Best Supplements for Reduced Mortality Risk
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 24 supplements across 36 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine on reducing mortality risk, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. The strongest evidence comes from meta-analyses showing a 41% decreased risk of death in COVID-19 patients (RR=0.59) and significant mortality reductions in rodenticide poisoning and non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. One small neutral trial found no significant mortality benefit in esophageal atresia patients, but doses, forms, and populations were inconsistent across studies.
- Low evidence5 studies
Across 5 studies, 1 reported a beneficial moderate-sized effect of Vitamin C on reducing mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, while 4 studies found neutral small effects, primarily in sepsis populations. The median study duration was only 4 days (from 1 study reporting duration), which is too short to assess long-term mortality outcomes. Most evidence comes from clinical populations with acute critical illness.
- Very low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, 1 reported a beneficial moderate-sized association between vitamin D status and reduced mortality risk, while 2 found neutral effects. The single beneficial study was a narrative review of observational data, and the two neutral studies included a large meta-analysis in preterm infants (≥800 IU/d) and a review on sepsis. Evidence is too sparse and conflicting to draw firm conclusions.
Dose: ≥800 IU/dProduct matchViva Naturals — Vitamin D3 with Organic Liquid Coconut Oil125 mcg · $15.16 · ★5.0 (208)
- ModerateN-Acetyl CysteineAcross 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine on reducing mortality risk, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. The strongest evidence comes from meta-analyses showing a 41% decreased risk of death in COVID-19 patients (RR=0.59) and significant mortality reductions in rodenticide poisoning and non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. One small neutral trial found no significant mortality benefit in esophageal atresia patients, but doses, forms, and populations were inconsistent across studies.3 beneficial1 neutral4 studies
- LowVitamin CAcross 5 studies, 1 reported a beneficial moderate-sized effect of Vitamin C on reducing mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, while 4 studies found neutral small effects, primarily in sepsis populations. The median study duration was only 4 days (from 1 study reporting duration), which is too short to assess long-term mortality outcomes. Most evidence comes from clinical populations with acute critical illness.1 beneficial4 neutral5 studies
- Very lowVitamin DAcross 3 studies, 1 reported a beneficial moderate-sized association between vitamin D status and reduced mortality risk, while 2 found neutral effects. The single beneficial study was a narrative review of observational data, and the two neutral studies included a large meta-analysis in preterm infants (≥800 IU/d) and a review on sepsis. Evidence is too sparse and conflicting to draw firm conclusions. · Dose: ≥800 IU/d1 beneficial2 neutral3 studies