Research Area: Immune System
33 ingredients studied for effects on Immune System — sorted by research relevance.
Spermidine
Natural polyamine from wheat germ and legumes. Robustly induces autophagy in cell and animal models; early human trials show positive signals for cognition and heart function.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Biotin is essential but deficiency is rare. For hair and nails only truly beneficial if a deficiency exists – plus lab values can be distorted.
Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucans vary by source: oat forms are solid for cholesterol; fungal forms for immunity have weaker human evidence.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and senolytic potential. Human senolytic evidence is limited to tiny pilot studies using Dasatinib+Quercetin combined — not quercetin alone.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
NAC is a glutathione precursor with established medical use. As a longevity supplement (especially as GlyNAC), early human data is promising but limited.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and other normal body functions, with approved EFSA claims. Megadoses show no clear benefit beyond adequate intake.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, nerve function, and blood cell formation. Useful for deficiency—chronic high doses can cause nerve damage.
Fisetin
Fisetin is a flavonoid senolytic that clears senescent ('zombie') cells in animal studies. Human trials are ongoing; robust clinical evidence is still lacking.
Vitamin D3 + K2
Low vitamin D levels are common in northern climates. Supplementation is comparatively well studied in deficiency; K2 is often combined but has weaker standalone evidence.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic adaptogen backed by multiple RCTs for stress and cortisol reduction. Sleep and testosterone effects are promising but come from small studies.
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan)
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) is an adaptogenic herb from Southeast Asia that activates AMPK like metformin, and is associated with longevity in Chinese populations.
Lactobacillus reuteri
Strain-specific probiotic with RCT evidence for bone health in older women. Reduced bone loss by ~50% over 12 months.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Edible mushroom with active compounds (hericenones, erinacines) that stimulate NGF and BDNF synthesis. Early RCTs in MCI and anxiety show positive signals — evidence remains preliminary.
Astragalus
Astragalus is traditionally positioned for immunity and longevity, but modern human evidence for these claims is quite thin.
Iron
Essential for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune function. Clearly effective when deficiency is confirmed — do not supplement without a lab diagnosis.
Reishi
Reishi is among the most famous medicinal mushrooms. The immune support and longevity narrative is compelling, but human evidence remains limited.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms with strain-specific effects. Strong evidence for antibiotic diarrhea and IBS; product quality varies dramatically.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a serotonin precursor crossing the blood-brain barrier. Used for sleep and mood. Critical: avoid with SSRIs or MAO inhibitors due to serotonin syndrome risk.
Caffeine
The world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Hundreds of RCTs confirm effects on alertness, reaction time, endurance, and short-term cognition.
Zinc
Zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymes and is essential for immune function, DNA repair, and hormone synthesis. Low intake is not uncommon in older adults and vegans.
Multivitamin
Multivitamins are the world's best-selling supplements. Evidence for health benefits in well-nourished individuals is surprisingly weak.
Resveratrol
Known for sirtuin activation in animal models. Poor oral bioavailability (<1% free form) translates poorly to humans; a 2026 umbrella review found no convincing metabolic effects even in diabetics.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Low intake is common. The form significantly affects bioavailability and tolerability.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is well supported for bone, muscle, and immune function when deficiency is confirmed. Without deficiency, additional benefit is significantly weaker — not a universal upgrade.
Glutathion
Glutathione is the body's most celebrated antioxidant. As a supplement, the evidence is far less impressive than its reputation.
Akkermansia muciniphila
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut bacterium linked to better metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and healthy aging in observational studies.
Selen
Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidases and thyroid hormones. In Germany and Austria, selenium supply is structurally low due to selenium-depleted soils.
Vitamin A
Essential for vision, skin, and immune function. Clearly useful for deficiency, but high doses are toxic—especially in pregnancy.
L-Tyrosin
L-Tyrosin is an amino acid precursor of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Studies show cognitive benefits under acute stress and sleep deprivation.
Fucoidan
Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed with growing evidence for prebiotic gut effects, muscle health, and cardiovascular markers.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. Clinically well-supported in critical care; evidence for oral supplementation in healthy individuals is more limited.
Rapamycin (Sirolimus)
Rapamycin is the best-supported longevity drug in animal studies, but it is prescription-only and not approved for anti-aging use in humans.
Irish Sea Moss
Irish Sea Moss is a red algae marketed as a natural mineral source. Viral on social media but virtually no clinical evidence for health benefits.