Immune System
Nutrients connected to Immune System
A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.
- ZincEstablished role
Zinc is needed for normal immune function. Supplements help if zinc is low; we did not read evidence of extra benefit when intake is adequate.
- Trichosanthes (tian hua fen)Documented risk
The protein can trigger severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and antibodies to it can form.
- Brown roll-rimDocumented risk
The harm is an immune reaction to the mushroom in sensitised people.
- Sesame seedDocumented risk
Sesame is a major food allergen; the immune reaction can cause anaphylaxis.
- AlmondsDocumented risk
Food allergy to almond is an immune reaction.
- WalnutsDocumented risk
Food allergy is an immune reaction.
- Hazelnuts (Filberts)Documented risk
Allergic reactions to hazelnut are immune reactions.
- Macadamia NutsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to macadamia are immune reactions.
- PeanutsDocumented risk
Peanut allergy involves the immune system; early introduction may prevent it in high-risk infants.
- Nut & Seed Butters (overview)Documented risk
Food allergy is an immune reaction to peanut, tree nut or sesame proteins.
- Sesame Seeds & TahiniDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to sesame are immune reactions; see the allergy sources.
- Black WalnutsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to tree nuts involve the immune system.
- Hickory NutsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to tree nuts involve the immune system.
- Mixed Nuts & Trail MixDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to peanut and tree nuts in a blend.
- Calendula TeaDocumented risk
Allergic reactions are the best-documented safety issue for daisy-family teas.
- Anise TeaDocumented risk
Allergic reactions affecting skin or airways may occur.
- Lupini Beans (Lupins)Documented risk
Lupin allergy is an immune reaction; avoidance is the only prevention.
- Peanut OilDocumented risk
Peanut protein left in the oil can trigger the immune system in allergic people.
- Marine Collagen (Fish)Documented risk
Fish collagen is a recognized allergen; reactions can be severe.
- Immune Support FormulasPreliminary or mixed
Single-ingredient trials only; mushroom evidence is mostly lab or small studies.
- Vitamin AEstablished role
Vitamin A supports the immune system; strongest evidence is in children at risk of deficiency.
- Vitamin EEstablished role
Vitamin E helps the immune system defend against viruses and bacteria. No source we read shows extra supplements boost immunity when intake is adequate.
- SeleniumEstablished role
Selenium helps the immune system work properly.
- CopperEstablished role
Copper helps the body make white blood cells and supports immune function.
- AshwagandhaDocumented risk
Possible interaction with immunosuppressants; not recommended in autoimmune disorders.
- DandelionDocumented risk
Allergy to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae) is a listed reason not to use dandelion, and allergic reactions can occur.
- ElderberryPreliminary or mixed
Small trials suggest elderberry may ease cold and flu symptoms, but the evidence is preliminary and uncertain.
- EchinaceaPreliminary or mixed
Used on the idea of stimulating immunity; human evidence is limited and mixed.
- Burdock rootDocumented risk
Allergic reactions, linked to compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, are the main documented risk of the root.
- Pine pollenDocumented risk
Pine pollen can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to pollen. In one study of 65 pine-pollen-allergic patients, skin tests were positive to every pine pollen extract tested in 69%.
- Reishi (lingzhi)Preliminary or mixed
Reishi beta-glucans act on immune cells in the lab and some immune-cell percentages rose slightly in cancer patients, but this has not been shown to mean fewer infections or better outcomes.
- Turkey tailPreliminary or mixed
Studied for immune markers; effects on health outcomes are unproven.
- ShiitakePreliminary or mixed
Small trials of dried shiitake in healthy adults changed immune lab markers and the purified injected lentinan is an approved cancer add-on in Japan and China, but no source shows that eating shiitake or taking supplements prevents illness.
- MaitakePreliminary or mixed
Natural killer cell activity and other immune measures changed in small trials; effect on illness unproven.
- Cauliflower mushroomPreliminary or mixed
Beta-glucan acts on immune cells in the lab and in animals; human data are small and uncontrolled.
- Phellinus and SanghuangPreliminary or mixed
One 8-week trial in healthy adults linked a Phellinus linteus extract to higher natural killer cell activity at one of three test ratios; other immune markers did not change significantly. It is a lab marker, not proof of fewer infections.
- ChrysanthemumDocumented risk
Chrysanthemum is a daisy-family plant that can sensitize; people allergic to ragweed, mugwort or chamomile may react to herbal products from related plants. The tea itself was not tested.
- Houttuynia (yu xing cao)Documented risk
Injection-related anaphylaxis.
- False tinder conk (willow bracket)Preliminary or mixed
Same single trial; lab markers only.
- Pink peppercornDocumented risk
Pink peppercorn is in the cashew family; most allergic children in one small study had a positive skin test to it. Real reactions are not confirmed by eating tests.
- Tiger milk mushroomPreliminary or mixed
Lab and animal work shows immune-cell activation; one hay fever trial reported lower symptoms but allergy markers did not change. No trial shows fewer infections.
- Coriander seedDocumented risk
Allergy to coriander is documented in children and adults.
- AlfalfaDocumented risk
Immune activation and lupus-flare cautions for tablets and seeds.
- PeachesDocumented risk
Peach allergy is an immune reaction to peach proteins such as Pru p 3.
- MangoDocumented risk
True mango allergy exists, including anaphylaxis in case reports; call 911 for breathing trouble or swelling of the face or throat.
- LycheeDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to a lychee protein (profilin) are described in case reports.
- DukkahDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to nuts and sesame involve the immune system; severe reactions are called anaphylaxis.
- Thunder god vineDocumented risk
Immunosuppression and lower white blood cell counts are described.
- Amchur (dried green mango powder)Documented risk
Mango allergy is described, with variable cross-reaction to cashew and pistachio.
- ChestnutsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to chestnut, including in latex-fruit syndrome, are documented.
- Poppy SeedsDocumented risk
Allergic sensitization to poppy seed proteins.
- AcornsDocumented risk
Anaphylaxis to acorns has been reported in a case; oak pollen allergy can involve acorns.
- Perilla SeedsDocumented risk
Perilla seed allergy, including anaphylaxis, is documented in Korean children.
- Sesame OilDocumented risk
Sesame allergy is rising and usually persists.
- PropolisDocumented risk
Sensitization and allergic reactions are the main documented risk.
- Bee Venom (Apitherapy)Documented risk
Venom can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some people.
- Multi-Collagen Blends (Types I, II, III, V, X)Documented risk
Allergic reactions to fish collagen are documented; stacking sources raises the chance a blend contains an allergen.
- Whey Protein PowderDocumented risk
Milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins, including those in whey.
- Plant Protein PowdersDocumented risk
Allergy to soy or pea is an immune reaction; reactions can be serious.
- Vitamin B6Established role
B6 helps make antibodies. Extra B6 is not shown to boost immunity when intake is adequate.
- Vitamin CPreliminary or mixed
Regular vitamin C slightly shortened colds but did not prevent them in the general public.
- Chia, hemp, perilla and walnut oilsDocumented risk
Tree nut allergy is an immune reaction. Walnut oil may not suit people with that allergy.
- GlutathionePreliminary or mixed
Natural killer cell activity rose in one trial; it is a lab marker, not an infection outcome.
- American ginsengPreliminary or mixed
Cold-prevention trials gave limited, mixed results; no firm conclusion on immune effects in people.
- Asian ginsengPreliminary or mixed
Preliminary evidence on flu risk and immune function.
- Chicory rootDocumented risk
Allergy to chicory, with birch pollen cross-reactivity, is described in case reports.
- ForsythiaPreliminary or mixed
Used in formulas for colds and COVID-19; evidence is formula-level and limited.
- CordycepsPreliminary or mixed
Natural killer cell activity rose in small trials of C. militaris.
- Oyster mushroomPreliminary or mixed
Pleuran trials in children; purified extract, limited evidence.
- Almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens)Preliminary or mixed
Small trials and lab work suggest immune effects, but results are mixed (a lung-cancer surgery pilot did not significantly improve natural-killer-cell recovery) and most evidence is preclinical.
- Platycodon (balloon flower)Preliminary or mixed
One 8-week trial found higher NK cell activity with a red platycodon extract than placebo. It measured a blood marker, not infections, so benefit for immunity is not shown.
- Black trumpetLab or animal research only
Immune effects of a polysaccharide in cells and mice only.
- Paddy straw mushroomDocumented risk
A case report describes invasive infection with this fungus in a transplant patient; people with weak immunity should ask their care team.
- Cicada cordycepsLab or animal research only
Mouse spore-polysaccharide study.
- Birch leafDocumented risk
Allergy to the herb or birch pollen is a contraindication, and allergic reactions have been reported.
- Bamboo mushroomLab or animal research only
Glucans activate immune cells in cell dishes and some mouse models. No human trial was found, so no benefit in people is shown.
- Anise (aniseed)Documented risk
Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive people, including cross-reaction with other carrot-family plants.
- ChlorellaPreliminary or mixed
Chlorella is listed among supplements with immune-stimulating properties; the health meaning is not established.
- PaprikaDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to paprika are described in case reports and reviews.
- Smoked paprika (pimentón)Documented risk
Allergic reactions to paprika are described in a case report.
- Orange cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)Preliminary or mixed
Natural killer cell activity rose in two small trials.
- Papaya leafPreliminary or mixed
Studied only in people with dengue; reviews call the evidence limited.
- Mistletoe (European)Lab or animal research only
Immune stimulation is reported in lab and animal studies; not shown to benefit people.
- Perilla (shiso)Preliminary or mixed
One small hay fever trial.
- Wild indigoLab or animal research only
Lab studies show root compounds stimulate mouse immune cells; human benefit is not established.
- Chia SeedsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to chia seed are reported.
- FlaxseedDocumented risk
Allergic reactions reported.
- Hemp Seeds (Hemp Hearts)Documented risk
Case reports describe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, after eating hemp seed.
- Sunflower SeedsDocumented risk
Sunflower seed allergy can cause hives and anaphylaxis in some people.
- Watermelon SeedsDocumented risk
Allergic reactions to watermelon seed were reported in children.
- Sacha Inchi (Inca Peanut)Documented risk
An occupational allergy and asthma case is reported for the seeds.
- Ashwagandha TeaDocumented risk
Autoimmune and immunosuppressant cautions.
- Echinacea TeaPreliminary or mixed
Cold-related use only; mechanisms were not assessed.
- MozukuPreliminary or mixed
Pilot trial of mozuku fucoidan changed NK cell activity, a lab marker.
- EuglenaPreliminary or mixed
Blood immune markers changed in two 8-week trials.
- FucoidanPreliminary or mixed
Pilot NK-cell and review findings.
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