What Supplements Best Support Men’s Immune Health?
An effective way for men to bolster their immune health is with probiotics and antioxidants.
Probiotics for Immune Health
For promoting immune wellness, one of the best places to begin is with your gut. Home to about 70% of your body’s immune system,1 the gut and its microbiota play a crucial role in your ability to resist, combat and remove harmful microorganisms. Maintaining a healthy balance of probiotic bacteria in the gut is also key to ensuring healthy nutrition.
Beneficial bacteria include many strains, but some are particularly helpful. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are two strains commonly found in probiotic supplements. These include Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®2 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN0193—both of which are included in Swanson’s Men’s Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic FOS.
For a broad spectrum of probiotics known to promote total-body wellness, try Dr. Stephen Langer’s Ultimate 16 Strain Probiotic with FOS. Research has linked a proper balance of probiotics in the gut with sexual and reproductive health in men.4 Certain strains have also been linked to male reproductive health,5 cardiovascular health and more.
Antioxidants for Cellular Protection
Other supplements that support men’s immune wellness include antioxidants. This is because our bodies naturally produce molecules known as free radicals in response to physical exertion, exposure to ultraviolet light or certain pollutants—even basic activities like breathing or eating can trigger the production of free radicals! These free radicals can cause harm to our cells, in particular DNA, lipids, protein and mitochondria, which can result in a number of health concerns.6 For men, promoting cellular health is a way of supporting both present and long-term wellness. Antioxidants offer excellent help.
As free radicals travel through the body, they have an effect known as oxidative stress. Antioxidants defend against oxidative stress by “lending” an extra electron to the free radical molecules, thereby neutralizing them.6 By providing your body with sufficient antioxidants you can promote cellular wellness.
One potent antioxidant to consider adding to your routine is alpha lipoic acid (ALA). This naturally occurring compound delivers strong antioxidant defense while also supporting other markers of health,7 like blood glucose response and brain and nerve health. It also promotes the regeneration of antioxidant vitamins E and C.8,9
Other key antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E in addition to CoQ10, lycopene and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). These have been linked to health benefits beyond defending against oxidative stress, like enhanced sexual and hormonal health for men.10
Many quality antioxidant supplements are available, like Daily Antioxidant Boost for total-body defense, and Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant for targeted eye and vision support. Antioxidant-rich food sources include red meats, brewer’s yeast (for ALA), walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds, red, green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea and even dark chocolate.11
You be well, now
Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
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3. Waller PA, et al. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep;46(9):1057-64. Read source
4. Helli B., et al. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2022 Jul; 25(3):499-507. Read source
5. CoQ10. Cleveland HeartLab. Accessed June 2025. Read source
6. Understanding Antioxidants. Harvard Health Publishing. 2019 Jan. 31. Accessed June 2025. Read source
7. Packer L, et al. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Aug;19(2):227-50. Read source
8. Tingting Han, et al. European Journal of Endocrinology, Volume 167, Issue 4, Oct 2012, Pages 465–471. Read source
9. Shahid, A., et al. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 322. Read source
10. Agarwal A, et al. World J Mens Health. 2021 Apr;39(2):233-290. Read source
11. Add Antioxidants to Your Diet. Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 2025. Read source
