Best Supplements for Immune Support

All 5 experts agree that gut microbiome health is foundational to longevity, immunity, and brain function. The strongest consensus is around fermented foods over probiotic supplements. Huberman recommends 4 servings of low-sugar fermented foods daily as the primary intervention. Attia takes a science-forward approach, personally using Pendulum Akkermansia and AG1 while emphasizing that the probiotic market is largely unregulated. Patrick highlights the Sonnenburg research showing fermented foods increase microbial diversity and reduce inflammatory markers. Hyman is the most prolific advocate, outlining a comprehensive 5R gut-healing protocol and recommending probiotics as one of his foundational supplements. Johnson includes fermented foods in his daily Blueprint meals.

All 5 experts view zinc as an essential mineral, though their depth of coverage varies significantly. Hyman is the most prolific advocate, citing zinc across immune function, gut healing, brain health, skin health, fertility, and detoxification. Huberman recommends 90-100mg zinc for cold prevention and includes it in fertility protocols. Patrick highlights zinc's role in immune defense, cold duration reduction, and its interaction with quercetin as a zinc ionophore. Attia mentions zinc as a critical micronutrient for testosterone optimization. Johnson includes zinc indirectly through his nutrient-dense diet but does not feature it as a standalone supplement.

4 of 5 experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for those with suboptimal levels, though Attia urges caution — arguing that the health benefits attributed to high vitamin D may actually come from the outdoor lifestyle needed to achieve them naturally. Patrick is the strongest advocate, citing a 40% reduction in dementia risk.

3 of 5 experts actively recommend NAC supplementation. Hyman is the strongest advocate by far, recommending NAC across 24 videos for glutathione support, detoxification, liver health, immune function, and brain health. Johnson includes NAC as a core pill in his daily Blueprint stack. Huberman and a guest (Dr. Seheult) discuss NAC for immune support and cold prevention. Attia and Patrick have no direct NAC coverage in analyzed videos.

3 of 5 experts view vitamin C as broadly useful — Patrick has a dedicated deep-dive covering oral vs. IV forms, Hyman recommends it across dozens of videos for immune support, stress, and detox, and Johnson includes it in his daily protocol alongside iron. Huberman notes that high-dose vitamin C has shown limited effectiveness for colds. Attia is the most skeptical, arguing that mega-dosing offers no benefit beyond correcting deficiency and that oral absorption is severely limited.