As a team of healthcare professionals including physical therapists, doctors, and nutritionists, we know firsthand how important it is to have a strong immune system.
Not only for general health, though. A weak immune system has a role in the development and maintenance of chronic joint diseases like knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. (1)
But certain supplements can give it a much-needed boost, potentially helping with symptoms as well. We’ll review one of them below – Immune Complex by VitaPost. Here are the topics we’ll discuss, tap on any of them to easily navigate through the analysis:
- How it keeps your immune system healthy
- Concerns about its safety and side effects
- Breakdown of its entire formula
- Instructions to take it safely
- The best and cheapest place to buy Immune Complex
- Should you take or avoid this supplement?
- Immune Complex alternatives
- FAQs about this supplement
What is Immune Complex?
Immune Complex is a blend of 10 natural ingredients that, combined, make sure your immune system has all it needs to protect you. It’s one of the most complete supplements we’ve tested for immune issues.
It contains vitamins C, E, and B6, as well as zinc, powders of several plants and fruits (like turmeric and garlic), and probiotics.
Here’s an overview of Immune Complex:
- Name and Brand: Immune Complex from VitaPost.
- Who should be most interested in this supplement?: Those with autoimmune diseases, chronic joint conditions, or people wanting to remain healthy for as long as possible.
- Who should take this with caution?: Those taking statins, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antibiotics, or diuretics.
- Does it offer great value for money?: This is the best part for me. It’s a fairly cheap supplement for all the quality it has.
- Where is the best place to buy it?: Right on their website, ImmuneComplex.us.
Our rating: 9.2/10
Pros
- Great blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to boost immune health.
- Helps with inflammation thanks to its antioxidant properties.
- Can promote cardiovascular, brain, and gut health.
- Can prevent further cartilage degeneration and help its regeneration.
- Amazing value for money.
Cons
- Doesn’t have vitamin D.
- Should not be taken by people on certain medications.
- Probiotics can cause stomach upset at first, for those that aren’t used to them.
How does Immune Complex work?
Immune Complex has a combination of natural ingredients that strengthen your immune system.
It does so by combining several vitamins and minerals that are needed for immune health – all of them at ideal dosages. Then, these effects are enhanced by adding extracts from plants, fruits, and spices.
Most of these ingredients have strong antioxidant properties, meaning they not only help the immune system. They will benefit every part of your body in the process – heart, nerves, brain… everything.
If that wasn’t enough, Immune Complex also has probiotics, which promote gut health.
The importance of this last ingredient lies in the connection between the digestive tract and the rest of the body. See, the gut has its own immune system, and it communicates directly with our brain.
This means that the healthier our gut, the better our brain, nerves, and general body will function. And, probiotics are an easy way to achieve this. (2)
Is Immune Complex safe? Are there any side effects?
Immune Complex is generally safe. It shares the common side effects of any supplement, such as:
- Gas.
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
You can minimize them by not exceeding the daily dosage and by taking the supplement with a meal.
Yet, some of its ingredients may interact with certain medications.
So, please consult with your doctor before taking Immune Complex if you also take any of the following drugs (3, 4, 5, 6):
- Statins, like simvastatin.
- Anticoagulants.
- Antibiotics.
- Diuretics.
- Anti-epileptic drugs.
Immune Complex’s natural ingredients
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the many nutrients our body can’t make on its own – we need to get it from our diet. Meeting the daily requirements (75-90 mg for most adults) will help you keep a healthy immune system. (3)
Yet, according to research, getting more through supplementation can add another benefit – reducing your risk of knee osteoarthritis. To get it, you should take at least 120 mg of vitamin C daily. (7)
You won’t have to worry about that with Immune Complex, as it has you fully covered with 180 mg per serving. (8)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another nutrient we need to get from our diet. It also helps your immune system stay healthy, mostly thanks to its antioxidant properties.
The daily requirements for most adults are 15 mg per day. (4) You’ll meet those with Immune Complex and a bit more, as it has 20 mg per serving.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is another essential compound we get from our diet. Apart from supporting the immune system, it also keeps your nerves and brain healthy.
The daily requirement is around 1.3 and 1.7 mg, but Immune Complex gives you twice that – 3.4 mg per serving. (5)
This can be extremely helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who tend to have very low levels of B6. And interestingly, taking this vitamin as a supplement can also reduce your risk of suffering from severe COVID. (5, 9)
Related: Can COVID cause knee pain?
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that we also need from our diet. It provides several health benefits, such as (6, 10):
- Supporting the immune system.
- Repairing damaged tissue.
- Promoting cartilage growth.
- Keeping inflammation at bay.
Meeting the daily requirements (8 to 11 mg) may have protective effects on your knee cartilage. And, you’ll be able to reap these benefits with the 16 mg per serving in Immune Complex.
L-Glutamine HCL
L-glutamine is one of many amino acids. It’s also one of the building blocks of our immune system. Our body can make it on its own so there’s no specific daily dosage.
But, consuming it as a supplement can be beneficial for those with chronic conditions as well as those recovering from injury or infection. (11)
Elderberry fruit extract
Elderberry is a fruit packed with nutrients and vitamins. Apart from strengthening your immune system, taking it as a supplement may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. (12)
Echinacea powder
This plant has tons of antioxidants, compounds capable of protecting your cells from oxidative stress. This in turn may help manage chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. (13)
Apart from strengthening the immune system, Echinacea may also help relieve knee pain and inflammation.
This was shown in a study with knee osteoarthritis patients that didn’t respond to NSAIDs. Their symptoms improved after taking an extract of this plant. (14, 15)
Garlic powder
It’s insane how many benefits garlic powder can provide. This supplement helps boost the immune system, yes. But it also may (16):
- Reduce inflammation in chronic diseases like cardiovascular problems.
- Ease pain in knee osteoarthritis.
- Reduce glucose levels in diabetic patients.
- Promote bone health.
Immune Complex provides 100 mg per serving – enough to reap some of them.
Curcuminoids
Curcuminoids are a group of powerful substances naturally present in turmeric. Curcumin is one of them, and research has shown that it can (17):
- Manage inflammation.
- Reduce pain.
- Help fight off degenerative diseases.
- Lower your risk of heart disease.
- Boost your immune system.
Now, each serving of Immune Complex has 100 mg of curcuminoids. This is twice the minimum amount to get all the benefits of curcuminoids. (17)
Learn more: Turmeric for knee pain – how it helps?
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Have you ever heard about probiotics? These are a type of bacteria that’s extremely good for your gut health.
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common ones. It has antioxidant properties, making it easier for you to fight off viruses and infections. (18)
Taking between 1 and 10 billion CFU daily will help you keep a healthy gut, which directly benefits your immune system. (18, 19) Immune Complex has 4.8 billion CFU, right in the middle so you can get the beneficial effects without problems.
Dosage and instructions
Just take two capsules per day along with a meal. This will reduce your likelihood of having side effects.
Now, if you have a delicate stomach or are inexperienced with probiotics, I recommend taking 1 capsule per day for a week or two. This will help your body adapt to the supplement and reduce your risk of gastric problems due to the lactobacillus.
Where can I buy Immune Complex?
It’s best to buy Immune Complex on their website, ImmuneComplex.us.
Once there, you’ll see they offer various package options – 1, 2, or 3 bottles. By far the best deal is buying the 3-bottle package, as they will give you another one for free.
This also saves money on shipping, as you pay for that once, regardless of the size of the order.
Another reason to buy directly there is that you can return your unopened bottles if you have to, within 5 months after buying them.
Should you take or avoid Immune Complex?
Immune Complex will be ideal for those with autoimmune diseases, a weakened immune system, or suffering from chronic pain. All these conditions can benefit from the antioxidant properties of this food supplement.
However, it can interact with penicillamine, a common drug for rheumatoid arthritis. If you take it and want to use Immune Complex as well, make sure to take the supplement at least 2 hours before the drug to avoid the interaction. (6)
Also, it can reduce the action of antibiotics, blood thinners, drugs for epilepsy, and diuretics. If you take any of those, please consult with your doctor before taking Immune Complex. (3, 4, 5, 6)
Alternatives to Immune Complex
- Turmeric Curcumin Plus: This is a turmeric supplement from VitaPost. Ideal if you want the benefits of antioxidants but don’t need the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
- ProJoint Plus: This is THE supplement if you have knee osteoarthritis and want to prevent it from advancing. It has glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and other evidence-based ingredients for cartilage health.
- Green Roads CBD oil (full-spectrum): If apart from autoimmune issues you also struggle with anxiety and sleep problems, try this CBD oil. Research shows that full-spectrum formulas can aid in autoimmune diseases while helping you relax and get more rest. (20)
Further reading: Benefits of CBD oil for knee pain.
FAQs
What is Immune Complex good for?
Immune Complex supplement is good for the immune system, the gut, and for having a healthy lifestyle in general.
What is Immune Complex supplement?
Immune Complex is a food supplement with a blend of vitamins, minerals, herb extracts, and probiotics that boost your immune system and improve your general health.
How can I boost my immune system?
To boost your immune system, make sure to follow a nutritious diet, do some type of physical activity, sleep well, and manage stress. Taking supplements like Immune Complex can also help with this.
My verdict: Immune Complex is a no-brainer for having a healthier immune system
This supplement has the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and natural extracts to make sure your immune system has all it needs to work properly. The dosage of each ingredient is also ideal to be safe for most people.
But honestly, my favorite part is the price. It’s really hard to find a supplement that’s this well made AND cheap. With this one, you can have both.
However, having that many ingredients means there’s a risk of them interacting with a variety of medications.
That’s why it’s best to consult your doctor first before taking this or any other supplement. More so if you have a chronic condition or are under prescription drugs.
Resources
- Totsch, Stacie K, and Robert Ernest Sorge. “Immune System Involvement in Specific Pain Conditions.” Molecular pain vol. 13 (2017): 1744806917724559. DOI: 10.1177/1744806917724559
- Jacobson, Amanda et al. “The intestinal neuro-immune axis: crosstalk between neurons, immune cells, and microbes.” Mucosal immunology vol. 14, 3 (2021): 555-565. DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00368-1
- “Vitamin C.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 2022 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- “Vitamin E.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 2022 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
- “Vitamin B6.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 2022 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
- “Zinc.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 2022 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
- Dunlap, Burton et al. “Vitamin C supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis: perspectives on the past, present, and future.” Therapeutic advances in chronic disease vol. 12 20406223211047026. 20 Oct. 2021, DOI: 10.1177/20406223211047026
- Jeong, Youngseok et al. “Relationship of sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, and nutrient and food intakes with osteoarthritis prevalence in elderly subjects with controlled dyslipidaemia: a cross-sectional study.” Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition vol. 28, 4 (2019): 837-844. DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.201912_28(4).0021
- Stach, Kamilla et al. “Vitamin B6 in Health and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 13, 9 3229. 17 Sep. 2021, DOI: 10.3390/nu13093229
- Li, Guoyong et al. “The Impact of Trace Elements on Osteoarthritis.” Frontiers in medicine vol. 8 771297. 23 Dec. 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.771297
- Cruzat, Vinicius et al. “Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation.” Nutrients vol. 10, 11 1564. 23 Oct. 2018, DOI: 10.3390/nu10111564
- Ulbricht, Catherine et al. “An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.” Journal of dietary supplements vol. 11, 1 (2014): 80-120. DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2013.859852
- Manayi, Azadeh et al. “Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods.” Pharmacognosy reviews vol. 9, 17 (2015): 63-72. DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.156353
- Zhai, Zili et al. “Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 10, 3 (2007): 423-34. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.257
- Rondanelli, Mariangela et al. “The effect and safety of highly standardized Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) extract supplementation on inflammation and chronic pain in NSAIDs poor responders. A pilot study in subjects with knee arthrosis.” Natural product research vol. 31, 11 (2017): 1309-1313. DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2016.1236097
- Ansary, Johura et al. “Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9, 7 619. 15 Jul. 2020, DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070619
- Amalraj, Augustine et al. “Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives – A review.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine vol. 7, 2 205-233. 15 Jun. 2016, DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.005
- Di Cerbo, Alessandro et al. “Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of lactobacilli.” Journal of clinical pathology vol. 69, 3 (2016): 187-203. DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-202976
- “Lactobacillus acidophilus.” Mount Sinai. Retrieved on June 2022 from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus
- Rodríguez Mesa, Xandy Melissa et al. “Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabinoids in the Immunomodulation of Prevalent Autoimmune Diseases.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research vol. 6, 3 (2021): 196-210. DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0183
- Landa, Sergej B et al. “Peculiarities of the formation and subsequent removal of the circulating immune complexes from the bloodstream during the process of digestion.” F1000Research vol. 7 618. 21 May. 2018, DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14406.1