Supplements for cold

For addressing colds, Andrew Huberman discusses several supplements and practices that can support immune function:

1. Vitamin D: Supplementing with 1000 to 2000 IU of vitamin D daily is generally safe and can aid in maintaining adequate levels for overall health. This supplementation may help reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections, though the effect is modest 1.

2. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC has been shown to significantly reduce influenza risk, with only 25% of those taking it contracting the virus compared to 79% in the placebo group. It may also help shorten the duration of illnesses by boosting glutathione, a master antioxidant that helps combat reactive oxygen and nitrogen species 2.

3. Zinc: Supplementing with 90 to 100 mg of zinc daily can lead to a significantly faster recovery from colds. It is important to take zinc with food to avoid gastric distress 3.

   • 

     1

     Vitamin D Insights

     01:47:10
     
   • 

     2

     N-Acetylcysteine Insights

     02:00:35
     
   • 

     3

     Zinc Supplementation Insights

     01:53:09
     
   • 

     4

     Immune Support Insights

     01:50:58
     

4. Echinacea: While often discussed, echinacea may not provide significant benefits for preventing colds and flus, and high doses could potentially impede the innate immune system 4.

Including these supplements as part of a broader nutritional and lifestyle strategy, such as maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring regular sunlight exposure, can help keep the immune system robust, especially during cold and flu season. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.