Autoimmune Dysfunction

Nutrients connected to Autoimmune Dysfunction

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.

• Vitamin B12Deficiency link

  Pernicious anaemia, where the immune system attacks stomach cells needed to absorb B12, is the most common cause of deficiency in the UK.

• AstragalusDocumented risk

  NCCIH says astragalus might worsen autoimmune disease symptoms, so people with these conditions should avoid it.

• AlfalfaDocumented risk

  MSK advises people with lupus to avoid alfalfa tablets because of possible relapse; reviews report case reports of flares and note immune-activating effects mostly from lab work.

• Cat's Claw TeaDocumented risk

  NCCIH says it might make the immune system more active and worsen autoimmune disease.

• BarleyDocumented risk

  Gluten in barley triggers the autoimmune reaction of celiac disease.

• RyeDocumented risk

  Gluten in rye triggers the autoimmune reaction of celiac disease.

• Whole Wheat & Wheat BerriesDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• SpeltDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• Farro (Emmer)Documented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• Khorasan Wheat (Kamut)Documented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• BulgurDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• FreekehDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

• AshwagandhaDocumented risk

  NCCIH says it is not recommended for people with autoimmune disorders.

• Cat's clawDocumented risk

  NCCIH says cat's claw might make the immune system more active and so increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

• Guduchi (giloy)Documented risk

  An Indian study found guduchi was linked to hepatitis with autoimmune features and could unmask autoimmune hepatitis in people who had it silently. People with autoimmune or liver disease should be especially careful.

• Echinacea TeaDocumented risk

  The EU monograph does not recommend echinacea in autoimmune diseases, immune deficiency or immunosuppression.

• OatsDocumented risk

  Oats contaminated with wheat, barley or rye gluten can trigger celiac disease; a few people react to pure oats.

• Wheat Bran & Wheat GermDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten from wheat, barley and rye.

• Whole-Wheat BreadDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten from wheat, barley and rye.

• Whole-Wheat PastaDocumented risk

  Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten from wheat, barley and rye.

• Soy Sauce & TamariDocumented risk

  Regular soy sauce is made with wheat; people with celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten) must check labels.

• Alfalfa & Clover SproutsDocumented risk

  MSK warns people with lupus to avoid alfalfa tablets; evidence is for tablets and seeds, not proven for sprouts.

• Oat MilkDocumented risk

  In celiac disease, gluten from cross-contact can trigger the autoimmune reaction; some people also react to pure oats.

• Peony (white peony root)Preliminary or mixed

  Trials from China suggest an extract called total glucosides of paeony, added to usual treatment, may help lupus activity and reduce some arthritis-drug side effects. Quality is limited and this is not shown for the plain root.

• Reishi (lingzhi)Documented risk

  MSK says reishi may trigger or worsen autoimmune skin disease; the cause has not been established.

• Phellinus and SanghuangDocumented risk

  One case report describes worsening pemphigus after Phellinus linteus use; people with autoimmune disease should ask first.

• False tinder conk (willow bracket)Documented risk

  Autoimmune disease was an exclusion in the trial and safety there is unknown; a related Phellinus species has a pemphigus case report.

• ChlorellaDocumented risk

  A scoping review lists chlorella among immune-stimulating supplements that may be a concern for autoimmune conditions. This is a theoretical caution, not a measured flare rate.

• Mistletoe (European)Documented risk

  Because mistletoe may stimulate immune activity in lab studies, people with autoimmune disease should ask a specialist; a small study found three extracts appeared safe in such patients.

• Thunder god vinePreliminary or mixed

  Reviews describe use in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; evidence limited and not a substitute for medical care.

• Ashwagandha TeaDocumented risk

  May trigger or worsen autoimmune disease (MSK); NIH does not recommend use with autoimmune disorders.

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