Guide
Immune supplements: the best products compared (2026)
Last updated: 5 August 2026
Written by
Health Tested Editorial Team
How does your body manage to fight off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens every single day? The answer lies in a well-functioning immune system, a fascinating network of defence mechanisms that depends on a whole range of nutrients.
However, the vitamins and trace elements in your food often aren't enough to meet your needs. That's why more and more people are turning to an immune complex that can make up for several shortfalls at once. And the nutrients it contains can do even more for your health.
But which nutrients matter most for strengthening the immune system, and what should you look for when you buy? We show you what counts and which supplements impressed in tests.
There are countless immune supplements on the market, but not all of them are effective.
Nutrients for the immune system: why they are indispensable
For your immune cells to work well, they need to be well nourished too, and unfortunately diet alone often isn't enough to achieve that. Factors such as stress, alcohol, nicotine, lack of exercise, illness, medication or an unbalanced diet weaken the immune system. That's when it's especially important to give your body enough nutrients.
The following nutrients in particular are extremely important for the immune system. Without them, your body can't function properly:Vitamin C: the best-known vitamin for your defences
Vitamin C in particular may help reduce the risk of catching a cold. It strengthens the immune system and supports your body in many ways: it stimulates the production of immune cells, neutralises harmful substances and helps replenish other protective substances. Put simply, vitamin C supports your defences and reduces stress on your cells.
At the start of a cold, your body uses up a lot of vitamin C, so its reserves are quickly depleted. To keep your immune system strong, it's important to take in more vitamin C quickly at the first signs of a cold. Studies show that stable vitamin C levels can shorten a cold and noticeably ease the symptoms.
At times of heavy physical or mental strain in particular, vitamin C can be a strong line of defence and give your body valuable support.
Zinc: for fewer colds and a faster recovery
Zinc may help shorten colds and ease the symptoms. Studies show that zinc is effective both in preventing colds and in treating them. People who took zinc regularly caught colds less often and recovered faster when they did fall ill.
In one study, 100 hospital employees with cold symptoms were given 13.3 mg of zinc every two hours (except at night). On average, the zinc group was well again after 4.4 days, while the control group without zinc needed 7.6 days. Typical symptoms such as coughing, headache, hoarseness and a blocked nose also cleared up faster in the zinc group.
The key to success is taking enough zinc early on. Zinc works by stopping cold viruses from attaching to the lining of the nose. At the same time, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of the viruses, which makes the cold milder and shorter.
The sunshine vitamin: vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for a well-functioning immune system. You can get it from food, from supplements or through exposure to sunlight. All the white blood cells responsible for fighting off pathogens need vitamin D. It strengthens the immune system when it's weakened and helps prevent overreactions such as allergies or autoimmune diseases.
In winter in particular, when the sun is weaker, over 80% of Germans have vitamin D levels that are too low, and more than 50% are severely deficient. A vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of infections. People with very low vitamin D levels (10–20 nmol/l) fall ill almost twice as often as people who get enough.
To keep your immune system working at its best, it's more effective to take vitamin D every day at the right dose than to take large amounts only now and then.
The key benefits at a glance
Regularly taking supplements that strengthen the immune system can offer many health benefits. Here's a summary of the most important ones:
- a stronger immune system
- making up for nutrient shortfalls
- synergies between nutrients
- preventing illness
- easing symptoms
- a shorter recovery time
- getting back on your feet faster
- support for your energy reserves
- less tiredness and exhaustion
- greater general wellbeing
- ease of use
Taking them regularly can be particularly helpful at times of stress, such as in winter or during physical exertion.
What are synergistic effects in vitamin supplements?
Immune supplements contain a range of nutrients that support your defences, including minerals such as copper and selenium and powerful antioxidants such as glutathione and OPCs. Taking these substances together can create synergies. This means the nutrients work better together than on their own: they reinforce each other and so have a stronger overall effect.
These nutrients work particularly well in combination
Vitamin C and glutathioneVitamin C supports the regeneration of glutathione in the body, so this antioxidant stays active for longer. Together they act as powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, for example.
Zinc and copperZinc and copper work together to form enzymes that are important for many bodily functions, especially for protecting your cells from damage. However, a balanced ratio between the two minerals is crucial if you take them over the long term. Too much zinc can inhibit the absorption of copper. The recommended ratio is 10:1, i.e. 10 mg of zinc to 1 mg of copper or less.
Vitamin C, vitamin D and zincVitamin C promotes the absorption of zinc, so these two nutrients have a stronger effect together. This combination supports the body's defences, has an anti-inflammatory effect, aids wound healing and protects your cells from damage. Vitamin D adds to this effect by strengthening immune function.
High-quality vitamin supplements make use of synergies by combining many vitamins and minerals in balanced amounts. This means you don't just benefit from several nutrients at once: the overall effect is greater too.
Not all immune supplements are the same: there are big differences between products
What to avoid when buying an immune supplement
If you decide to take nutrients for your immune system, watch out for the following:
- low bioavailability
- products with too low a dosage
- gelatine capsules
- fillers and anti-caking agents
- allergens (lactose, gluten, soya)
- unnecessary additives
- sugar, alcohol or flavourings
- suspiciously low prices
Be wary of excessive doses, too: with vitamin D (max. 20 µg a day) and copper (max. 5 mg a day) in particular, it's important not to exceed the recommended amounts. Taking too much over a long period can harm your health.
There are several things to weigh up when choosing an immune supplement.
Supplements for the immune system: from liquids to capsules
Supplements to strengthen the immune system come in many forms: capsules or tablets to swallow, drinkable vials or powders to mix, granules or even gummies. One particularly beneficial form is liposomal encapsulation, which we look at in more detail below.
Many products, however, contain fillers, preservatives, flavourings (often with sugar) or colourings. That's why we focus on the three most popular, best-established forms: the liquid form, capsules and the liposomal form.
Below you'll find the advantages and drawbacks of each form to make your choice easier:
Capsules
Pros
Easy to take: you simply swallow them
Convenient when travelling and on the go
Easy to dose (consistent active ingredient content)
No unpleasant taste or smell
Can be combined with other active ingredients
Cons
Stomach acid can affect absorption of the active ingredient
Digestion can partly break down the active ingredient
The bioavailability of the active ingredient can vary
The capsule shell may contain gelatine
Often contain additives
Unsuitable for people who have difficulty swallowing
If each capsule is low-dose, you may need to take several
Drops
Pros
Easy to dose
Fast absorption of the active ingredient (through the mucous membranes)
Well suited to people with swallowing difficulties or stomach problems
Versatile: can be mixed into drinks or food
Cons
The drops can taste unpleasant
Exact dosing can be difficult, as it is easy to add too many or too few drops
The liquid can drip or spill
Short shelf life
Liposomal form
Pros
Higher bioavailability of the active ingredient
Better absorption by bypassing stomach acid
A lower dose is needed for the same effect (usually just 1 capsule)
Can mask the taste of the active ingredient
No additives
Cons
May cost more because of the more complex manufacturing process
Availability and choice may be limited
Making liposomes can be difficult and requires specialist technology
Not all manufacturers use the process
Liposomal supplements: better absorption and tolerability
A common problem with supplements is that your body struggles to absorb the nutrients they contain. That's why liposomal encapsulation was developed: vitamins and minerals are enclosed in tiny bubbles of fat called liposomes.
This technology improves nutrient absorption considerably. Liposomes help the nutrients pass through cell membranes more easily, so your body can absorb them more efficiently.
Liposomes also stop the nutrients from being destroyed during digestion. As a result, they stay more active and effective, which significantly increases their bioavailability and optimises their effect.
Fewer side effects thanks to better tolerability
Liposomal supplements are generally much better tolerated than conventional ones. Because the nutrients are embedded in liposomes, they don't come into direct contact with the stomach lining. This is gentler on the digestive tract and reduces the risk of stomach irritation or an upset stomach. This is particularly helpful if you're sensitive to conventional supplements. It's especially useful with products that contain several nutrients, as you don't have to worry about how well you'll tolerate each one.
Simple model of a liposome. A liposome is like a tiny bubble with a layer of fat on the outside and a watery chamber on the inside. This structure makes liposomes particularly effective, as they can carry active ingredients to where they are needed and release them there. Thanks to this innovative technology, liposomes have become increasingly important in medicine and cosmetics. They allow active ingredients to be absorbed effectively, protect them from breaking down and have a wide range of uses.
Top 3: the best immune supplements of 2026
There are countless immune supplements on the market, so we assessed them against several criteria to find the best:
What is the immune supplement made of?
Are there study or test results?
How high is the dosage of each nutrient?
Does the product contain allergens?
How good is the value for money?
Are there any special features in the composition or manufacturing?
product review
TESTED
our quality criteria
MELINAVA Immun Plus
by MELINAVA
Pros
- Ideal nutrient dosage (liposomal)
- Maximum bioavailability thanks to liposome technology (up to 64 times higher absorption by the body)
- Contains vitamins C and D3, glutathione, zinc, copper and selenium
- Zinc and copper in a 10:1 ratio
- Good synergy between the nutrients
- Liposomal coating protects against excess stomach acid
- Long-lasting effect
- Better tolerability
- Suitable for people with a sensitive stomach (piperine-free)
- Free from soya, gluten and lactose
- Gelatine-free capsule
- No fillers
- No contaminants
- Made in Europe (France)
- Comes in a high-quality glass bottle that can be reused at home, for example for spices
Cons
- Only available online
- Often sold out
- Only available as capsules
Verdict
Melinava Immun Plus has the highest overall score and is therefore the winner of our test.
The capsules contain vitamin C, glutathione, zinc, copper, selenium and vitamin D3 in an ideal dosage. Thanks to the liposomal encapsulation, bioavailability is significantly higher. This means lower doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
We also like the well-designed formula, in which many of the nutrients work in synergy.
The liposome technology also leads to higher customer satisfaction, as the product is better tolerated and does not put a strain on the stomach.
MELINAVA places great importance on high safety standards in manufacturing and on offering a natural, high-quality product without unnecessary additives, which also reduces the risk of side effects.
Melinava Immun Plus has already been used with excellent results for problems such as a weakened immune system, recurring infections and persistent tiredness.
Users also report a noticeable improvement in their energy reserves.
You take just one capsule of Melinava Immun Plus a day.
One pack contains 30 capsules.
The manufacturer takes the product's tolerability very seriously, which is why it is completely free from unwanted additives. You can find more information on the manufacturer's website.
Vanosan Immun-Komplex
by VANOSAN
Pros
- Contains vitamins C and D3, zinc, selenium, echinacea extract and L-histidine
- No excessive doses of nutrients that can be harmful in high amounts
- Free from soya and gluten
- Vegan
- Laboratory-tested
- Few additives
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Contains preservatives
- Only available online
- No enhanced bioavailability
- Not suitable for people with histamine intolerance
Verdict
As well as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium, the Vanosan capsules contain echinacea extract (coneflower) and L-histidine. These extra active ingredients may strengthen the immune system further, which we see as a real plus. However, they are not suitable for people with certain conditions (histamine intolerance, for example) or for those taking certain medicines. It is best to talk to your doctor before taking them.
The composition is sound, and the vitamins that can be harmful in excess are kept within safe limits.
The nutrients in Vanosan's supplement are well dosed. However, the capsule form limits how effectively they are absorbed.
The capsule shell is made without animal-derived ingredients, so it is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Overall, users rate Vanosan well: they find it easy to tolerate and say it has a positive effect on their immune system.
It is made in Europe and usually dispatched within 1–3 working days.
Take one capsule a day with a meal.
One pack contains 30 capsules.
Reiner Immun-Booster
by REINER
Pros
- Contains vitamin D, zinc, turmeric, sea buckthorn and black pepper
- Laboratory-tested
- Contains piperine, which improves bioavailability
- Vegan
- Tested for contaminants
- Laboratory-checked
- Few additives
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Expensive
- Low doses
- Piperine is not always well tolerated
- Some customers report little or no effect
- Only available online
- Must be taken with meals
Verdict
Reiner's Immun-Booster drinkable vials contain a combination of vitamin D, zinc, turmeric, sea buckthorn and black pepper. A particular plus is that they are vegan and contain no artificial colourings or additives.
Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, increases the bioavailability of the active ingredients. In sensitive people, however, it can cause stomach and bowel problems. To avoid this, it is best to take the vials with meals, which may make them easier to tolerate.
Customer reviews are mostly positive, particularly regarding effectiveness. Many users report noticeably fewer infections and relief from their symptoms. Opinions on the taste of the vials are divided, however.
One point of criticism is the high price, which makes these vials better suited to short-term use. For chronic conditions, the effect might not be enough. Reviewers also criticise the amount of packaging waste, including glass vials that cannot be refilled.
One pack contains 14 vials, so it lasts for about two weeks.
Delivery via Amazon Prime is free and usually takes 1–2 working days.
Getting enough of the right nutrients is important for strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
Glutathione: little known, but important for the immune system
Glutathione is an extremely versatile and important antioxidant. It plays a central role in detoxification by helping to neutralise harmful substances and free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. Glutathione is particularly active in the liver, the body's main organ of detoxification. It also works closely with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E to enhance their effect and protect your cells.
Your body may not make enough glutathione when you're under a lot of stress, exposed to pollutants or ill, or as you get older, so taking extra glutathione can be helpful. A glutathione deficiency can make it harder for your body to neutralise free radicals, which leaves your immune system and your cells less well protected. That's why it's important to support your glutathione levels through a balanced diet or, where needed, with supplements, especially during stressful periods or when your health is under strain.
A healthy glutathione level is important so that your body can withstand stress and recover quickly.
Copper: why it matters for your defences
Copper is also crucial for a strong immune system. It helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the body's defences. Copper also neutralises harmful substances that could damage cells, and so protects them. This versatile mineral doesn't just promote health: it may also have a positive effect on the ageing process by keeping your body fit and resilient.
Selenium for strong defences
Selenium is essential for the immune system to run smoothly, as it helps strengthen and regulate the body's defences.
A selenium deficiency can have serious consequences: your body produces fewer antibodies and immune cells, which makes you more susceptible to infections. Illnesses can be more severe, and viruses can multiply and spread faster. A selenium deficiency can also make viruses more dangerous, as they can mutate more easily.
The innate and the acquired immune system
Your immune system has an innate part and an acquired part. The innate immune system is the first line of defence and reacts quickly to invaders, but it can't stop germs permanently. The acquired immune system recognises specific pathogens and takes longer to become active, but it remembers them, so it can react faster the next time.
The innate immune system is active from birth, while the acquired one develops through repeated infections. A well-chosen immune supplement can support both systems with important nutrients and improve how well they respond.
An immune supplement can improve the body's defences and ease or prevent infections.
Our verdict: immune supplements help the body in many ways
It isn't only in the cold season that it's important to strengthen your immune system. If you're often ill, or you regularly drink or smoke, your immune system may be weakened. Lack of exercise, sleep problems and high levels of strain also mean your body needs extra nutrients. A well-chosen immune supplement provides your body with important nutrients to give your cells and defences the best possible support, especially at times of stress or other challenges.
Take a look at our top picks and find the right product for you.
Compare the immune supplements we tested
* We may earn a commission from some of the companies featured. This is how we keep our comparisons free to read.
Some of these companies are our commercial partners.
Sources
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8423507/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8423507/