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Before you begin -

Some supplements have only been studied for how they can prevent or reduce the symptoms of the common cold and the flu.

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Before you begin -

If you suffer from any health condition, we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor before trying any of the supplements on this list. Some compounds may interact with medications, posing a health risk to people with certain conditions.

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Vitamin C -

Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is a popular choice when it comes to boosting the immune system.

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Vitamin C -

This vitamin has great antioxidant effects and, being water soluble, it’s pretty safe to consume, as any excess will be flushed out your body, mostly through urine.

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Vitamin C -

Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of the common cold by 8 to 14% if taken before you catch it. This reduction is even more accentuated in athletes.

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Zinc -

This essential mineral is yet another popular choice when it comes to boosting the immune system.

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Zinc -

Taking zinc as soon as symptoms of the common cold appear can reduce its duration.

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Zinc -

Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, and zinc prevents the virus from multiplying. It is, however, unclear if it works with other types of viruses.

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Zinc -

Oral lozenges are superior to tablets and sprays. This is because lozenges help inhibit the replication of the virus at the back of the throat.

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Vitamin D - This vitamin also plays an important role in our immunity. Vitamin D is naturally produced by our bodies when we’re exposed to direct sunlight.

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Vitamin D -

The problem is that many of us lack the necessary daily exposure to produce the appropriate levels of vitamin D, leading to deficiency.

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Vitamin D -

In supplement form, vitamin D3 works best. A study has shown that supplementation reduced the incidence of flu in schoolchildren.

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Echinacea -

This herb can also help boost your immune system. It's a well known supplement used to ward off the common cold.

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Echinacea -

A review on the effects of echinacea on respiratory tract infections (RTIs) concluded that “echinacea presents an effective option for the longer term management of recurrent RTIs and related complications.”

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Probiotics - These living microorganisms play an important role in your immunity. Though specific strains may work differently in different people, because everyone has different gut microbiome.

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Probiotics - Numerous studies are supportive of probiotics’ capacity of boosting the immune system, including its efficiency in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections in children.

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Vitamin E - A study shows that supplementing vitamin E offers a mild protective effect against upper respiratory tract infections in the elderly.

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Pelargonium sidoides -

Also known as African geranium, this herbal drug has been proven to be effective in the treatment of the common cold.

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Garlic -

Garlic does, in fact, have more antibacterial than antiviral properties, though it can still help boost your immune system.

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Elderberry -

Elderberry is yet another supplement that can help boost your immunity. It has been shown to reduce symptoms and the duration of the common cold.

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L-cystine and L-theanine -

A study suggests that the combination of both these aminoacids may help prevent incidence of the common cold.

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Tinospora cordifolia -

Also known as Guduchi or Amrita, this immune system boosting herb is particularly effective as an anti-allergic.

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Nigella sativa (Black cumin) -

This spice contains thymoquinone, which can boost the immune system.

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Andrographis paniculata -

This herb, traditionally used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to reduce the duration of the common cold.

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Astragalus membranaceus -

This herb, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is known to activate T-cells, which play a central role in our immune response.

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Chlorella -

Although more research is needed, a study found that this freshwater algae can boost the immune system.

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Spirulina -

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See also - Supercharge your health with these nutrient-dense foods

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