Top 5 Immunity
If staying healthy is on your mind, like many people today, you may be considering adding an immune system support supplement to your daily routine. And that makes good sense – because a healthy, highly responsive immune system is the key to a long and healthy life.
But before you drop your hard-earned money on just any immune support formula, here’s what you need to know. While some immunity blends may help your immune system respond more quickly and efficiently, the reality is that many fall short. We’ve discovered that some of the most popular brands use unproven ingredients, insufficient levels of active ingredients, or low-quality fillers.
To help you cut through the clutter and make an informed decision, we put together this comprehensive immune system supplement guide. We looked at a wide array of ingredients that claim to have immune system supporting benefits. We determined – based on months of research – which ingredients are “must-haves.” We then looked at dozens of formulas, selected our favorites, and figured out what to avoid. Only the best products with outstanding user satisfaction, generous return policies, and high value made our top 5 list.
How Your Immune System Works
Your immune system’s primary task is fighting off infection-causing microbes like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It also fights cell changes inside your body that cause diseases. You don’t notice your immune system when things are running smoothly, but if it’s too weak to fight off an aggressive invader – you can become quite ill.
T-cells and B-cells are two types of white blood cells that your immune system uses to defend your body from harmful outside invaders. When a microbe enters your body, it triggers a series of white blood cell responses.
T-cells recognize that the microbe is foreign, and then a type of T-cell called a killer cell eliminates it.
Your immune system remembers every microbe it has ever defeated. It reacts quickly the next time that microbe enters your body before it has a chance to multiply and make you sick again. B-cells create the antibodies that quickly defeat previously encountered microbes. That’s called immunity.
Without a balanced and supported immune system, you have no way of fighting invaders that enter your body or harmful elements that manifest inside your body. For these reasons, fortifying your immune system so it can function at its peak is one of the surest ways to stay healthy. 1-2
Quality Immune Support Supplements Help To:
- Support the immune system process8-12
- Enhance antibody response10-12
- Modulate the activation of immune system cells such as B-cells and T-cells11
- Reduce the likelihood of contracting an infection16
- Decrease the duration of illnesses8-9
- Reduce the severity of upper respiratory symptoms8-10
- Alleviate allergy symptoms8
2023’s Top Immune Support Supplements
Our review encompassed dozens of different immune support supplements, putting each through our rigorous Review Scout assessment process. To determine 2023’s Top 5 Immune System Supplements, we looked for predicted effectiveness, safety, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.
#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Immunity
A+
Overall Grade
#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Immunity
-
OVERALL RATING
9.7/10
-
Predicted Effectiveness
9.7/10
-
Value
9.6/10
-
Safety
9.9/10
-
Return Policy
9.8/10
-
User Satisfaction
9.7/10
PROS
- Includes Our Top 4 Ingredients – Elderberry, Echinacea, Zinc, Lactobacillus acidophilus Probiotic
- Vegan with Vegetarian Capsule, Allergen Free, Antibiotic Free, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Hormone Free, No Binders or Fillers
- Endorsed by a Doctor
- Plus 6 Addition Immune-Boosting Ingredients: Garlic, Vitamins C, B6, and E,
L-glutamine HCL, and Turmeric Curcumin - Can be used as both a Daily Immune Support Supplement and Rapid Response When Sick
- Verified 90-day
100% money-back return policy
CONS
- Often out of stock due to high demand
Why We Chose It
Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Immunity is Review Scout’s number one choice for daily immune support supplement. In reviewing dozens of brands, we found that most include one or two of our top ingredients but rarely all four. This formula is a potent blend of 10 immune-boosting ingredients. The blend including our favorites: Elderberry, Echinacea, Zinc, and Lactobacillus acidophilus Probiotic, along with Garlic, Vitamins C, B6, and E, L-glutamine HCL, and Turmeric Curcumin.
We were impressed that Stonehenge Health chose to include probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus, which you’ll rarely find in an immune support supplement. Numerous studies show that this probiotic strain supports the immune system and helps reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection. 18
Dynamic Immunity’s Elderberry Extract is super concentrated at a 10 to 1 ratio, meaning its 300 mg dosage is equivalent to 3,000 mg of pure Elderberry. We also like that this blend uses Echinacea purpurea aerial. The aerial parts of Echinacea, meaning the leaves and flowers instead of the roots, contain higher concentrations of polysaccharides that are best for ongoing immune system support. 19
Rather than taking separate pills, we like that you get the benefits of all these bug-fighting immune boosters in one easy-to-swallow supplement. This formula has the right combination of ingredients to help strengthen your immune system and support your body’s ability to fight off infections quickly if you get sick.
We were able to verify that Stonehenge Health’s formula does not contain any synthetic fillers, artificial ingredients, or sugars. Stonehenge Health backs all of its supplements with a no-questions-asked, 90-day money-back guarantee and is one of the few brands to be endorsed by a board-certified doctor. We also like that they offer customers discounts on bundles. Click on the link below to see their current specials.
*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
#2 Truvani Immune Support
A-
Overall Grade
#2 Truvani Immune Support
-
OVERALL RATING
9.0/10
-
Predicted Effectiveness
8.9/10
-
Value
9/10
-
Safety
9.5/10
-
Return Policy
8.5/10
-
User Satisfaction
8.9/10
PROS
- Contains Elderberry Extract, Echinacea, Garlic, and Astragalus
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and vegan
CONS
- Tablets instead of capsules
- Does not include Zinc or a Probiotic
- Limited 30 Day money-back guarantee
Why We Chose It
Truvani Immune Support is a quality supplement that promises to support your immune system’s health while it helps your body respond if you do become sick. It includes two of our four favorite ingredients: Elderberry Extract and Echinacea. It’s 300 mg dosage of Elderberry Extract is at a respectable 4 to 1 concentration ratio.
We like that Immune Support is made with organic real food ingredients that are third-party tested to ensure purity. Although this brand is missing Zinc and a probiotic, it does include Astragalus Root, a polysaccharide-rich herb native to China that supports respiratory health. 20
Truvani chose to make this supplement in tablet form instead of capsules. The problem with tablets is that they break down inconsistently in your body, decreasing absorption and overall effectiveness. Studies show that capsules have higher bioavailability than tablets, meaning more nutrients are likely to enter your bloodstream.21 Truvani allows only 30 days to return the product for a full refund.
*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
#3 Pure Synergy Rapid Rescue
B+
Overall Grade
#3 Pure Synergy Rapid Rescue
-
OVERALL RATING
8.9/10
-
Predicted Effectiveness
8.8/10
-
Value
8.4/10
-
Safety
9/10
-
Return Policy
9.5/10
-
User Satisfaction
8.9/10
PROS
- Contains Elderberry and Echinacea
- 90 Day money-back guarantee
- Organic ingredients
- Non-GMO, No Gluten, No dairy, Np sugar, No artificial ingredients
CONS
- Missing Zinc, Garlic, and a Probiotic
- Not a daily immune support supplement
Why We Chose It
Pure Synergy suggests you reach for Rapid Rescue as soon as you start feeling under the weather. Instead of a daily immune system support supplement, this product is marketed as a treatment that promises a fast-acting immune response if you find yourself becoming ill or are in the midst of an illness.
The ingredients in Synergy’s formula have been shown to support its “rescue” claim. Elderberry is known to reduce the severity and duration of infections. 22 Andrographis Extract is an immunostimulant for upper respiratory tract infections. 23 Echinacea purpurea Juice Extract is a particular ingredient shown in studies as being useful for the short-term treatment of cold infections and encouraging healthy throat, sinus, and repository health. 19 Many of the comments from users support the claim that this product may help stop cold and flu symptoms from progressing.
The makers suggest taking two pills three times a day for one week. One bottle contains 42 capsules, suitable for one bout of cold or flu. Pure Synergy offers a generous 90 Day money-back guarantee.
*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
#4 Garden of Life Elderberry Immune Gummy
B
Overall Grade
#4 Garden of Life Elderberry Immune Gummy
-
OVERALL RATING
8.6/10
-
Predicted Effectiveness
8.8/10
-
Value
8.5/10
-
Safety
8/10
-
Return Policy
8.8/10
-
User Satisfaction
9/10
PROS
- Certified organic ingredients
- Good taste
- Contains Elderberry, Echinacea, and Zinc
CONS
- 7 grams of sugar per serving
- Proprietary Blend
- Limited 14 Day money-back guarantee
Why We Chose It
Garden of Life Elderberry Immune Gummies is a popular immune support supplement with both adults and kids. These gummies are made with certified organic, non-GMO verified real fruit. Its primary immune-boosting ingredient is Black Elderberry concentrate and extract. Although it’s 355mg dosage is substantial, the supporting ingredients are at insignificant levels. For instance, you’ll find only 50 mg of Echinacea Root Extract and 100mg of Aronia Berry concentrate in this formulation.
Many users claim this product tastes good, commenting that they’re as good as candy. On the bright side, the pleasing taste encourages people – especially kids, to take them every day. The problem is with the 7 grams of sugar in each serving. One week’s dosage has the sugar equivalent of 2 1/2 Snickers bars. That’s a lot of sugar! And something you should consider if you’re keeping an eye on your weight. Finally, we were disappointed in Garden of Life’s return policy. You have a mere 14 days from the day you purchase to return this product for a refund.
*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
#5 Nufargo Berrymune
B-
Overall Grade
#5 Nufargo Berrymune
-
OVERALL RATING
8.2/10
-
Predicted Effectiveness
8.3/10
-
Value
8/10
-
Safety
8/10
-
Return Policy
8.5/10
-
User Satisfaction
8.4/10
PROS
- Includes Elderberry and Zinc
- Doubles as a multivitamin
- Boosts energy levels
- Includes Tibetan Buckthorn
CONS
- Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide
- Proprietary Blend
- Missing Echinacea, Garlic, and Probiotics
- Gelatin Capsules – not vegan
Why We Chose It
Nufargos Berrymune contains two superfruit berry extracts – Elderberry and Tibetan Buchthorn – plus 11 vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Nurfargo claims that this blend has antioxidant benefits that keep inflammation under control along with ingredients Elderberry Extract, Zinc, and Vitamin C to promote a healthy respiratory tract. Berrymune contains a high dosage of B vitamins to help boost your energy levels.
There were a few things that we found disappointing with Berrymune. First, they’ve hidden the amount of Elderberry Extract in a propriety blend, so there’s no way of knowing how much of this proven herb is in the formula. Second, the supplements contain both Silicon Dioxide and Magnesium Stearate, two fillers that you should avoid. And finally, Nufargos only offers a limited 30-day return policy.
*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
Citations
- “How Does The Immune System Work?”. 2020. Ocrc.Net. https://ocrc.net/how-does-the-immune-system-work/.
- “The Immune System”. 2020. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system.
- Can Lack Of Sleep Make You Sick?”. 2020. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757#:~:text=Yes%2C%20lack%20of%20
- “Nutrition And Immunity”. 2020. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/.
- Stay Home, Stay Well, and Hydration System. 2020. “Hydration For Immune System | UCI”. UCI. https://ssihi.uci.edu/tip/hydration-for-immune-system/.
- 2020. Cdc.Gov. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_overall
- Mcleod, Saul. 2020. “Stress, Illness And The Immune System | Simply Psychology”. Simplypsychology.Org. https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html#:~:text=The%20stress%20hormone%20corticosteroid%20can%20suppress%20the%20effectiveness,reduce%20their%20stress%2C%20such%20as%20drinking%20and%20smoking.
- Krawitz, Christian, Mobarak Abu Mraheil, Michael Stein, Can Imirzalioglu, Eugen Domann, Stephan Pleschka, and Torsten Hain. 2011. “Inhibitory Activity Of A Standardized Elderberry Liquid Extract Against Clinically-Relevant Human Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens And Influenza A And B Viruses”. BMC Complementary And Alternative Medicine 11 (1). doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-16.
- Hawkins, Jessie, Colby Baker, Lindsey Cherry, and Elizabeth Dunne. 2019. “Black Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) Supplementation Effectively Treats Upper Respiratory Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials”. Complementary Therapies In Medicine 42: 361-365. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004.
- Hudson, James, and Selvarani Vimalanathan. 2011. “Echinacea—A Source Of Potent Antivirals For Respiratory Virus Infections”. Pharmaceuticals 4 (7): 1019-1031. doi:10.3390/ph4071019.
- Kaltenberg, Jennifer, Laura M. Plum, Julia L. Ober‐Blöbaum, Andrea Hönscheid, Lothar Rink, and Hajo Haase. 2010. “Zinc Signals Promote IL‐2‐Dependent Proliferation Of T Cells”. European Journal Of Immunology 40 (5): 1496-1503. doi:10.1002/eji.200939574.
- Read, Scott A, Stephanie Obeid, Chantelle Ahlenstiel, and Golo Ahlenstiel. 2019. “The Role Of Zinc In Antiviral Immunity”. Advances In Nutrition 10 (4): 696-710. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz013.
- King, Sarah, Julie Glanville, Mary Ellen Sanders, Anita Fitzgerald, and Danielle Varley. 2014. “Effectiveness Of Probiotics On The Duration Of Illness In Healthy Children And Adults Who Develop Common Acute Respiratory Infectious Conditions: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis”. British Journal Of Nutrition 112 (1): 41-54. doi:10.1017/s0007114514000075
- “Lactobacillus Acidophilus – An Overview | Sciencedirect Topics”. 2020. Sciencedirect.Com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/lactobacillus-acidophilus
- Frøkiær, Hanne, Louise Henningsen, Stine Broeng Metzdorff, Gudrun Weiss, Marc Roller, John Flanagan, Emilie Fromentin, and Alvin Ibarra. 2012. “Astragalus Root And Elderberry Fruit Extracts Enhance The IFN-Β Stimulatory Effects Of Lactobacillus Acidophilus In Murine-Derived Dendritic Cells”. Plos ONE 7 (10): e47878. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047878.
- Shah, Sachin A, Stephen Sander, C Michael White, Mike Rinaldi, and Craig I Coleman. 2007. “Evaluation Of Echinacea For The Prevention And Treatment Of The Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis”. The Lancet Infectious Diseases 7 (7): 473-480. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(07)70160-3.
- Amazon Flooded With Millions Of Fake Reviews In 2019 – Reviewmeta Blog “. 2019. Reviewmeta.Com. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/.
- Prado Acosta, Mariano, Eileen M. Geoghegan, Bernd Lepenies, Sandra Ruzal, Margaret Kielian, and Maria Guadalupe Martinez. 2019. “Surface (S) Layer Proteins Of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Block Virus Infection Via DC-SIGN Interaction”. Frontiers In Microbiology 10. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.00810
- “Echinacea: A Brief History Of Use And Research – Naturopathic Doctor News And Review”. 2020. Ndnr.Com.https://ndnr.com/botanical-medicine/echinacea-a-brief-history-of-use-and-research/.
- H, Koehler, Puchalski K, Ruiz G, Jacobs B, and Langland J. 2020. “The Role Of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents In The Immunostimulatory Activity Of The Botanical, Astragalus Membranaceus”. The Yale Journal Of Biology And Medicine 93 (2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32607085/
- “Capsules Vs Tablets, Which Form Of Supplement Is The Best?”. 2016. Pure Science Supplements. https://www.puresciencesupplements.com/blogs/articles/ultimate-guide-to-supplements-part-4-dietary-supplement-delivery-system-which-form-of-supplement-is-the-best-capsule-tablets-or-powder.
- Porter, Randall S., and Robert F. Bode. 2017. “A Review Of The Antiviral Properties Of Black Elder (Sambucus Nigral.) Products”. Phytotherapy Research 31 (4): 533-554. doi:10.1002/ptr.5782.
- P. Radhika, S. Nageswara Rao. 2012. “Immunostimulant, Cerebroprotective & Nootropic Activities Of Andrographis Paniculata Leaves Extract In Normal & Type 2 Diabetic Rats”. The Indian Journal Of Medical Research 135 (5): 636. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM
- Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc. “Office Of Dietary Supplements – Zinc”. 2020. Ods.Od.Nih.Gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/.