7 Immune Support Supplements Just In Time For Flu Season
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When flu and cold season hits, we like to use natural ways to boost our immune systems. These are our favorite supplements for staying healthy and protected.
A robust immune system offers us complex and multifaceted protection against a host of unavoidable exposures to pathogens. The more tuned up your immune system, the more natural protection and fighting power you gain against illness-causing germs and toxins that wreak havoc on your health. But stress, seasonal weather changes, gut health, and a host of other factors can influence the strength and ability of our natural immune defenses, challenging its power and protection. If your body is out of balance or overloaded at the moment — or if you feel yourself coming down with something — supporting your natural immunity with immune-boosting supplements makes a whole lot of sense.
Immune support supplements can reinforce and optimize your body’s natural defenses against outside threats in many ways. These include increasing your intake of vitamins and nutrients that are used by your immune system to function, reducing the length of time of illness when already sick, and fortifying the barriers and linings the body uses to keep the “ick” out in the first place. Many immune support supplements are safe for any age, offering a bubble of protection and immune fortification for the entire family, even against the toughest school and work party germs!
What ingredients should you look for in immune support supplements?
While the effectiveness of some immune support supplements can be controversial, we do know certain ingredients are proven to be effective in supporting not just the immune system but overall health so the immune system can stay functional and focused. Since our immune system has both an innate and an adaptive capacity, we want to be sure we are well-rounded in our approach. When seeking an immune support supplement, you want to be sure you are supporting it with some or all of the following proven ingredients:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial to the proper function of the immune response system. It helps B cells differentiate and produce antibodies that neutralize threats like bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C also enhances the process in which a cell destroys invading microorganisms and is essential to maintaining the epithelial barrier, which protects us against pathogens entering the bloodstream.
- Elderberry: Elderberry extract is effective in blocking influenza A, influenza B, and H1N1 viruses. It contains flavonoids that are said to reduce inflammation and protect cells. It can be taken as a preventative but taking it at symptom onset can also shorten the duration of an illness. This is also safe to be taken at any age, for long periods of time with no risk or adverse effects.
- Zinc: Zinc is used in the development and function of T-cells, which are responsible for moderating the body’s inflammatory response during times of immune stress.
- Vitamin D: Maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D improves immune health and decreases susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D also helps regulate the adaptive immune system.
- Colostrum: Colostrum is a protein and nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals after birth. Not only does it help sustain a newborn and ward off infection, but research shows that when taken through all stages of life, it helps maintain and enhance mucosal lining on your skin, lungs, and gut barriers. Most colostrum supplements are sourced from cows and contain immunoglobulins and antibodies that interact with immune cells in the gut to trigger a beneficial immune response. Just note that colostrum is not dairy-free!
Our criteria:
Our editors and their families personally rely on clean supplements to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season (with kids in school!). This list compiles our favorite immune-supporting supplements that are clean, third-party tested, easy to take, and backed by science. We regularly update this list with emerging options that meet the criteria below.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | The supplements on this list contain natural or organic ingredients that have been third-party tested for quality and efficacy.
- GENTLE FORMULATION | These brands make supplements that are easy to take — from their taste to their formulation. We’ve included options that are safe for the entire family.
- SCIENCE-BACKED | The brands on this list are backed by studies and experts in medicine and science to ensure they’re safe and work.
If you’re looking to support yourself and your family’s overall health, take a look at our favorite women’s multivitamins and kids’ organic multivitamins.
1. Needed
Best For | Family-friendly support
Functional Ingredients | Elderberry, pre- and post-biotics, zinc
Prices Starting At | As low as $40/mo.
Needed ensures all their products are third-party tested and free of unwanted fillers and excess sugar — so the brand’s Immune Support is a product you can feel great about taking yourself and giving to your whole family. It contains pre- and post-biotics to keep gut health strong and is intended for year-round immune support. Reviews claim it has a great taste, meaning it’s easy to take and parents won’t have to hide it in other unhealthy food or beverages.
Customer Review | “Really like that this is a one-stop immune support that everyone in the family can use, AND it tastes good! It has simplified my sickness/seasonal protocol. It also seems to be working, since I’ve been around many sick people, and despite being sleep-deprived by a newborn, I’ve stayed healthy!” – Sarah K. (Read more reviews.)
Use code HELLONEEDED for 20% off your first purchase
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2. Swanson Health
Best For | Affordable immune support
Functional Ingredients | Rose hips
Prices Starting At | $3 for 30-day supply
Swanson Health’s Vitamin C with Rose Hips pairs just two key ingredients to give your immune system a boost of antioxidants. With 1,000 mg of Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), the 15 mg of rose hips extract in each capsule makes it simple to reap the benefits of Vitamin C. Thanks to the bioflavonoids in the fruit, the combo works to enhance antioxidant potency, making this a dynamic duo the best way to fortify your body’s natural immune defenses. Subscribe and save 30% through Swanson Health’s Easy Refill program and never be caught off guard all flu season long.
Customer Review | “The product is very good. I take it every day I have no stomach problems. It helps my immune system and helps to keep me healthy I would recommend this product to anyone needing vitamin C especially from a natural source.” – Peter S. (Read more reviews.)
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3. AG1
Best For | Comprehensive immune support
Functional Ingredients | 75 ingredients
Prices Starting At | $79/month (plus shipping)
More than a decade ago, the makers of AG1 Greens set out to formulate the most comprehensive and effective foundational nutrition supplement around. With a whole host of wellness gurus and sports professionals on the AG1 bandwagon and close to 48,000 verified, five-star reviews, we’d say they succeeded. AG1 contains 75 beneficial ingredients for comprehensive health with ingredients specific to boosting and supporting immunity including acerola cherries and bioflavonoids from citrus, both fantastic sources of bioactive Vitamin C. New AG1 subscribers still get a free one-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2, another great supplement to include on the journey to supporting your immune system.
Our Editor’s Review | “All in all, AG1 makes me feel good about how I’m caring for my body, but mostly I love that it reminds me to make decisions that positively impact my wellbeing and health. Jumpstarting my day with tons of vitamins and supplements encourages me to make positive daily choices, like moving my body, hydrating, and getting adequate sleep. Especially on days when I can’t get enough greens or produce in my diet, I know I’m still supporting myself with this drink.” – Kayti C [Read our review.]
4. Seed
Best For | Immune-gut defenses
Functional Ingredients | Prebiotic Indian pomegranate and millions of clinically proven probiotic strains
Prices Starting At | $50
The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the health of the immune system. Adding a well-studied probiotic like Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic to your wellness routine balances and optimizes gut health and, therefore contributes to more robust immune defenses. DS-01 Synbiotic contains probiotic strains that have been clinically and scientifically studied to improve gut function and gut barrier integrity, eliminating those breaches and gateways for bacteria and viruses into the bloodstream. DS-01 also contains Indian pomegranate, which is rich in polyphenols to calm inflammation and facilitate the repair of mucosal lining damage in the digestive system. The DS-01 capsule’s patented Viacap protects probiotics from the hostile internal gut ecosystem, getting them to where they need to go without destroying them. Seed’s “Welcome Kit” includes a reusable glass jar containing that first month’s supply, reading materials, and a travel vial that fits easily into a small purse and holds a week’s worth of your DS-01 capsules.
Customer Review | “I love Seed ! I have taken many probiotics but none of them ever helped me the way Seed does I highly recommend it!” – Kathy (Read more reviews.)
5. Thorne
Best For | Pure immune support
Functional Ingredients | Vitamin D liquid, zinc picolinate, and Vitamin C with flavonoids
Prices Starting At | $64
Thorne’s Immune Support Bundle is a comprehensive trio of supplements that make it easy to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. The highly absorbable forms of zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C work synergistically to support immune function. The cost for three supplements is exceptionally reasonable, and you know you are getting quality products as Thorne is committed to 100% clean ingredients and comes highly backed by research and a variety of ambassadors from sports professionals to health experts and doctors.
Customer Review | “I am so excited to support my immune system naturally. I feel good about taking these products.” – Susan S. (Read more reviews.)
6. ARMRA
Best For | Barrier repair and fortification
Functional Ingredients | 100% Pure bovine colostrum
Prices Starting At | $109 for unflavored bulk with 120 servings
ARMRA’s Immune Revival harnesses the power of bioactive concentrated and proprietary colostrum to boost your immune system and overall health. ARMRA’s proprietary colostrum is said to contain 400+ functional nutrients, working harmoniously to strengthen, revive, and empower your immune system, cellular vitality, metabolism, gut, and skin. ARMRA is not dairy-free, but it is free of casein, and even those with a lactose or dairy intolerance may be able to reap the benefits. Although it can be mixed with water or other cold liquids or foods, Arma suggests pouring a dose of this powder straight into your mouth for quick mucosal interaction. The unflavored bulk option is the most cost-effective and tastes like a powdered creamer, but kids or adults love the vine watermelon and blood orange flavors. Arma suggests adults take up to four scoops a day while children under ten take half a scoop.
Customer Review | “I’ve been using this for 2 years now and love it and now both of my kids are using it and immune systems have improved greatly!!” – Kourteney S. (Read more reviews.)
7. Moon Juice
Best For | Vegan immune support
Functional Ingredients | Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Reishi Mushroom, Made in the USA
Prices Starting At | $38
Moon Juice’s SuperPower is like an immunity goddess packed in pill-size form. SuperPower contains liposomal Vitamin C and Vitamin D derived from button mushrooms as well as chelated zinc and plant-based beta-glucans from Reishi mushrooms. All these functional ingredients work together to balance an overactive immune system and activate immune cells for a quicker response to threats. All Moon Juice product ingredients are 100% traceable, pure, and sustainably sourced. Super Power ingredients are all sourced within the U.S. The first month comes with a refillable glass bottle. Note: Moon Juice website is out of stock currently but these can be purchased through ULTA.
Customer Review | “I travel frequently, and when I do I up my daily amount to the 3 capsules for extra immune support. Otherwise, I take 1 per day. I am on my third bottle and can proudly say I’ve found the best travel companion. I feel great and haven’t gotten sick after the recent trips I’ve taken. Would highly recommend!” – Sierra S (Read more reviews)
Featured image is from Moon Juice
Randi Donahue is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is currently earning an MS in Health Science and Functional & Integrative Nutrition from Northwestern Health Sciences University. She brings over 10 years of research and writing expertise, focusing on making complex health and wellness concepts more accessible to readers. When not writing about health topics, you can find her reviewing the latest outdoor products and wellness tech. Based on Florida’s Gulf Coast, she and her family are passionate about nature and believe the path to a healthy and prosperous life requires authenticity, kindness, and a whole lot of fresh air.
