Which nutrients have an authorised immune claim
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, these claims are authorised for ingredients in this category:
- Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
A product may use them when a daily portion contains at least 15% of the nutrient reference value (NRV). For vitamin C there is a second claim, Vitamin C contributes to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise, and it needs a daily intake of 200 mg on top of the recommended amount, with the buyer informed. Vitamin D, selenium, iron, folate and vitamin B6 also have an immune system claim and are listed on the vitamin D, selenium and iron pages.
Ingredients without an authorised claim
Elderberry, quercetin, rose hips and citrus bioflavonoids have no authorised EU health claim, so we do not say they support immunity. When a product combines them with vitamin C or zinc, the claim belongs to the vitamin or mineral only.
Immune support products by type
| Type | Products | Active amount per daily dose | Claim that applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C 1000 mg, capsule or tablet | NOW Foods C-1000 with bioflavonoids and rutin; NOW Foods C-1000 with rose hips, sustained release; OstroVit 1000 mg | 1000 mg vitamin C (1250% NRV) | vitamin C |
| Vitamin C, other forms | OstroVit powder; Quicksilver liposomal liquid; Yango liposomal capsules; Swanson with rose hips | 500 to 1000 mg vitamin C; Yango 800 mg in 2 capsules | vitamin C |
| Zinc 10 to 15 mg | OstroVit picolinate and Triple Zinc; Swanson Albion bisglycinate; Swanson gluconate 30 mg tablet (half a tablet); Trace Minerals ionic | 10 to 15 mg zinc (100 to 150% NRV) | zinc |
| Zinc with copper | Nutricost 15 mg + 2 mg; Osavi 15 mg + 1 mg; Yango 15 mg + 1.5 mg | 15 mg zinc, 1 to 2 mg copper | zinc and copper |
| Zinc 50 mg | NOW Foods zinc gluconate 50 mg | 50 mg zinc (500% NRV) | zinc |
| Elderberry | NOW Foods capsules; NOW Foods lozenge with zinc and vitamin C | 500 mg concentrate per capsule; 150 mg per lozenge with 3 mg zinc and 100 mg vitamin C | only vitamin C and zinc in the lozenge |
| Quercetin complex | Solgar with Ester-C | 500 mg quercetin, 500 mg vitamin C in 2 capsules | vitamin C only |
How to choose vitamin C and zinc
Compare the amount, then the price per day. 1000 mg of vitamin C is 1250% of the NRV, which is 80 mg. Zinc ranges from 10 mg to 50 mg a day across the category, and the NRV is 10 mg, so a 50 mg tablet is five times the reference value. The NOW Foods 50 mg label says it is not for long-term use. Add up zinc from every product you take. The zinc page compares forms.
Warnings on the labels
Several vitamin C products advise against use if you are prone to kidney stones, and most zinc products say they are not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Elderberry and quercetin products ask pregnant and breastfeeding women, people on medicines and people with a medical condition to talk to a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Which vitamins have an authorised claim for immunity?
Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folate and vitamin B6. In this category those are vitamin C, zinc and copper.
Does elderberry support immunity?
The EU has not authorised a claim for elderberry, so we cannot say it does. The elderberry page lists the products.
Is liposomal vitamin C better?
We cannot claim that. The authorised claim depends on the amount of vitamin C per daily dose, not on the form. Compare the milligrams and the price per day.
Can I take vitamin C and zinc together?
Yes, and the NOW Foods elderberry lozenge combines them. Keep to each label's daily dose.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (authorised health claims)
- EU Register of nutrition and health claims
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- EFSA: Health claims
Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.
2026-09-19