Best Supplements for Improved Immune Function
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 59 supplements across 99 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Low evidence12 studies
Across 12 studies, all reported beneficial effects on immune function, with a predominant effect size of small. The most direct evidence comes from one randomized controlled trial in adult atopic dermatitis patients (n=50) showing significant immunomodulatory effects, and a large systematic review (n=1502) that generally supports immune benefits from probiotics. Dosing was only specified in one study (heat-killed and dried L-92 daily).
- Low evidence6 studies
All 5 studies reported beneficial effects on immune function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most robust human evidence comes from a systematic review of controlled trials (n=640) indicating potential benefits for viral and respiratory infections. However, no studies reported statistically significant findings, and dosing information was absent.
- Low evidence5 studies
All 5 studies report beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium plantarum on immune function, with predominantly moderate effect sizes. However, none of the studies reported statistically significant findings, and all are narrative reviews rather than primary clinical trials. No dose, duration, or form data were extracted, and study populations varied (animal models, general, older adults), limiting specific recommendations.
- LowLactobacillus acidophilus L-92Across 12 studies, all reported beneficial effects on immune function, with a predominant effect size of small. The most direct evidence comes from one randomized controlled trial in adult atopic dermatitis patients (n=50) showing significant immunomodulatory effects, and a large systematic review (n=1502) that generally supports immune benefits from probiotics. Dosing was only specified in one study (heat-killed and dried L-92 daily).12 beneficial12 studies
- LowSaccharomyces cerevisiaeAll 5 studies reported beneficial effects on immune function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most robust human evidence comes from a systematic review of controlled trials (n=640) indicating potential benefits for viral and respiratory infections. However, no studies reported statistically significant findings, and dosing information was absent.6 beneficial6 studies
- LowBifidobacterium plantarumAll 5 studies report beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium plantarum on immune function, with predominantly moderate effect sizes. However, none of the studies reported statistically significant findings, and all are narrative reviews rather than primary clinical trials. No dose, duration, or form data were extracted, and study populations varied (animal models, general, older adults), limiting specific recommendations.5 beneficial5 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus salivarius UCC118All 5 studies (all review articles) reported beneficial effects on immune function, with predominantly small effect sizes. No human clinical trials with statistically significant findings were identified. No specific dose range or population was consistently studied.5 beneficial5 studies
- LowLactobacillus rhamnosusAcross 4 studies, 4 reported beneficial effects on immune function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Two studies were statistically significant. Evidence comes from a clinical trial in lambs, reviews in humans, and animal models; no consistent dose or duration data were available.4 beneficial4 studies
- Very lowBifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12Across 4 review studies, all reported beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 on immune function, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (mixed). The predominant evidence is qualitative, as no studies provided statistical significance data. No consistent dose or population data are available due to reporting gaps.4 beneficial4 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus brevis SBC8803Across 3 studies (all reviews), all reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 on immune function, including enhanced natural killer cell activity and increased secretory IgA levels. The evidence base is very small, with no statistically significant findings reported, and no consistent dose, duration, or form data are available.3 beneficial3 studies