Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Immune Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natrium Health

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Immune Defense is a dietary supplement by Natrium Health with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 975 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Seed extract, Red Reishi 16:1 Mushroom extract, Zinc. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Immune Defense by Natrium Health

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Immune Defense contains eight active ingredients. Zinc is a mineral your body needs for immune function and wound healing.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound studied for joint and nerve pain. The product also includes black seed extract, two medicinal mushroom extracts (turkey tail and red reishi), and three other botanical or compounds — tyrosol, a functional yeast extract, and oleamide.

One inactive ingredient, vegetable cellulose, serves as the capsule material.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: comprehensive immune system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), immune function, infection prevention, immune response.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Black Seed is rated "Possibly Effective" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Black Seed is rated "Possibly Effective" for Asthma.
  • Also on file: Zinc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease (a copper storage disorder), and possibly effective for acne, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes support. Palmitoylethanolamide is possibly effective for osteoarthritis but possibly ineffective for spinal cord injury; evidence is insufficient to rate it for autism, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine, or cannabis use disorder.

Black seed extract is possibly effective for acne, hay fever, asthma, helicobacter pylori infection, and diabetes. Reishi mushroom is possibly ineffective for high cholesterol, and evidence is insufficient for altitude sickness, Alzheimer disease, or athletic performance.

The evidence on turkey tail and the other ingredients we could not check is not established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Palmitoylethanolamide (pea) Black Seed Reishi Mushroom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Zinc is generally well tolerated in doses below 40 mg daily for adults. At higher doses, it can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and metallic taste, and there is concern that long-term high-dose use might increase copper deficiency.

Palmitoylethanolamide is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited; nausea is the most common reported side effect. The safety data advises against palmitoylethanolamide during pregnancy and lactation because there isn't enough information.

Black seed extract appears well tolerated, though it may cause constipation, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort; the safety data advises against it in pregnancy because larger medicinal doses may not be safe. Reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated short-term but long-term safety is not well studied; the safety data advises against it during pregnancy and lactation.

We hold no pregnancy or lactation data for zinc, though pregnancy is listed as likely safe and lactation as likely safe in the facts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Palmitoylethanolamide (pea) Black Seed Reishi Mushroom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Seed, Reishi Mushroom, Zinc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 975 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, cephalexin, penicillamine, HIV medications (ritonavir or integrase inhibitors), blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, sedatives, antidepressants or serotonergic drugs, immune-suppressing medications, water pills (diuretics), chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, or cyclosporine. These are the medication types with documented or theoretical interactions in this product's ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may be worth considering if you have a zinc deficiency or are looking for support with conditions like acne or diabetes, though the evidence on most ingredients is modest. If you take any prescription medications — especially antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or immunosuppressants — you need to check your exact drugs with the tool on this page or talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should talk it over with their healthcare provider first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Immune Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand Natrium Health
Barcode (UPC) 858163008209
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 233385
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Immune Defense by Natrium Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
858163008209
IngredientAmount% DV
Zinc8 mg73%
Palmitoylethanolamide200 mg--
Tyrosol10 mg--
functional Yeast extract500 mg--
Turkey Tail 8:1 Mushroom extract300 mg--
Black Seed extract100 mg--
Oleamide100 mg--
Red Reishi 16:1 Mushroom extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Natrium Health Science Powered by Nature

Formulation

How it works: Immune Defense is an advanced all-in-one supplement for comprehensive immune system support. Healthy immune function is a very complex and delicate balance. Enhancing that process requires many different mechanism all working together to deliver measured improvement. Immune Defense if the culmination of many years of development to find just the right formulation to provide real immune system enhancement.

Made in the USA with US and imported ingredients

Gluten free Non GMO

Supports healthy immune function

Brand IP Statement(s)

Patents and Trademarks: Sucrosomial is a registered trademark of Alesco S.r.l.

Precautions

Disclaimer: Keep out of reach of children. Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions, and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions, and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

All natural ingredients

Seals/Symbols

USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat.

See for yourself

Immune Defense by Natrium Health label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Immune Defense by Natrium Health

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
8 mg per serving

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Palmitoylethanolamide

No known
interactions
200 mg per serving

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fat-like molecule made naturally in the body and studied mainly for pain and inflammation. Some research suggests it...

Palmitoylethanolamide monograph & interactions

Tyrosol

10 mg per serving

Functional Yeast extract

500 mg per serving Form: Beta Glucans

Turkey Tail 8:1 Mushroom extract

300 mg per serving

Black Seed extract

Interacts with
912 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Thymoquinone

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a traditional spice and remedy that has been studied for asthma, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, with ear...

Black Seed extract monograph & interactions

Oleamide

100 mg per serving

Red Reishi 16:1 Mushroom extract

Interacts with
375 drugs
100 mg per serving

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits...

Red Reishi 16:1 Mushroom extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Immune Defense by Natrium Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Immune Defense?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
975Drugs
973 Moderate 2 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Zinc 67

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Immune Defense with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Black Seed extract14 drug types · 912 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black seed may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that black seed extract can inhibit platelet aggregation and clotting, and increase bleeding time. In addition, decreased platelet counts have occurred in a human case report and in animal research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking black seed with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some clinical research and numerous animal studies suggest that black seed, especially its constituent thymoquinone, can have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking black seed with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research suggests that black seed powder and oil might reduce blood pressure by 2-3 mmHg. In animal research, black seed modestly reduces blood pressure and concomitant use of black seed and amlodipine (Norvasc) or metoprolol (Lopressor) increased the blood pressure lowering effects of these drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, black seed may increase the risk of bleeding if used with clopidogrel.
Animal research shows that taking black seed extract daily for 2 weeks prior to a single dose of clopidogrel increases maximum concentrations of clopidogrel by approximately 31% and modestly decreases oral clearance. Furthermore, bleeding time was increased by 12%. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
Animal research suggests that black seed may have CNS depressant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically taking black seed might reduce the levels and clinical effects of cyclosporine.
In animal research, black seed extract decreased the maximal levels of cyclosporine in the blood by 35.5%. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, black seed might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research suggests that thymoquinone, a constituent of black seed, can decrease the metabolism of phenytoin by a mechanism possibly related to the inhibition of CYP2C9. The effect of black seed on CYP2C9 is unclear. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking black seed with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Black seed extract has shown diuretic effects in animals, which could theoretically increase potassium loss. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, black seed might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro studies suggest that black seed might stimulate immune function. However, other animal studies suggest that black seed may suppress immune function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, black seed might increase or decrease levels and effects of phenytoin.
In vitro research suggests that thymoquinone, a constituent of black seed, can decrease the metabolism of phenytoin. This effect may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). However, animal research shows that black seed decreases the maximum concentration of and total systemic exposure to phenytoin by 57% and 87%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance and steady state volume of distribution. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with black seed might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.
Animal research suggests that black seed can increase brain serotonin levels. In one case report, a 35-year-old man undergoing endoscopic surgery experienced immediate postoperative serotonin syndrome that was likely associated with the use of black seed oil 600 mg daily starting 4 days before surgery, and precipitated by the use of serotonergic pain medications, including fentanyl and oxycodone. Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome and other serotonergic side effects if using black seed with serotonergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, black seed might reduce plasma levels and the therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that black seed reduces the total systemic exposure to sildenafil by 43%. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, black seed might increase levels of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that thymoquinone, a constituent of black seed, can decrease the metabolism of warfarin. This effect may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). The effect of black seed on warfarin metabolism is unclear. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Prednisolone

Theoretically black seed might reduce plasma levels and therapeutic effects of prednisolone.
In animal research, oral administration of a single dose of black seed oil 15 minutes prior to oral prednisolone decreases the prednisolone maximum plasma concentration by 65% and area under the curve by 25%. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Red Reishi 16:1 Mushroom extract3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Immune Defense, from the product label.

Natrium Health

See all Natrium Health products
Name
Natrium Health
Street Address
8205 S. Priest Dr. #11750
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Web Address
www.NatriumHealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Immune Defense by Natrium Health: Common Questions

Does Immune Defense by Natrium Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Immune Defense has a known interaction with 975 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Immune Defense contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant?
Zinc is listed as likely safe in pregnancy, but palmitoylethanolamide, black seed extract, and reishi mushroom all advise against use because there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
What is palmitoylethanolamide and what does it do?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound in your body. It's possibly effective for osteoarthritis but possibly ineffective for spinal cord injury; evidence for other uses like migraine or carpal tunnel syndrome is not yet established.
Can zinc cause side effects?
Yes. At normal doses (below 40 mg daily), zinc is well tolerated, but higher doses can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a metallic taste. Long-term high doses may increase the risk of copper deficiency.
What is reishi mushroom used for in this product?
Reishi mushroom is included in this product, but the evidence we hold does not establish it as effective for any particular condition. It's possibly ineffective for high cholesterol, and evidence for other uses is insufficient.
Is this product safe if I'm breastfeeding?
Zinc is listed as likely safe during lactation. However, palmitoylethanolamide, black seed extract, and reishi mushroom advise against use while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Will this help my acne?
Both zinc and black seed extract are possibly effective for acne, so this product may be worth trying. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's appropriate for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Immune Defense label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Immune Defense's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 169 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
  7. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  8. Chan S, Gerson B, Subramaniam S. The role of copper, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc in nutrition and health. Clin Lab Med 1998;18:673-85. DOI
  9. Brewer GJ, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Johnson V, et al. Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc: XI. Interaction with other anticopper agents. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:26-30. PubMed
  10. Fosmire GJ. Zinc toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:225-7.
  11. Lomaestro BM, Bailie GR. Absorption interactions with fluoroquinolones. 1995 update. Drug Saf 1995;12:314-33. PubMed
  12. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  13. Seelig MS. Auto-immune complications of D-penicillamine - A possible result of zinc and magnesium depletion and of pyridoxine inactivation. J Am Coll Nutr 1982;1:207-14. PubMed
  14. Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines. Drugs 1976;11:45-54.. PubMed
  15. Hirt M, Nobel S, Barron E. Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ear Nose Throat J 2000;79:778-82.. DOI
  16. Simkin PA. Oral zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1976;2:539-42. PubMed
  17. Wray D. A double-blind trial of systemic zinc sulfate in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1982;53:469-72. PubMed
  18. Douglas RM, Miles HB, Moore BW, et al. Failure of effervescent zinc acetate lozenges to alter the course of upper respiratory tract infections in Australian adults. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1987;31:1263-5. PubMed
  19. Lagiou P, Wuu J, Trichopoulou A, et al. Diet and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a study in Greece. Urology 1999;54:284-90. PubMed
  20. Ewing CI, Gibbs AC, Ashcroft C, David TJ. Failure of oral zinc supplementation in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Nutr 1991;45:507-10.
  21. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  22. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. AREDS report no. 8. Arch Oph
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Palmitoylethanolamide (pea) 4 references
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Black Seed 60 references
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Reishi Mushroom 17 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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