Here is a list of some of the best supplements to boost the immune system if you are looking to optimize your health during COVID-19.

Wellness Formula

Wellness Formula is one of the best immune building and immune-boosting formulas on the market (imho). What’s more, it’s at an affordable price.

I always have a bottle or two of these around the house because they are good to use even if you don’t feel like your immune system is not fully compromised.

For example, if you’re just generally under stress, didn’t get enough sleep, or over-exercised, take a couple of these and it helps to align your immune system back on its tracks.

Keep in mind, 1 tablet = 2 capsules because you cannot fit as much “stuff” into a capsule than a tablet (which is compressed). However, the capsules have a much smoother coating around the outside and are easier to swallow. Also, there is a bit more flexibility with dosing.

The suggested use is 3 tablets or 6 capsules twice a day during times of immunity imbalances.

Notable ingredients in the formula: Echinacea, Elderberry, Propolis, Garlic, Olive Leaf Extract, Astragalus, Vitamin D3, a good dose of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Zinc.

If Wellness Formula is nowhere to be found at the moment Wellness Resistance may be a viable option.

Wellness Resistance is an herbal formula and is completely different from Wellness Formula. I know people choose this item thinking it’s the same thing as Wellness Formula but it is not.

Wellness Resistance is mostly composed of herbs (no vitamins and minerals), however, it does include the notable Yin Chiao Formula within the ingredients.

Yin Chiao is a very popular herbal formula to support the immune system, however, if you are able to get ahold of some Wellness Formula, I would get that first.

My Community (by Host Defense)

My Community is a well know and very comprehensive medicinal mushroom formula. It is very well rated on Amazon and the company is founded by the mycologist Paul Stamets.

Medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on the immune cells in your body – causing them to communicate, work, and fight off pathogens much better.

I’ve been taking this for years and definitely feel the difference. It can be a bit pricey, in which case, Wellness Formula would be my first go-to supplement.

If it is within your budget take both – they do not interact, and it is not going to be going overboard. I currently take both now.

Currently, it looks like places are sold out of My Community so here are 2 replacements.

Stamets 7 is Host Defense’s next best comprehensive immune support blend featuring 7 varieties of mushrooms. Next to that is Om, which also has 7 varieties.

I would amiss of I also didn’t mention Four Sigmatic, which is wildly popular in the biohacking and wellness realm. They have a 10 mushroom blend that you can add to your coffee, drinks, or even make snacks out of. It’s great with hot cocoa. You can mix this in the Reishi Hot Cocoa recipe for example.

Vitamin D3

An All Important Supplement to Boost Immune System Function

This was too comprehensive of a subject so a wrote a separate post to be published in 2 days.

Vitamin D3 assists with optimizing immune function. Current studies seem to indicate that those with vitamin D deficiencies have an increased risk for respiratory tract infection.

General and current recommendations for supplementation are 2000-4000 IU. The recommended drops above (formulated by Dr. Ben Lynch) are so easy to take. 1-2 drops is all you need!

Zinc Lozenges

It has been recently stated that zinc lozenges can prevent Covid-19 virus from duplicating. If possible, you want the lozenge form over the capsules or tablet form because the lozenge will put the zinc in direct contact with where the virus would live – in the nasal and throat passages.

If you are not able to get ahold of zinc lozenges at the moment, another option might be to gargle with a supplement that has zinc in it – such as effervescent immunity tablets (like the Nuun ones below), vitamin powders, or things like Emergen-C.  

Other Less Headlined, But Viable Supplements to Boost Immune System Function

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is concentrated in immune cells and can quickly be depleted during infections or during times of immune compromise (1). Those with pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels and supplementation may help to speed recovery (3, 4). In general, vitamin c can help with boosting white blood cell functions – cells that assist in fighting off pathogens and infections in the body.

Probiotics 

A large part of the immune system is within the gut. It stands to reason that supporting gut health helps to build a stronger immune system. In a probiotic, you want at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) to have an effect.

Considering that the gut has tens of trillions of bacteria colonizing the intestinal tract, a mere 10 billion is not that much by comparison.

I usually shoot for somewhere between 30-100 billion CFU as a daily probiotic supplement. Some will say the more you can afford the better. They do make 200 billion CFU packets, but those may be used more for acute infections.  

I like anything from Garden of Life, and feel they are a good trustworthy brand. I have had trainings with their team and all of them are very knowledgable and up to date on the latest research.

Elderberry

Elderberry is known to have anti-viral effects and is commonly used in Europe during the winter months to stave off pathogens and boost the immune system. You will find elderberry in many lozenges and gummies. It also comes in capsules and syrup forms. The syrup by Gaia is super tasty! We have made elderberry margaritas with them before.

Gaia also makes a liquid capsule form, in case you want to cut out the sugar. If you would like a syrup form, the above syrup is quite popular.

Astragalus

Astragalus contains astragalosides which help to support the integrity of the respiratory tract. It also assists in promoting normal levels of certain immune cell functions and is especially effective in combating stress due to environmental factors.

The tincture by Herb Pharm is quite easy to take and is actually quite tasty imo.

Garlic

Garlic is well known for its antimicrobial activity, but can also help with fighting off respiratory tract infections (5). It’s not always possible to eat garlic every day, therefore, supplementing during times of increased susceptibility to stress can help to lower the chances of infection and boost the immune system.

Propolis

Propolis has over 300 compounds – a lot of which are antioxidant-rich polyphenols. Polyphenols help to combat disease and infections. Overall, propolis is thought to have antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Propolis is a resin-like compound that is made by bees when they mix their saliva with exudates from tree buds. Sometimes called “bee glue,” propolis helps to seal off unwanted gaps in the beehive.

Echinacea

Echinacea contains high amounts of antioxidants and plant compounds called alkamides which can further enhance antioxidant activity. Many studies support echinacea’s ability to help fight off infections and decrease the duration of illness (6, 7, 8).

Vitamin A

Although a fat-soluble vitamin and generally not recommended on its own for supplementation, it does perform a number of beneficial functions in helping to stave off pathogens.

Vitamin A helps to make antibodies, stave off unhealthy inflammation and plays a critical role in enhancing immune function.

Generally, you might opt to get vitamin A in the form of Beta-Carotene (found in green leafy vegetables and yellow or orange veggies like pumpkin and carrots) since your body will auto-regulate and transform beta-carotene into vitamin A whenever it is needed.

Too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity since this fat-soluble vitamin is stored in the body and not flushed out like water-soluble vitamins. 

 Usually, your general multi-vitamin will do, or there are good amounts of vitamin A in the above mentioned Wellness Formula if you are able to get ahold of some.

In Conclusion (Supplements To Boost The Immune System)

Wellness Formula and My Community have been the best supplements to boost the immune system I have seen. Both contain almost every element a person may need to build a strong and defensible immune system during times of stress. Since many items are currently sold out replacements have been suggested.