Ginseng | Combats fatigue, but there isn't enough evidence to support immune system benefits.[12,13] |
Echinacea | Extracts seem to shorten severity and duration of colds/upper respiratory infections if given as soon as symptoms appear. May inhibit tumor growth. More research is needed.[13] |
Astragalus | Strengthens and regulates the immune system by boosting antibody and white blood cell (T-cell and macrophage, for example) production.[13] |
Garlic | May strengthen the immune system. Helps fight infection, and reduce or prevent cell damage.[27] |
Milk thistle | Hinders growth of some tumors. Stimulates the immune system.[26] |
Miscellaneous
What is it? | How Does It Improve Immune System? | Other Notes on Improvements |
|---|---|---|
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics | Pro: "good" bacteria the body needs to maintain health. Pre: nutrients that aid probiotic growth. Syn: supplement with both pre- and probiotics.[36] | All regulate the immune response. Probiotics aid invader destruction. Prebiotics influence the gut immune system by stimulating your body's "good" bacteria. Prebiotics also prevent allergies.[21] Synbiotics contain pro- and prebiotics that work together to help maintain healthy bacteria levels in the intestines.[36,38] |
Fish oil and omega 3 | Fish oil is a product rich in omega 3 fatty acids that can enhance health.[39] | Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can help boost the immune system by aiding B cell (a type of white blood cell) activation and boosting antibody production.[39] |
Beta-carotene | One of a group of pigments called carotenoids -- a source of vitamin A.[25] | Boosts immune cell function. Enhances immune response, particularly in older adults.[24] Carotenoids supply about 50% of recommended dietary vitamin A in the U.S.[24,25] |
Safety concerns and side effects
Cow colostrum can cause potential side effects including nausea, vomiting, and reduced red blood cell count, especially in people with HIV.[1]
Avoid cow colostrum, ginseng, and beta-carotene if you are pregnant or breast feeding.[1,12,25]
Adult women shouldn't exceed 10,000 units of vitamin A daily when pregnant or breast feeding. Vitamin A can cause birth defects.[14]
Avoid mixing alcohol with vitamin A to help avoid liver problems. Don't take vitamin A if you have liver disease.[14]
Avoid mixing alcohol with beta-carotene since alcohol reduces levels of beta-carotene. Also avoid olestra (a fat substitute) since it interferes with beta-carotene levels.[25]
Don't give ginseng to children. Ask your child's doctor before administering garlic as well.[12,27]
Side effects of garlic include stomach upset, bloating, bad breath, body odor, stinging sensation, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, or asthmatic reaction.[27]
Artemisinin (Sweet Annie) may not kill malaria parasites, but may just inactivate them without using stronger artemisinin-containing malaria drugs with it.[8]
Avoid vitamin A supplements if you have type V hyperlipoproteinemia (a type of high cholesterol). It can boost chances of vitamin A poisoning.
Avoid cow colostrum if you are allergic to milk products.[1]
Diarrhea is a side effect of lactoferrin. Excessive dosages bring on such side effects as skin rash, fatigue, and chills.
Lactoferrin from food is safe if you are pregnant and breast feeding, but don't take medicinal dosages.
Ginseng may cause headaches, upset stomach, and dizziness. It may also cause breast tenderness and changes in a woman's menstrual cycle.[12]
Recommended duration of ginseng usage is a few week to a few months at a time to avoid potential side effects.
Topical vitamin E may cause skin irritation.
Beta-carotene may be unsafe in high doses, especially when used long-term.
High doses of antioxidants could do more harm than good. Consult your doctor before use.
Don't take beta-carotene if you smoke or have been exposed to asbestos because it may increase the chances of developing cancer.
Don't take beta-carotene before or after angioplasty since it might interfere with the healing process.
High doses of B1 (thiamine) may cause stomach problems.
High doses of B2 (riboflavin) can cause side effects including itching, numbness, yellow/orange urine, and light sensitivity.
Taking a non-acidic, buffered form of vitamin C may help avoid stomach irritation.
Don't take more than 2000mg of vitamin C daily. Higher amounts could cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
Don't take more than 10,000 units per day of vitamin A. Higher doses may cause hip fractures and osteoporosis in older adults, and increased risk of death.
Side effects such as fatigue, irritability, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating can result from long-term consumption of vitamin A.
Tell your doctor if you're taking garlic. It may cause bleeding, so discontinue it at least two weeks before surgery.
Medication Interactions
The following are some specific medication interactions involving various immune system supplements, but to be safe, ask your doctor before starting supplemental therapy if you're on any medications.
Ask your doctor before taking vitamin E or garlic if you are on blood thinners.
Don't take ginseng without talking to your doctor first if you're taking diabetes medication.
Garlic may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, Isoniazid (tuberculosis medication), cyclosporine (post-organ transplant medication), blood thinners, ibuprofen, naproxen, and HIV/AIDS medication.
Vitamin A may interact with retinoids (medications for skin conditions), tetracycline antibiotics, medications that may harm the liver, and blood thinners.
Avoid taking beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium together since the combination may hinder cholesterol lowering medication and B3 (niacin) effectiveness.
Vitamin D interacts with a variety of medications including prednisone, cholestyramine, and phenobarbital.
Don't take vitamin B2 if you are on medications including tetracycline, tricyclic antidepressants, water pills, and many others.
Don't mix B1 with digoxin (reduces heart cells' ability to use B1), water pills (reduces B1 levels in the body), or phenytoin (reduces B1 levels).
Don't take selenium with cisplatin, a cancer medication. If you are on any medications, have your selenium levels checked regularly.
B12 levels can be reduced by anti-seizure, chemotherapy, cholesterol lowering, diabetes, and stomach-acid reducing medications as well as colchicine (treats gout). B12 can hinder tetracycline antibiotic absorption and effectiveness, so avoid taking them together.
Considerations
Dosages vary depending on age, diagnosis, and other factors. Contact your doctor, holistic health professional, or registered dietician for more information before taking supplements or giving them to children.
The American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association recommend adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet before trying supplements, since you get more varied nutrients from food.
Taking a B complex vitamin that has all B vitamins, rather than just one particular B vitamin, can help avoid a vitamin B imbalance.
- Always buy supplements from a reliable, respected source. Quality and active ingredients vary, making standard dosing difficult. Ginseng, for example, is expensive, so some manufacturers may skimp on the amount used in their products while claiming a higher potency on the bottle.
- Take B2 (riboflavin) between meals.
- Beta-carotene supplements aren't recommended for general use.
References
1. WebMD.com; Colostrum
2. Center for Nutritional Research; Colostrum and Athletic Performance
3. WebMD.com; Lactoferrin
4. Actor JK,; et. al.; Current Pharmaceutical Design; "Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator;" 2009
5. Legrand D,; et. al.; Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences; "Lactoferrin: A Modulator of Immune and Inflammatory Responses;" 2005
6. Rogers K.; Encyclopaedia Britannica; "Artemisinin;" 2009
7. Tawfik AF, et. al.; International Journal of Immunopharmacology; "Effects of Artemisinin, DihydroArtemisinin and Arteether on Immune Responses of Normal Mice;" 1990
8. WebMD.com; "Sweet Annie"
9. Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD; WebMD.com; "The Benefits of Vitamin C: What Can Vitamin C Do For Your Health?;" 2008
10. Vitamins and Hormones; "Vitamin E and Immunity;" Moriguchi S, Muraga, M, 2000
11. WebMD.com; "Vitamin E"
12. WebMD.com; "Ginseng Supplements"
13. Block KI; Integrative Cancer Therapies; "Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: A Review;" 2003
14. WebMD.com; "Vitamin A"
15. Haase H, Rink L.; BioFactors; "Zinc Signals and Immune Function;" 2013
16. WebMD.com; "Zinc"
17. Office of Dietary Supplements; "Magnesium"
18. Laires MJ, Monteiro C; Magnesium Research; "Exercise, Magnesium and Immune Function;" 2008
19. Office of Dietary Supplements; "Vitamin D"
20. The University of Arizona; The Biology Project; "Introduction to Immunology Tutorial: Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity;" 2000
21. Gourbeyre P., et. al.; Journal of Leukocyte Biology; "Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Impact on the Gut Immune System and Allergic Reactions;" 2011
22. National Institutes of Health; "Vitamin C and the Immune System"
23. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; "Magnesium Supplements May Reduce Viral Infection in "XMEN" Patients;" 2013
24. Hughes DA.; The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society; "Effects of Carotenoids on Human Immune Function;" 1999
25. National Institutes of Health; MedlinePlus; "Beta-carotene"
26. Wilasrusmee C, et. al.; Medical Science Monitor; "Immunostimulatory Effect of Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Extract;" 2002
27. University of Maryland Medical Center; "Garlic;" Updated 2013
28. Ward RJ, et. al.,; Journal of Neural Transmission; "Iron and the Immune System;" 2011
29. Watson, Stephanie; WebMD.com; "What You Need to Know About Iron Supplements;" 2011
30. University of Maryland Medical Center; "Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin);" Updated 2013
31. Tamura J, et. al.; Clinical and Experimental Immunology; "Immunomodulation by Vitamin B12: Augmentation of CD8+ T Lymphocytes and Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity in Vitamin B12-Deficient Patients by Methyl-B12 Treatment;" 1999
32. University of Maryland Medical Center; "Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin);" Updated 2013
33. University of Maryland Medical Center; "Vitamin B1 (Thiamine);" Updated 2013
34. Gill, Harsham, Walker, Glen; Wiley Online Library; "Selenium, Immune Function and Resistance to Viral Infections;" 2008
35. Office of Dietary Supplements; "Selenium"
36. de Vrese M, Schrezenmeir J.; Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology; "Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics;" 2008
37. Rall LC, Meydani SN.; Nutrition Reviews; "Vitamin B6 and Immune Competence;" 1993
38. California Dairy Research Foundation; "About Probiotics"
39. ScienceDaily; "Nothing Fishy About It: Fish Oil Can Boost the Immune System;" 2013
40. Semba RD.; Clinical Infectious Diseases; "Vitamin A, Immunity, and Infection;" 1994
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