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Caroline Igo (she/her/hers) is a wellness editor and holds Sleep Science Coach and Stress Management certifications from the Spencer Institute. She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Miami University and continues to develop her craft in her spare time. Before joining CNET, Caroline wrote for former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan.
- Carl R. Greer/Andrew D. Hepburn Award for Best Nonfiction Essay (Miami University, 2020)
It’s always a good idea to get a head start on boosting your immunity, especially before cold and flu season hits. There are several ways to keep your immune system functioning optimally during both the colder and warmer months, but supplements are an easy solution to ensure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. The best immunity supplements complement getting your flu shot, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We’ve compiled a list of the best immunity supplements you should own.
Which vitamins are good for immunity?
When choosing the best multivitamin or immunity supplement, pay attention to which vitamins and nutrients are listed on the label. The best vitamins, minerals, and herbs for immunity are:
The following supplements contain high amounts of the immune vitamins mentioned above.
Dosage: 2 softgels, to be taken daily with a meal
Nature’s Bounty has been around for over 50 years and is a brand that consistently appears on our best vitamin lists. Their products are all non-GMO and contain no artificial colors, flavors, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, yeast, sodium or fish.
Two softgels of the Immune 24 Hour Plus supplement contain 750 mg of vitamin A, 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 15 mcg of vitamin D, 2 mg of vitamin B6, 666 mcg of folate, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, 600 mcg of biotin, 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 25 mg of magnesium, 15 mg of zinc, 17 mg of elderberry, 16.5 mg of echinacea, and 16.6 mg of astragalus. Other ingredients include rice bran oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and 2% or less of carob powder (color), natural caramel color, sunflower lecithin, and yellow beeswax.
These supplements rely on the immune support of Ester-Ca version of vitamin C that lasts up to 24 hours in the body. The high doses of vitamin A, zinc and B vitamins also support immune function.
Take two softgels daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle lasts approximately 25 days.
Advantages:
- Contains vitamin C which stays in your white blood cells for up to 24 hours
- Packed with 13 vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements
Cons:
- Not vegan, contains yellow beeswax and gelatin
- One bottle lasts only 25 days
Dosage: 2 capsules daily with a meal
The Vitamin Shoppe has physical stores across the country, as well as an online store. The well-known brand offers a number of immunity supplements, and we’ve put the best two on this list.
One serving of Immune Essentials contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 50 mcg of vitamin D3, 50 mg of zinc, and 250 mg of elderberry extract. Other ingredients include hypromellose (capsule), rice flour, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. The capsules are free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sugar, salt, and preservatives. Elderberry extract may support a healthy immune system during cold and flu season.
Take two capsules daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle lasts approximately 30 days.
Advantages:
- Contains no sugar
- High potency of vitamin C, vitamin D3 and zinc
Cons:
- Contains only three vitamins and one herbal supplement
- One bottle lasts only 30 days
Dosage: 1 gummy, daily with a meal
My favorite vitamins on this list are the gummy supplements from The Vitamin Shoppe. I personally take them every day for their high elderberry potency. Plus, they’re delicious.
Each elderberry gummy contains 90mg of vitamin C, 1g of total carbohydrates, 40mg of elderberry extract, 1g of total sugars, and 1g of added sugars. The other ingredients are sugar, organic tapioca syrup, purified water, MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil, pectin, tapioca starch, natural raspberry flavor, citric acid, natural food coloring, sunflower lecithin extract for color. The gummies are free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, gelatin, synthetic dyes, and artificial coloring. In addition to the vitamin C and elderberry, the supplements contain propolis extract, which can be used as an anti-inflammatory. Sun hat extract also supports a healthy immune system.
Take two gummies daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle lasts approximately 60 days.
Advantages:
- Raspberry flavor tastes great
- Lasts approximately 60 days
Cons:
- Each serving contains 4 grams of sugar
- The sweet taste is not for everyone
Dosage: 1 to 2 gummies
Olly is sold at Goal, CVS, Walgreens And AmazonThe company’s products are also certified by the National Sanitation Foundationwhich ensures that products meet strict public health safety standards. Olly is also B-Corporation certified, which means that the company is transparent about its environmental performance (such as waste management) and social performance (such as employee benefits).
Depending on serving size, Olly’s Kids Immunity supplements contain 15 to 30 mg of vitamin C, 2.5 to 5 mcg of vitamin D, 1.5 to 3 mcg of zinc, 50 to 100 mg of acerola cherry extract (a rich source of vitamin C), 35 to 70 mg Wellmune baker’s yeast beta-glucan (a researched and lab-grown nutrient with multiple health benefits) and 12.5 to 25 mg elderberry juice powder. The gummies are gluten free and made with natural colors and no artificial flavors. The other ingredients are glucose syrup, beet sugar, water, gelatin, citric acid, natural flavor, pectin, color (from sweet potato, apple, radish, cherry, carrot and chokeberry juices) and lactic acid.
Olly recommends that children ages 2-4 chew only one gummy per day. People ages 5 and up can chew two gummies per day. Consult your doctor before giving your children any supplements. One bottle will last 25-50 days if taken daily.
Advantages:
- Easy to chew for children
- Delicious taste that kids will love
Cons:
- It is advisable to consult a doctor before giving vitamins to children
- Children easily confuse gummy vitamins with candy
Liquid IV has gained popularity in recent years. The company’s claim to fame is its Cellular transport technologywhich combines sodium, glucose, potassium and water. This delivery system makes it easier for the body to absorb water and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
Liquid IV’s Hydration Multiplier Plus blend now includes added immune support. One stick contains 45 calories, 500mg sodium, 11g carbohydrates, 10g sugar, 370mg potassium, 504mg vitamin C, 24.4mg niacin, 2.5mg vitamin B6, 7.8mcg vitamin B12, 11.5mg pantothenic acid, and 10.5mg zinc. Other ingredients include natural flavors and stevia leaf extract. In addition to hydration and immune support, the B vitamins in Liquid IV also provide your body with energy.
Choose between tangerine and wild berry flavors. Dissolve one stick of mix in two cups (16 ounces) of water. One package contains 14 sticks of drink mix.
Advantages:
- Available in two delicious flavours: mandarin and wild berry
- Faster hydration than water alone
Cons:
- The most expensive on this list
- One stick contains 10 grams of sugar
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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.
