Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

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Propolis for Colds?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated December 12, 2024 ⓘ

Supplements for Colds: Zinc, Echinacea & More -- Couple with cold, sitting on couch blowing their noses

Answer:

Certain supplements can reduce the chance of getting a cold, while others may help reduce the severity of a cold or relieve cold symptoms. Other supplements don't seem to be beneficial for colds, but they may help prevent or treat other types of respiratory infections or inflammation. On the other hand, some supplements that are promoted for preventing or treating colds may not be beneficial.

Sign in as a ConsumerLab member to learn which supplements may help and which don’t. Supplements discussed include andrographis, astragalus, beta-glucan, bovine colostrum, bromelain, echinacea, elderberry, fish oil, garlic, glutathione, ginseng, honey, melatonin, NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), olive leaf extract, pea (palmitoylethanolamide), postbiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, propolis, vitamins C and D, and zinc, as well as the branded products Emergen-C, Wellness Formula, and Oscillococcinum.

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