Immune-boosting dietary aids -
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses have also found that vitamin D supplementation helps reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections and influenza in children and adults [ ] and that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia in children and adults [ ].
In addition, serum 25 OH D concentrations are inversely associated with risk and severity of acute respiratory tract infections [ ]. In contrast, a meta-analysis of 30 clinical trials in a total of 30, participants age 3 to 81 years found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections [ ].
Mixed findings were reported in a meta-analysis of six trials in a total of 6, children and seven trials in a total of 3, adults [ 54 ].
Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections in adolescents and adults in two clinical trials whose results were published in [ , ].
In one of these trials, 34, men and women age 18 to 75 years in Norway who were not taking daily vitamin D supplements took 5 mL cod liver oil containing 10 mcg IU vitamin D3 or placebo for up to 6 months during the winter [ ].
The cod liver oil did not reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections. The other trial involved 6, participants age 16 years or older in the United Kingdom who were not taking vitamin D supplements [ ]. Half of the participants were offered a vitamin D blood test. The other participants were not offered vitamin D tests or supplementation, and the study did not use a placebo.
Neither lower nor higher doses of vitamin D3 reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infections. Researchers have also examined whether vitamin D supplementation helps treat respiratory tract infections, but results suggest that it has limited, if any, benefits.
A meta-analysis included 18 clinical trials in a total of 3, participants with mean ages between 12 months and 62 years [ ]. It assessed whether one-time, daily, or occasional vitamin D doses ranging from 15 to 15, mcg IU to , IU , depending on dosing schedule, for up to 8 months helped treat respiratory infections.
Treatment outcomes differed among trials but included sputum conversion for pulmonary tuberculosis , survival rate, and no need for ICU admission. Vitamin D supplementation had some small beneficial effects on treatment outcomes, but when the authors analyzed only the 12 high-quality trials, the differences between groups in the trials were no longer statistically significant.
Inflammation and comorbidities from HIV infection may also contribute to low vitamin D levels [ ]. Low vitamin D levels could partly explain why people with HIV appear to have a higher risk of major bone fractures [ ].
Vitamin D deficiency might also increase HIV infection severity [ ]. Observational studies show associations between low vitamin D status and increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis and mortality in people with HIV [ ]. In addition, low levels of vitamin D in pregnant people with HIV are associated with poor fetal and infant growth [ ].
Results from clinical trials, however, have not shown that vitamin D supplementation improves outcomes in people with HIV [ , ]. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect rates of mortality or pulmonary tuberculosis. Moreover, vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect secondary outcomes, including risk of HIV progression, viral suppression, comorbidities nausea, vomiting, cough, fever, or diarrhea , changes in body weight, or depression [ ].
Another clinical trial in Tanzania examined the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation in 2, people with HIV [ ]. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect the risk of maternal HIV progression or death.
The results also showed no difference in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth or of infant stunting at 1 year. Daily intakes of up to 25— mcg 1, IU—4, IU vitamin D, depending on age, in foods and dietary supplements are safe for infants and children, and up to mcg 4, IU is safe for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 78 ].
These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking vitamin D under the care of a physician. Higher intakes usually from supplements can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones.
In extreme cases, vitamin D toxicity causes renal failure, calcification of soft tissues throughout the body including in coronary vessels and heart valves , cardiac arrhythmias, and even death [ ].
Several types of medications might interact with vitamin D. For example, orlistat, statins, and steroids can reduce vitamin D levels [ , ]. In addition, taking vitamin D supplements with thiazide diuretics might lead to hypercalcemia [ ]. More information on vitamin D is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin D.
For information on vitamin D and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Vitamin E, also called alpha-tocopherol, is an essential nutrient that is present in several foods , including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.
The RDA for vitamin E is 4 to 15 mg for infants and children, depending on age, and 15 to 19 mg for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 56 ].
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays an important role in immune function by helping maintain cell membrane integrity and epithelial barriers and by enhancing antibody production, lymphocyte proliferation, and natural killer cell activity [ 4 , 5 , 15 , 17 , 25 , 58 , 79 , ].
Vitamin E also limits inflammation by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines [ ]. Human and animal studies suggest that vitamin E deficiency impairs humoral and cell-mediated immunity, is associated with reduced natural killer cell activity, and increases susceptibility to infections [ 5 , , ].
Frank vitamin E deficiency is rare, except in people with intestinal malabsorption disorders [ 56 , 79 ]. Research on the ability of vitamin E to improve immune function tends to use supplemental vitamin E rather than simply ensuring that study participants achieve adequate vitamin E status because it is thought that higher doses may be needed to achieve beneficial effects [ ].
However, study findings have been mixed. However, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the risk of death from pneumonia within 30 days of the initial hospitalization. A few clinical trials that have examined the effects of vitamin E supplementation on respiratory tract infections in infants and young children or in older adults suggest that vitamin E offers limited benefits and might even increase symptom severity.
A clinical trial in a low-income urban area in India examined the effects of mg alpha-tocopherol and mg ascorbic acid twice daily or placebo for 5 days in infants and young children age 2 to 35 months who were hospitalized with severe acute lower respiratory tract infections and receiving standard care [ ].
Supplementation did not affect the time required to recover from illness. Another clinical trial in which healthy men and women age 60 years or older took one of four different treatments daily for about 15 months identified no benefits and, in fact, found potential risks of vitamin E supplementation to prevent respiratory tract infections.
All but one of the participants had adequate vitamin E concentrations at the start of the study. The vitamin E supplements did not affect the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections throughout the trial.
Moreover, participants who took the vitamin E supplement had longer durations of illness, more severe symptoms including fever and activity restrictions , and greater numbers of symptoms than those who did not take vitamin E.
Results were also negative in a similar trial in adults age 65 or older living in nursing homes to determine whether daily supplementation with IU vitamin E 91 mg, as dl -alpha-tocopherol for 1 year reduced the risk of upper or lower respiratory tract infections [ ].
Vitamin E supplementation did not affect the incidence of upper or lower respiratory tract infections or the total durations of the infections. Vitamin E supplementation for a median of 6. Among the 5, participants who smoked more than 19 cigarettes per day or did not exercise, however, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the risk of pneumonia.
All intake levels of vitamin E found naturally in foods are considered safe. These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking vitamin E under the care of a physician. Vitamin E supplementation might interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications.
It might also reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy by protecting tumor cells from the action of these agents [ 76 , , ]. More information on vitamin E is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin E.
For information on vitamin E and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Selenium is an essential mineral contained in many foods , including Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products as well as bread, cereals, and other grain products.
The RDA for selenium is 15 to 70 mcg for infants and children, depending on age, and 55 to 70 mcg for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 56 ]. Human and animal studies suggest that selenium helps support both the innate and adaptive immune systems through its role in T-cell maturation and function and in natural killer cell activity [ 2 , 25 , 58 , ].
It may also reduce the risk of infections [ 2 , 15 , 25 , 58 , ]. As a component of enzymes that have antioxidant activities, selenium might help reduce the systemic inflammatory response that can lead to ARDS and organ failure [ 27 , 58 , , ].
Low selenium status in humans has been associated with lower natural killer cell activity, increased risk of some bacterial infections, and increased virulence of certain viruses, including hepatitis B and C [ 2 , 5 , 10 , 15 , 27 , , , ].
However, evidence is conflicting whether selenium supplementation enhances immunity against pathogens in humans [ ]. Studies have also examined whether intravenous selenium which is classified as a drug in the United States benefits adults with sepsis; those who are critically ill and requiring mechanical ventilation; adults who are undergoing elective major surgery; or those who are critically ill from burns, head injury, brain hemorrhage, or stroke [ , , ].
The results of these studies provide no clear evidence of benefit. Selenium status varies by geographic region because of differences in the amounts of selenium in soil and in local foods consumed [ 56 , ]. Selenium deficiency is very rare in the United States and Canada, but low selenium status is common in some areas of the world, such as parts of Europe and China [ , ].
In children and adults with HIV, selenium deficiency is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality [ ]. However, studies that examined whether micronutrient supplementation, including selenium, affects risk of HIV transmission or disease outcomes in children and adults have had mixed results.
An observational study in Thailand did not identify associations between selenium status in children with HIV and treatment outcomes [ ]. This study included boys and girls with HIV median age 7.
Baseline selenium levels all of which were adequate showed no associations with ART treatment outcomes. Clinical trials have found limited beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on immune function in people with HIV. Selenium supplementation provided no benefits in another trial that randomized men and women with HIV mean age Two Cochrane Reviews also concluded that selenium supplements offer little, if any, benefit for people with HIV.
The authors found that evidence was insufficient to determine whether supplementation with selenium alone is beneficial. Researchers have also examined whether blood selenium levels or selenium supplementation affect pregnancy outcomes in people with HIV. Findings from these studies suggest that low blood selenium levels are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery and that selenium supplementation might reduce the risk of preterm delivery but has mixed effects on other outcomes.
For example, a cross-sectional study in Nigeria of pregnant individuals age 15—49 years with HIV found that those with a selenium deficiency defined as blood selenium less than 0.
In a clinical trial in Nigeria, researchers examined whether selenium supplementation affects pregnancy outcomes and disease progression in 90 pregnant individuals mean age These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking selenium under the care of a physician. Higher intakes of selenium can cause a garlic odor in the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth as well as hair and nail loss or brittleness [ 56 ].
Other signs and symptoms of excess selenium intakes include nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, mottled teeth, fatigue, irritability, and nervous system abnormalities.
Cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent used to treat ovarian, bladder, lung, and other cancers, can reduce selenium levels in hair, plasma, and serum [ , ].
The evidence from studies examining whether selenium supplementation helps reduce the side effects of cisplatin and other chemotherapy agents is uncertain [ , ]. More information on selenium is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on selenium.
For information on selenium and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Zinc is an essential nutrient contained in a wide variety of foods , including oysters, crab, lobster, beef, pork, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products.
The RDA for zinc is 2—13 mg for infants and children, depending on age, and 8—12 mg for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 29 ]. Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is necessary for the catalytic activity of approximately enzymes and it plays a role in many body processes, including both the innate and adaptive immune systems [ 2 , 5 , 29 , 58 , ].
Zinc also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps maintain the integrity of tissue barriers, such as the respiratory epithelia [ 5 , 58 , 83 , ].
Zinc deficiency adversely affects immune function by impairing the formation, activation, and maturation of lymphocytes. In addition, zinc deficiency decreases ratios of helper to suppressor T cells, production of interleukin-2, and activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 27 , , , ].
Furthermore, zinc deficiency is associated with elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators [ ]. These effects on immune response probably increase susceptibility to infections [ ] and inflammatory diseases, especially those affecting the lungs [ ].
Studies have found associations between low zinc status and higher risk of viral infections [ 79 ], and people with zinc deficiency have a higher risk of diarrhea and respiratory diseases [ 2 ].
Poor zinc status is also common among people with HIV or hepatitis C and is a risk factor for pneumonia in older adults [ 27 , 58 , , , ].
Some research suggests that zinc supplementation increases the number of T cells in the blood of older adults living in nursing homes [ ].
population might obtain marginal amounts of zinc [ ]. Older adults are among the groups most likely to have low intakes. Researchers have hypothesized that zinc could reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by directly inhibiting rhinovirus binding and replication in the nasal mucosa and suppressing inflammation [ , ].
In studies of the effects of zinc supplements on the common cold, zinc is usually administered in a lozenge or syrup that temporarily sticks to the mouth and throat, placing the zinc in contact with the rhinovirus in those areas.
The results from clinical trials that have examined the effects of supplemental zinc on the common cold have been inconsistent. Overall, however, supplemental zinc in lozenge or syrup form appears to reduce the duration, but not the severity, of signs and symptoms of the common cold when taken shortly after a person develops a cold [ ].
In one clinical trial that found beneficial effects of zinc on the common cold, 50 adults took a zinc acetate lozenge In comparison with placebo, the zinc lozenges reduced the duration of colds by 3 days and the severity of cold symptoms cough, nasal discharge, and muscle aches [ ].
Results were more mixed in another clinical trial in which adults with experimentally induced colds took lozenges containing zinc gluconate Illnesses lasted 1 day less with the zinc gluconate lozenges than with the placebo, but the lozenges had no effect on symptom severity.
Furthermore, the 5. In a second trial described in the same report, neither zinc gluconate nor zinc acetate lozenges affected the duration or severity of cold symptoms in comparison with placebo in adults with colds [ ].
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that zinc appears to reduce the duration of the common cold but has mixed effects on the severity of signs and symptoms [ ].
It included 28 clinical trials including the three described above with a total of 5, participants mostly adults younger than 65 years who had a community-acquired viral respiratory tract infection or were inoculated with a rhinovirus.
Most trials provided zinc in the form of zinc acetate or gluconate lozenges with total daily zinc doses of 45 to mg for up to 2 weeks, but some trials used nasal sprays or gels. In participants who used products containing zinc, symptoms resolved an average of 2 days earlier than in those who took a placebo.
Zinc also reduced the severity of symptoms on the third day of illness. However, average daily symptom severity did not differ between those who were and were not treated with zinc supplements.
In addition, zinc did not affect the risk of developing a cold after rhinovirus inoculation. Other recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have also found that zinc shortens the duration of the signs and symptoms of colds but does not reduce the risk of colds [ 54 , 67 , ].
Poor zinc status is associated with greater susceptibility to pneumonia, more severe disease, and higher mortality risk in children [ ].
Several clinical trials have examined the effects of zinc supplementation on the incidence of pneumonia and as an adjunctive treatment for pneumonia. However, most research suggests that the adjunctive use of zinc supplements to treat pneumonia in children does not affect mortality or time to recovery.
A systematic review and meta-analysis included 11 clinical trials in children age 2 to 60 months with mostly severe pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries [ ].
Another meta-analysis of six placebo-controlled trials that included 2, children age 2 to 60 months found that zinc supplementation reduced mortality rates from severe pneumonia but not rates of treatment failure or changes in antibiotic therapy [ ].
Diarrhea is associated with high mortality rates among children in low-income countries, where it causes about , deaths annually [ , ]. Zinc supplementation may benefit children with acute diarrhea, especially in low-income countries, where zinc deficiency is common.
Clinical trials show that zinc supplementation helps shorten the duration of diarrhea in children in low-income countries. A Cochrane Review included 33 trials that compared the effects of zinc supplementation with those of placebo in 10, children age 1 month to 5 years who had acute or persistent diarrhea [ ].
Most studies were conducted in Asian countries that had high rates of zinc deficiency. Zinc was administered in the form of zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulphate.
In addition, evidence that the authors deemed to have high certainty showed that zinc supplementation reduces the duration of diarrhea in children with signs of malnutrition by about a day. In children younger than 6 months, however, zinc supplementation did not affect mean duration of diarrhea or persistence of diarrhea for 7 days.
A systematic review and meta-analysis had similar findings. It examined the use of zinc alone or in combination with other treatments for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in studies in 32, children, mostly from low- and middle-income countries [ ].
Analyses showed that zinc alone or in combination reduced the duration of diarrhea by about ¾ to 1½ days. The authors concluded that zinc was one of the most effective interventions of those examined, especially when it was combined with Saccharomyces boulardii a probiotic or smectite a natural clay that contains minerals , for reducing the duration of acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children.
The WHO and UNICEF recommend supplementation with 20 mg zinc per day, or 10 mg for infants younger than 6 months, for 10 to 14 days to treat acute childhood diarrhea [ ]. However, most trials of zinc supplementation for diarrhea have been conducted in low-income countries [ ].
In well-nourished children, zinc supplements might have only a marginal effect on diarrhea duration. HIV infection reduces the absorption and metabolism of zinc from foods [ ]. In addition, people with HIV often have diarrhea, which can result in excessive losses of zinc.
For these reasons, people with HIV often have low plasma or serum zinc levels. Several clinical trials have found some beneficial effects of zinc supplementation to manage the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, findings were less positive in two Cochrane Reviews and another trial not included in either Cochrane Review that assessed the potential benefits of supplementation with micronutrients, including zinc, or placebo in various populations with HIV.
However, zinc supplementation did not affect viral load or mortality rates in this second trial. However, the supplements blunted the rise in hemoglobin concentrations between baseline and 6 weeks after delivery. These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking zinc under the care of a physician.
Higher intakes can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, and a metallic taste in the mouth [ 29 , 32 ]. In clinical trials in children, zinc supplementation to treat diarrhea increased the risk of vomiting more than placebo [ , ].
Zinc supplements might interact with several types of medications. For example, zinc can reduce the absorption of some types of antibiotics and penicillamine, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis [ , ].
Other medications, such as thiazide diuretics and certain antibiotics, can reduce zinc absorption [ , ]. More information on zinc is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on zinc. For information on zinc and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Andrographis paniculata , also known as Chuān Xīn Lián, is an herb that is native to subtropical and Southeast Asia [ ].
Its leaves and other aerial above-ground parts are used in traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Thai medicine for relieving symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections [ ].
The active constituents of andrographis are believed to be andrographolide and related compounds, which are diterpene lactones that might have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating effects [ , , ]. Results from several clinical trials suggest that andrographis might reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections and the severity of symptoms.
One of these trials used a common andrographis preparation called Kan Jang. The trial included 50 men and women age 18 to 50 years with the common cold who took four tablets of Kan Jang each containing 85 mg of an andrographis extract three times daily for 5 days 1, mg total daily dose or placebo within 3 days of developing cold symptoms [ ].
Participants who took Kan Jang experienced milder symptoms, recovered sooner, and took fewer days of sick leave than those who took placebo. In another clinical trial, men and women age 18 to 60 years with upper respiratory tract infections took either KalmCold containing mg of an andrographis extract twice daily or placebo for 5 days [ ].
The results showed no differences in symptom severity during days 1 to 3 of treatment. However, between days 3 and 5, participants who took KalmCold experienced milder symptoms—including cough, nasal discharge, headache, fever, and sore throat but not earache —than those who took placebo.
Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials found that andrographis preparations had beneficial effects on symptoms and duration of the common cold.
The more recent of these analyses, published in , included 33 clinical trials including the two described above that evaluated the effects of andrographis alone or in combination with other herbs on symptoms of acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections in a total of 7, participants [ ].
Treatment protocols varied widely, but typical daily doses ranged from to 1, mg andrographis extract for 3 to 7 days; studies compared andrographis with placebo, usual care, or other herbal interventions.
The analyses showed that andrographis significantly reduced the severity of cough, sore throat, and overall symptoms. However, the authors noted that the findings should be interpreted with caution because the studies were heterogenous and many were of poor quality. Similar findings were reported from a systematic review and meta-analysis [ ].
It included six clinical trials including the two described above that administered Kan Jang or KalmCold All studies in this analysis compared andrographis with placebo, not usual care or other herbal interventions as in the meta-analysis described above.
Andrographis reduced the frequency and severity of cough to a greater extent than placebo. Three earlier systematic reviews also showed that andrographis appears to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections [ , , ].
Although these findings suggest that andrographis might be useful to manage the symptoms and reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections, the evidence has several weaknesses.
For example, the studies used different andrographis formulations, and many of the clinical trials were conducted by investigators affiliated with the manufacturer of Kan Jang or KalmCold [ , ]. Clinical trials have found minor adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, vertigo, skin rashes, diarrhea, and fatigue [ , , ].
Allergic reactions might also occur [ , ]. Findings from some animal studies suggest that andrographis might adversely affect fertility, so experts recommend against its use by men and women during the preconception period and by people who are pregnant [ , , ].
According to animal and laboratory studies, andrographis might decrease blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation, so it could interact with antihypertensive and anticoagulant medications by enhancing their effects [ ]. Because of its potential immune-stimulating effects, andrographis might also reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants [ , ].
For information on andrographis and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is an herb that grows in North America and Europe [ ]. Although the genus Echinacea has many species, extracts of E.
purpurea , E. angustifolia , and E. pallida are the most frequently used in dietary supplements. The echinacea supplements on the market in the United States often contain extracts from multiple species and plant parts [ ].
Echinacea contains volatile terpenes, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, alkamides, phenolic compounds, caffeic acid esters, and glycoproteins [ ]. Echinacea might have antibacterial activities, stimulate monocytes and natural killer cells, and inhibit virus binding to host cells [ 3 , ]. It might also reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines [ 3 ].
Most studies of echinacea have assessed whether it helps prevent and treat the common cold and other upper respiratory illnesses, but it has also been used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing [ , ].
Results from clinical trials examining the effects of echinacea for the common cold have been mixed. Overall, studies suggest echinacea might slightly reduce the risk of developing a cold but does not shorten the duration or severity of illness.
For example, one clinical trial examined the effects of echinacea on the risk of the common cold in men and women mean age 23 years [ ]. purpurea extract Echinaforce or placebo; if participants came down with a cold during the study, they increased their dose to 4, mg per day.
Participants taking echinacea had fewer colds and fewer days with cold symptoms than those taking a placebo. Another clinical trial examined whether echinacea helps treat the common cold in male and female participants age 12 to 80 years who developed cold symptoms within 36 hours before enrollment [ ].
Participants took E. purpurea and E. angustifolia extracts four times a day for a combined dose of 10, mg during the first 24 hours and then 5, mg for 4 days or placebo. Echinacea did not shorten illness duration or severity. A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of echinacea E.
purpurea , E angustifolia , E. pallida , or more than one form to prevent upper respiratory tract infections or reduce the duration of illness [ ].
Nine clinical trials eight in adults and one in children were included in the prevention meta-analysis portion of this analysis, and seven all in adults were included in the duration meta-analysis, including the two trials described above [ , ].
A Cochrane Review of echinacea use for preventing and treating the common cold had similar results [ ]. The review included 24 clinical trials with a total of 4, participants. Limited research has also examined whether echinacea is beneficial for influenza. One clinical trial found that echinacea had similar effects to oseltamivir Tamiflu , a medication used to treat influenza.
This trial included male and female participants age 12 to 70 who had had influenza symptoms for up to 48 hours [ ]. Participants took either E. The results showed no difference between E.
Purpurea and oseltamivir followed by placebo in rapidity of recovery from influenza after 1 day, 5 days, or 10 days of treatment. In addition, participants taking echinacea experienced fewer adverse events, especially nausea and vomiting. Additional research is needed to confirm this finding. Echinacea appears to be safe.
In rare cases, echinacea can cause allergic reactions [ ]. The safety of echinacea during pregnancy is not known, so experts recommend against the use of echinacea supplements by people who are pregnant [ ].
Echinacea might interact with several medications. For example, echinacea might increase cytochrome P activity, thereby reducing levels of some drugs metabolized by these enzymes [ ]. In addition, echinacea might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants due to its potential immunostimulatory activity [ ].
For information on echinacea and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Elderberry contains many compounds—including anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids—that might have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating effects [ 3 , ].
Studies of the effects of elderberry have primarily used elderberry extracts, not the berries themselves [ ]. Components of elderberry might help prevent respiratory infections by inhibiting virus binding to host cells and by stimulating the immune system [ ]. A few clinical trials have examined the effects of elderberry on the common cold and influenza.
The results from these trials have been mixed. However, overall, they suggest that elderberry might help relieve symptoms of respiratory tract infections. One clinical trial examined whether elderberry extract helps prevent and treat the common cold [ ].
Elderberry extract did not reduce the number of participants who developed a cold. However, among participants who did develop a cold, elderberry extract reduced cold duration by about 2 days and reduced the severity of symptoms. A meta-analysis included four clinical trials including the trial described above of the effects of elderberry supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms caused by the common cold or flu in a total of participants age 5 to 59 years [ ].
The analysis showed that elderberry supplementation reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms, and the effect was stronger for symptoms of influenza than for those caused by the common cold. A review included the same four trials as well as one that administered an herbal preparation containing both elderberry and Echinacea purpurea [ ].
The results showed that elderberry might help relieve symptoms of the common cold and influenza when taken close to the onset of symptoms and for up to 2 weeks. In contrast, in a clinical trial, 87 male and female participants age 5 years and older with influenza for less than 48 hours took 15 ml 5, mg elderberry extract twice daily for ages 5 to 12 years and four times daily for ages 13 and older or placebo for 5 days [ ].
Elderberry had no effect on the duration or severity of illness. A systematic review of five clinical trials of elderberry to treat viral respiratory illnesses found beneficial effects on some, but not all, outcomes [ ]. The results showed that elderberry supplementation for 2 to 16 days might reduce the severity and duration of the common cold and the duration of flu but does not appear to reduce the risk of the common cold.
However, the authors noted that the studies were small, heterogeneous, and of poor quality. Elderberry flowers and ripe fruit appear to be safe for consumption. However, the bark, leaves, seeds, and raw or unripe fruit of S.
nigra contain a cyanogenic glycoside that is potentially toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration due to diuresis, and cyanide poisoning [ , , ]. The heat from cooking destroys this toxin, so cooked elderberry fruit and properly processed commercial products do not pose this safety concern [ 3 , , , , ].
Elderberry might affect insulin and glucose metabolism, so according to experts, people with diabetes should use it with caution [ ].
The safety of elderberry during pregnancy is not known, so experts recommend against the use of elderberry supplements by people who are pregnant [ , ]. Recent analyses suggest that some elderberry supplements are highly diluted or have been adulterated with a cheaper ingredient, such as black rice extract, instead of elderberry [ , ].
Due to its potential immunostimulatory activity, elderberry might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant medications [ ].
For information on elderberry and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Garlic Allium sativum is a vegetable with a long history of culinary use. Garlic is also available as a dietary supplement in softgel, capsule, tablet, and liquid forms [ ].
Researchers have studied garlic mainly to determine whether it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but it might also have antiviral properties [ 32 , ].
These properties are often attributed to two compounds in garlic—allicin and ajoen [ ]. Garlic might also have antimicrobial and antifungal activity [ ].
Some dietary supplements contain aged garlic extract, prepared from sliced garlic that is soaked in an aqueous ethanol solution for up to 20 months. The extract is then filtered and concentrated [ , ].
Aged garlic extract contains compounds, such as lectins, fructo-oligosaccharide, and N-alpha-fructosyl arginine, that might affect immune cell function [ ]. It also contains S-allyl-L-cysteine and other compounds that might have antioxidant effects and reduce some inflammatory markers [ , ].
Only a few clinical trials have examined whether garlic supplements help prevent or treat the common cold or influenza, and results are inconclusive.
One trial included healthy men and women mean age 26 years who took 2. After 45 days, the researchers took blood samples from the participants and cultured the natural killer cells and gamma delta T cells.
The natural killer cells and gamma delta T cells from participants who took the extract had a higher proliferation rate than those from participants who took placebo.
After 90 days, the number of illnesses colds and influenza did not differ between groups, nor did the average number of symptoms per illness. However, participants who took aged garlic extract reported a smaller total number of symptoms during the study.
Results were more positive in another trial, in which men and women mean age 53 years took one capsule of a garlic supplement dose not specified or placebo daily for 12 weeks between November and February [ ]. Participants who took garlic had fewer colds 24 among the full study population during the study than those who took placebo 65 colds.
In addition, colds lasted an average of only 1. Garlic is safely consumed worldwide as a culinary ingredient [ ], and garlic and its derivatives are generally recognized as safe, according to the U.
Food and Drug Administration FDA [ ]. The adverse effects of garlic dietary supplements are minor and include bad breath, body odor, and skin rash [ 32 , , ].
Garlic might interact with medications. For example, garlic might have anticoagulant effects, so it might interact with warfarin Coumadin and similar medications [ , , ].
However, the findings from reported case studies on this interaction are inconclusive [ ]. Garlic might also reduce blood pressure, so it might interact with antihypertensive medications [ ]. Ginseng is the common name of several species of the genus Panax , most commonly Panax ginseng also called Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng and Panax quinquefolius American ginseng [ , ].
Asian ginseng is endemic to China and Korea, whereas American ginseng is endemic to the United States and Canada [ ]. Triterpene glycosides, also known as ginsenosides, are some of the main purported active constituents of ginseng [ , ]. Although ginseng contains numerous ginsenosides, research has focused on the Rb1 ginsenoside and compound K, a bioactive substance formed when the intestinal microbiota metabolize ginsenosides [ , ].
Animal and laboratory studies suggest that ginseng stimulates B-lymphocyte proliferation and increases production of some interleukins and interferon-gamma [ ]; these cytokines affect immune activation and modulation [ 1 ].
Ginseng might also inhibit virus replication and have anti-inflammatory activity. However, whether ginseng has a clinically meaningful effect on immune function in humans is not clear [ , ].
Another botanical, eleuthero Eleutherococus senticosus , is sometimes confused with true ginseng. Eleuthero used to be called Siberian ginseng, but it comes from the Eleutherococcus genus of plants, not the Panax genus, and it does not contain ginsenosides [ ].
Several clinical trials have examined whether ginseng helps prevent upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza. Although the evidence is limited, results from these trials suggest that ginseng might help reduce the risk of developing colds and other respiratory tract infections.
However, its effects on symptom severity and duration are unclear. In one clinical trial, healthy men and women age 30 to 70 years who had not received an influenza vaccine in the previous 6 months took 1 g Panax ginseng extract three times daily or placebo for 12 weeks [ ].
Participants taking ginseng were less likely to develop an acute respiratory infection during the study period. However, for study participants who did develop an infection, symptom duration and severity did not differ between groups.
A few clinical trials have examined the effects of CVT-E COLD-fX , a patented ginseng extract that contains mg Panax quinquefolius in each capsule. One of these trials included men and women age 18 to 65 years with a history of at least two colds during the previous year who had not received an influenza vaccine in the past 6 months [ ].
Participants took either two capsules per day of Cold-fX for a daily dose of mg ginseng or placebo for 4 months starting in November. Participants who took ginseng developed fewer self-reported colds mean 0. In addition, ginseng reduced the total number of days with cold symptoms from a mean of A systematic review and meta-analysis of ginseng to prevent or treat acute upper respiratory tract infections included 10 clinical trials of Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius extracts including those described above in a total of 2, participants [ ].
The authors noted that the risk of bias was high to unclear for most trials and that the limitations of the evidence prevented them from drawing conclusions.
Ginseng appears to be safe. Most of its adverse effects, including headache, sleep difficulty, and gastrointestinal symptoms, are minor [ , , ]. However, doses of more than 2. A few case reports of vaginal bleeding and mastalgia breast pain in the s and s from the use of ginseng preparations raised concerns about the safety of ginseng; as a result, some scientists concluded that ginseng has estrogenic effects [ ].
However, one of these case reports involved use of Rumanian ginseng [ ], and whether this was true ginseng is not clear. In addition, eleuthero was often referred to, incorrectly, as ginseng at that time because it was called Siberian ginseng. So, it is unclear whether these case reports reflected the effects of true ginseng.
Nevertheless, some experts caution that ginseng might not be safe for use during pregnancy [ , , ]. Ginseng might interact with many medications. For example, it might increase the risk of hypoglycemia if taken with antidiabetes medications, increase the risk of adverse effects if taken with stimulants, and reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants [ , ].
For information on ginseng and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Tea Camellia sinensis is a popular beverage around the world that has several purported health benefits. Tea is usually classified into one of three types—green, black, and oolong—according to the way in which the tea leaves are processed [ ].
Green tea is made from dried and steamed tea leaves, whereas black and oolong teas are made from fermented tea leaves.
Tea extracts are also available as dietary supplements. The purported health effects may vary by the type of tea as well as whether it is consumed as a beverage or dietary supplement. Tea is one of the richest sources of catechins, which are polyphenolic flavonoids, especially epigallocatechin gallate EGCG [ , ].
A typical mL cup of brewed green tea contains 50 to mg of catechins [ ], whereas the same amount of brewed black tea contains about 14 to 88 mg of catechins [ ]. Amounts vary, however, among tea samples and by brewing time.
Studies are evaluating the potential health benefits of EGCG and other catechins, including their ability to modulate the immune system and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [ , ].
Laboratory studies suggest that catechins might also have antiviral effects against the influenza A and B viruses [ ]. Laboratory research suggests that tea and tea catechins might have antiviral activity. Researchers have therefore examined whether drinking tea or taking supplemental tea catechins affects the risk, duration, and severity of influenza or other respiratory tract infections.
However, evidence from clinical trials is limited and mixed. Studies that found beneficial effects include a clinical trial that examined the effects of catechins and theanine an amino acid in tea on the risk of influenza in male and female health care workers age 21 years or older in Japan [ ].
However, for laboratory-confirmed influenza, the incidence of influenza did not differ between groups. A systematic review and meta-analysis also showed that tea and tea catechins had some beneficial effects on the risk of influenza and other upper respiratory tract infections, although the evidence had some limitations [ ].
The analysis included five prospective cohort studies and clinical trials that administered tea as a dietary supplement or beverage including the trial described above in a total of 1, participants.
Results were also mixed in a clinical trial examining whether drinking mL of a bottled beverage containing mg of catechins for 12 weeks during the winter affected the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections in healthy Japanese men and women mean age Catechins reduced the duration and severity of a runny nose, nasal congestion, and headache but did not affect other symptoms, including sore throat, cough, and fever.
Drinking moderate amounts of tea is safe. Green tea extract causes mostly mild to moderate adverse effects, including nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and increased blood pressure [ ]. However, some green tea extracts might cause liver damage, especially when taken on an empty stomach [ , ].
In addition, at least 50 case reports since have linked consumption of green tea extracts, primarily ethanolic extracts of green tea, with liver damage [ ].
In a systematic review of the safety of green tea products, the U. Pharmacopeia USP evaluated 75 case reports of liver damage and animal pharmacological and toxicological information [ ].
On the basis of the 35 case reports associated with supplements containing only green tea extract, the USP concluded that the consumption of green tea products definitely caused four cases of liver damage, probably or was highly likely to have caused 25 cases, and possibly caused five cases.
The USP notes that problems are more likely when green tea extract is taken on an empty stomach and, therefore, advises taking green tea extracts with food to minimize the risk of liver damage [ , ].
In addition, tea contains caffeine, which can cause sleep disturbances and feelings of nervousness, jitteriness, and shakiness [ ].
These levels do not apply to people who are pregnant and may need to limit caffeine consumption further [ ]. Tea and its constituents might interact with certain medications. For example, green tea extract decreases plasma levels of atorvastatin, a statin medication [ ].
Glutamine is an amino acid that is present in a wide variety of foods that contain protein, including beef, fish, poultry, soy and other beans, eggs, rice, corn and other grains, and milk and other dairy products [ ].
The body also produces glutamine endogenously. In normal conditions, the body can synthesize adequate amounts of glutamine to meet metabolic needs, so glutamine is not classified as an essential amino acid [ ].
However, under extreme physiological stress, endogenous glutamine synthesis cannot keep up with metabolic need. Therefore, glutamine is classified as conditionally essential [ ]. In the immune system, glutamine is involved in lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production as well as macrophage and neutrophil function [ ].
Low glutamine levels are associated with poor immunologic function and an increased risk of mortality in patients in the ICU [ , ].
Many patients who are critically ill or have undergone major surgery have low plasma and muscle glutamine levels [ ]. Children with a vitamin A deficiency are more likely to get diarrhea caused by germs. These children also have a higher chance of dying of diarrhea, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.
Research suggests that vitamin A supplements lower the risk and severity of diarrhea in children in low- and middle-income countries. However, vitamin A supplementation might not help very young infants in these countries.
HIV can also increase the risk of related health problems, such as diarrhea and respiratory diseases. Some studies in young children with HIV have found that vitamin A supplements help lower the risk of death.
Other studies in adults with HIV have found that vitamin A supplements do not improve immune function. Research in pregnant people with HIV has found that vitamin A supplements do not help reduce the chance of passing HIV from mother to infant. However, one study found that pregnant people with HIV who took vitamin A were more likely to carry their babies to full-term.
In low- and middle-income countries where vitamin A deficiency is common, children with measles are more likely to have severe symptoms and may die from the disease.
Preformed vitamin A is safe at daily intakes up to to 2, mcg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and up to 3, mcg for adults. There are no upper limits for beta-carotene and other forms of provitamin A. Getting too much preformed vitamin A can cause severe headache, blurred vision, nausea , dizziness, muscle aches, and problems with coordination.
In severe cases, getting too much preformed vitamin A can even lead to coma and death. If you are pregnant, taking too much preformed vitamin A can cause birth defects, including abnormal eyes, skull, lungs , and heart. If you are or might be pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take high-dose supplements of preformed vitamin A.
High intakes of beta-carotene provitamin A do not cause the same problems as preformed vitamin A. Consuming high amounts of beta-carotene can turn the skin yellow-orange, but this condition is harmless and goes away when you eat less of it.
However, several studies have shown that smokers, former smokers, and people exposed to asbestos who take high-dose beta-carotene supplements have a higher risk of lung cancer and death.
Vitamin A supplements might interact with some medications such as orlistat used for weight loss , acitretin used to treat psoriasis , and bexarotene used to treat the skin effects of T-cell lymphoma.
More information about vitamin A is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on vitamin A. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found in citrus fruits and many other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is important for healthy immune function.
The body also needs vitamin C to make collagen. The RDA ranges from 15 to milligrams mg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and from 75 to mg for nonsmoking adults. People who smoke need 35 mg more than the RDA per day. Taking vitamin C regularly might help decrease cold symptoms and reduce the number of days a cold lasts.
It might also help reduce the risk of getting a cold in people who undergo extreme physical stress, such as marathon runners and soldiers stationed in very cold locations. However, taking vitamin C after coming down with a cold may not be helpful.
Research suggests that vitamin C supplements might be more effective in people who do not get enough vitamin C from foods and beverages.
In some studies, IV vitamin C reduced the risk of death, but in other studies it did not affect the risk of death or the amount of organ damage. Other research suggests that IV vitamin C might increase the risk of death or organ damage. Vitamin C is safe at daily intakes up to to 1, mg for children and teens, depending on age, and up to 2, mg for adults.
Taking higher amounts of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps, and it might also cause false readings on blood sugar monitors, which are used by people with diabetes. In people with hemochromatosis an iron overload disorder , high amounts of vitamin C might cause iron build-up in the body, which can damage body tissues.
Vitamin C supplements might decrease the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. More information about vitamin C is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on vitamin C.
For information about vitamin C and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in fatty fish and fish liver oils and in small amounts in beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese.
Your body can also make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and immune function. The RDA ranges from 10 to 15 mcg International Units [ IU ] to IU for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and from 15 to 20 mcg to IU for adults.
People with low vitamin D levels might be more likely to get respiratory infections and might have a higher chance of dying from these infections. Some studies suggest that taking vitamin D supplements regularly might slightly reduce the risk of getting a respiratory infection, especially in people with low vitamin D levels.
However, other studies have not found that taking vitamin D supplements reduces the risk of respiratory infections. In addition, vitamin D supplements do not appear to help treat respiratory infections. People with HIV have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency partly because many HIV medications cause the body to break down vitamin D faster than normal.
Having a vitamin D deficiency might also worsen HIV infection. Vitamin D is safe at daily intakes up to 25 to mcg 1, to 4, IU for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and up to mcg 4, IU for adults.
Taking higher amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. Extremely high doses can cause kidney failure , damaged blood vessels and heart valves, heart rhythm problems, and death.
Vitamin D supplements might interact with some medications such as orlistat used for weight loss , statins used to lower cholesterol levels , thiazide diuretics used for high blood pressure , and steroids.
More information about vitamin D is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on vitamin D. For information about vitamin D and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Vitamin E also called alpha-tocopherol is an essential nutrient found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.
It acts as an antioxidant and helps your immune system function properly. Vitamin E deficiency is rare. The RDA is 4 to 15 mg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and 15 to 19 mg for adults. Some studies have found that vitamin E supplements might help but others have not, and the effects might depend on whether someone has low vitamin E levels.
One study in people who had normal vitamin E levels found that those who took high-dose vitamin E supplements had worse respiratory symptoms and were sick longer. Vitamin E from food is safe at any level. In supplements, vitamin E is safe at daily intakes up to to mg for children and teens, depending on age, and up to 1, mg for adults.
Taking higher amounts can increase the risk of bleeding and stroke. Vitamin E supplements might interact with blood thinners and might reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. More information about vitamin E is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on vitamin E. For information about vitamin E and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Selenium is an essential mineral found in many foods, including Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry , eggs, dairy products, bread, cereals, and other grain products.
It acts as an antioxidant and is important for reproduction, thyroid gland function, and DNA production. The RDA ranges from 15 to 70 micrograms mcg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and from 55 to 70 mcg for adults.
People with HIV have higher risk of selenium deficiency than other people, and this might worsen their infection and increase the risk of death.
Some studies have found that selenium supplements might improve immune function slightly in people with HIV, but other studies have not. Selenium is safe at daily intakes up to 45 to mcg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and up to mcg for adults.
Taking higher amounts can cause a garlic odor in the breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, hair and nail loss or brittleness, skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue , irritability, and nervous system problems.
Selenium might interact with cisplatin a drug used in chemotherapy. More information about selenium is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on selenium.
For information about selenium and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Zinc is an essential nutrient found in seafood, meat, beans, nuts, whole grains , and dairy products.
The RDA ranges from 2 to 13 mg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and from 8 to 12 mg for adults. Some studies suggest that zinc lozenges and zinc syrup speed recovery from the common cold if you start taking them at the start of a cold.
More research is needed to determine the best dose and form of zinc for the common cold as well as how often and how long it should be taken. Some studies in lower income countries show that zinc supplements lower the risk of pneumonia in young children. Studies show that zinc supplements help shorten the duration of diarrhea in children in low-income countries, where zinc deficiency is common.
Many people with HIV have low zinc levels. This occurs because they have trouble absorbing zinc from food and they often have diarrhea, which increases zinc loss. Some studies have found that supplemental zinc decreases diarrhea and complications of HIV, but other studies have not.
Zinc supplements do not appear to reduce the risk of death in people with HIV. Zinc is safe at daily intakes up to 4 to 34 mg for infants, children, and teens, depending on age, and up to 40 mg for adults. Taking higher amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.
High intakes of zinc over a long time can cause low blood levels of copper and impair immune function. Zinc supplements might interact with antibiotics , penicillamine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis , and thiazide diuretics used to treat high blood pressure. More information about zinc is available in the ODS consumer fact sheet on zinc.
For information about zinc and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Andrographis is an herb native to Southeast Asia.
It might help your body fight viruses, reduce inflammation , and strengthen your immune system. Some studies have found that taking andrographis after getting a cold or other respiratory infection might lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten the length of time symptoms last.
However, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. No safety concerns have been reported when andrographis is used as directed. Side effects of andrographis can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, skin rashes, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Andrographis might decrease blood pressure and thin the blood, so it could interact with blood pressure and blood thinning medications.
Andrographis might also decrease the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system. Andrographis might affect fertility, so some scientists recommend avoiding it if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. For information about andrographis and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Echinacea is an herb that grows in North America and Europe.
It might help stop the growth or spread of some types of viruses and other germs. It might also help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Echinacea appears to be safe.
Side effects can include stomach upset, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and skin rashes. In rare cases, echinacea might cause allergic reactions. Echinacea might reduce the effectiveness of some medications, including medications that suppress the immune system.
For information about echinacea and COVID, see the ODS consumer fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Elderberry or elder berry is the fruit of a tree that grows in North America, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Elderberry might help your body fight viruses and other germs, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system. However, some studies have found that elderberry might help relieve symptoms of colds and flu and help people recover quicker. Elderberry flowers and ripe fruit appear to be safe to eat.
However, the bark, leaves, seeds, and raw or unripe elderberry fruit can be poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
This Immune-boosting dietary aids a general overview. For more in-depth information, Fat burner workouts our health aifs fact sheet. Your immune Immune-boostting is made up of AicstissuesImmune-goosting organs that help fight virusesbacteriaand other germs that cause infections and other diseases. For example, your skin helps prevent germs from getting inside your body. Cells that line your digestive tract also help protect against harmful germs that cause diseases. White blood cells try to destroy substances they recognize as foreign to your body.
Immune-boosting dietary aids -
What does the research say? Diet Review: Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Food Safety, Nutrition, and Wellness during COVID Ask the Expert: The role of diet and nutritional supplements during COVID The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice.
You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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What Is Our Immune System? These barriers include: Skin that keeps out the majority of pathogens Mucus that traps pathogens Stomach acid that destroys pathogens Enzymes in our sweat and tears that help create anti-bacterial compounds Immune system cells that attack all foreign cells entering the body Adaptive or acquired immunity is a system that learns to recognize a pathogen.
Other conditions that trigger an immune response Antigens are substances that the body labels as foreign and harmful, which triggers immune cell activity.
What factors can depress our immune system? Older age: As we age, our internal organs may become less efficient; immune-related organs like the thymus or bone marrow produce less immune cells needed to fight off infections.
Aging is sometimes associated with micronutrient deficiencies, which may worsen a declining immune function. Environmental toxins smoke and other particles contributing to air pollution, excessive alcohol : These substances can impair or suppress the normal activity of immune cells.
Excess weight: Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Fat tissue produces adipocytokines that can promote inflammatory processes. Chronic diseases: Autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders attack and potentially disable immune cells.
Chronic mental stress: Stress releases hormones like cortisol that suppresses inflammation inflammation is initially needed to activate immune cells and the action of white blood cells.
Lack of sleep and rest: Sleep is a time of restoration for the body , during which a type of cytokine is released that fights infection; too little sleep lowers the amount of these cytokines and other immune cells.
Does an Immune-Boosting Diet Exist? Probiotic foods include kefir, yogurt with live active cultures, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, tempeh, kombucha tea, kimchi, and miso. Prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, bananas , and seaweed.
However, a more general rule is to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables , beans , and whole grains for dietary prebiotics.
Chicken soup as medicine? Is there scientific evidence that it aids in healing? But when breaking down its ingredients, it does appear a worthwhile remedy to try. Second, it provides fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, which can easily occur with a fever. Lastly, a traditional chicken soup recipe supplies various nutrients involved in the immune system: protein and zinc from the chicken, vitamin A from carrots, vitamin C from celery and onions, and antioxidants in the onions and herbs.
A note on COVID The COVID pandemic is creating a range of unique and individual impacts—from food access issues, income disruptions, emotional distress, and beyond.
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Towards a Food Pharmacy: Immunologic Modulation through Diet. Caballero S, Pamer EG. Microbiota-mediated inflammation and antimicrobial defense in the intestine.
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Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Vaccines protect you. Mitra S, Paul S, Roy S, et al. Exploring the immune-boosting functions of vitamins and minerals as nutritional food bioactive compounds: A comprehensive review.
NIH National Library of Medicine. Common colds: Does vitamin C keep you healthy? Calder PC. Foods to deliver immune-supporting nutrients.
Curr Opin Food Sci. Khalid W, Arshad MS, Ranjha MMAN, et al. F unctional constituents of plant-based foods boost immunity against acute and chronic disorders.
Open Life Sci. Govers C, Berkel Kasikci M, van der Sluis AA, Mes JJ. Review of the health effects of berries and their phytochemicals on the digestive and immune systems. Nutr Rev. Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, et al.
Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review. Front Nutr. Ashraf R, Shah NP. Immune system stimulation by probiotic microorganisms.
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther.
Aucoin M, Cardozo V, McLaren MD, et al. A systematic review on the effects of Echinacea supplementation on cytokine levels: Is there a role in COVID?
Metabol Open. Wang S, Li Z, Ma Y, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of green tea polyphenols. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A comprehensive study of therapeutic applications of chamomile.
Pharmaceuticals Basel. Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, et al. Synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of ginger and turmeric extracts in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ-induced proinflammatory mediators.
Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Penn Medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Six tips to enhance immunity. Garbarino S, Lanteri P, Bragazzi NL, et al. Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes. Commun Biol. Use limited data to select advertising.
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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. By Lindsay Curtis. Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD.
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Protect your immune system Deitary fall with these vitamin supplements. Updated Dietzry. Read how we test products and services. Whether Suppressing cravings naturally, spring, summer Immune-boostiny fall -- germs don't care the season, they Boosts digestive metabolism like to spread. There are ways to protect yourself, however, both in the colder and the warmer months. In addition to getting a flu shot, getting enough sleep and washing your hands often, you can take supplements to boost your immune system. When deciding on the best multivitamin or immunity supplement, pay attention to which vitamins and nutrients are included on the label.
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