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While COVID-19 is taking the world by storm, it begins with a simple lack of immunity. So here we have the most natural ways to increase your immunity level, which may form a barrier against catching an infectious illness. Please note that any information on this page does not constitute medical advice. Anything related to COVID-19 – please refer to the CDC Website.Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, take medicines or are buying for a child.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Form | Size / count | Stated certifications | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capsules | 90 Count | Organic acerola + L-ascorbate (per label), Non-GMO | Yes |
| 2 | Gummies | 120 Count | USDA Organic, Non-GMO | Yes |
| 3 | Liquid drops | 1 Fl Oz | USDA Organic, Non-GMO | Yes |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing · Specs and certifications as stated by the listing, not tested or verified by us; check the listing before you buy
Immune health basics
- Vaccines, sleep, regular activity, a balanced diet and not smoking do more for immune health than any supplement.[1][2]
- Supplements can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 or the flu; the FTC and FDA have warned companies making those claims.[3]
- Stay within upper limits: 2,000 mg of vitamin C, 40 mg of zinc and 4,000 IU of vitamin D for adults. Add up what’s in your multivitamin before you stack an immune combo on top, because some “immune” combos alone supply 5,000 IU of vitamin D.[4][5][6]
- Older adults should talk to their doctor about recommended vaccines.[1]
Healthy Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity
Your daily life choices also have an impact on your immunity. Have a look at the simple practices that can elevate your immune system. Please note that the following suggestions are in line with Harvard Medical School.- Follow a Healthy Diet – A well-planned diet will ensure that you get the right nutrients for an overall healthy body. For example, adding the best protein drink for elderly and kids is specifically important as they require more energy. Similarly, Protein powder can help them with essential nutrients that you might not get from normal food.
- Minimize Stress & Sleep Well – The present-day work culture is replete with stress with an unending competition, inter and intra-businesses. But stress works as a silent killer and depletes your body’s nutrition. Proper sleep, however, is a great solution.
- Exercise & Meditate – Exercising enhances the level of absorption of nutrition from the food you consume. Plus, meditation works as a stress reliever.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking has a direct negative impact on your lungs.
Why Elderly Have Lower Immunity?
The elderly have featured among the maximum victims of the Coronavirus pandemic. Here are the reasons.- Thymus Shrinkage – T cells, a key type of white blood cell, mature in the thymus. After puberty the thymus slowly shrinks and its working tissue is gradually replaced by fat, so older adults make fewer new (naïve) T cells to respond to germs they haven’t met before.[7]
- Slowing of Macrophages – But aging reduces its efficiency.
- Antibody Reduction – As you age, the body produces lesser antibodies while the number of antigens stays the same. Thus antigens can thrive, resulting in the prominence of respiratory infections in older people.
- Diabetes – Since most elderly care diabetic, they naturally become susceptible to lesser immunity.
Things To Know Before Using Immune Supplements
- Check Product Label – The markets are flooded with multiple variants of every supplement. In such a scenario, each one comes with its pros and cons. And thus, it becomes imperative to be cautious of the information mentioned on their labels. Please read it carefully before buying and consuming it.
- Consult Medical Professional – While supplements come with multiple benefits, they might not work the same way for everyone. It is important to consult your doctor before consumption of any supplement.
- Do Not Overdose – Besides, follow your doctor’s advice on dosage.
- Check Your Diet – If you are consuming a certain supplement, be cautious not to consume anything that may overproduce the specific elements in your body. Or negate the supplement’s action.
Elderberry: What the Evidence Shows
- What it is: Elderberry syrups, gummies and capsules are made from cooked black elderberries.
- What the research says: A few small studies suggest elderberry might shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited, and it hasn’t been shown to prevent infections.[8]
- Safety: Raw or unripe berries, leaves and stems can cause nausea and vomiting. Use commercial products and follow the label.[8] Check the youngest age on the label, and ask your pediatrician before giving elderberry to a child younger than that (or to any child with a health condition). Safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited.
What the Research Says
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the immune system needs adequate vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, but that extra amounts in people who already get enough haven’t been shown to prevent infections.[9] NCCIH notes that the evidence for herbs like echinacea and elderberry is limited and mixed.[10]How We Chose These Products
We don’t test products hands-on. We compared labels and listings: the form and dose per serving, third-party testing (USP, NSF or similar), whether ingredients carry the USDA Organic seal [11], and price per serving. We removed products that were out of stock, no longer listed or recalled, and we checked the brands we list against recent FDA [12] recall notices in October 2026. Brands don’t pay to be included, though we may earn a commission from purchases.Our Picks: Immune Support Supplements
Here are our picks, with the key details for each.1
NATURELO® Vitamin C 500mg Vegan vitamin C, 90 capsules
- This is a vegan vitamin C from Naturelo, in a pack of 90 capsules.
- This one is non-GMO, vegan and vegetarian.
- The package measures 2.3 x 2.3 x 4.3 inches and weighs 0.2 pounds.
- Follow the label directions, and ask a doctor first if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication.
2
Garden of Life® Elderberry Immune Gummies Organic elderberry gummies with vitamin C
- Garden of Life’s organic elderberry gummies with vitamin C come in a 120-count pack.
- USDA Organic labeling is on the package, and it is non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free as well.
- Contains zinc and amla.
- It is dye-free.
- Gummies are a choking hazard for young kids, so supervise them, and keep the bottle out of reach.
3
MaryRuth's® Elderberry Liquid Drops Organic elderberry liquid drops, 1 ounce
- You get organic elderberry liquid drops from MaryRuth’s, in a 1 oz size.
- Certifications include USDA Organic and Certified B Corporation, and it is also non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.
- It is nut-free and sugar-free, and it comes with a dropper.
- It has a blueberry and raspberry flavor and holds 120 servings.
Summary Table: Immune Support Supplements
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NATURELO Vitamin C 500mg - Vegan vitamin C, 90 capsules |  |
| NATURELO |
| 2 | Garden of Life Elderberry Immune Gummies - Organic elderberry gummies with vitamin C |  | Garden of Life | |
| 3 | MaryRuth's Elderberry Liquid Drops - Organic elderberry liquid drops, 1 ounce |  | MaryRuth's |
Sources
- CDC. Preventing Seasonal Flu. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- CDC. About Sleep. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission. Health Products Compliance Guidance. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Consumers. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- Palmer DB. The effect of age on thymic function. Frontiers in Immunology, 2013. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- NCCIH. Elderberry: Usefulness and Safety. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- NCCIH. Herbs at a Glance. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Organic Labeling Standards. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. Accessed October 16, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Removed Solgar Zinc Picolinate and Viva Naturals Elderberry with Zinc (no organic claim on their listings); NATURELO vitamin C source corrected to match its label (L-ascorbate plus organic acerola); corrected the thymus section; added notes on stacking zinc and vitamin D and on elderberry for children; Key Specs updated; added Sources (CDC, FTC, NIH ODS, NIH NCCIH, USDA AMS, FDA, Frontiers in Immunology)
- Nov 2021: Added Garden of Life Elderberry Immune Gummies
- Sep 2020: First published
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