Protocol · Respiratory Health
Respiratory Health General Support Protocol
Vitamin D and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Respiratory Health General Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 1 graded · 4 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Supports respiratory immune defenses; deficiency associated with increased respiratory infections
| Grade D for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Risk5,724 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Vitamin D (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg twice daily | Mucolytic that thins mucus; antioxidant that protects lung tissue | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (higher during illness) | Supports immune function; may reduce duration and severity of respiratory infections
| Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily; 75 mg/day as lozenges during acute illness | Supports respiratory immune function; lozenges may reduce cold duration | Not graded yet | ||
| Elderberry | Amount listed: 175–600 mg elderberry extract daily during illness | Antiviral properties; may reduce duration and severity of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Elderberry (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory effects support lung health; may help resolve respiratory inflammation | Not graded yet | ||
| Quercetin | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; supports respiratory health | Not graded yet | ||
| Pelargonium Sidoides | Amount listed: 20–30 drops extract 3 times daily during acute illness | African geranium extract with antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects for respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU daily (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains) | Support gut-immune axis; may reduce incidence and duration of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Probiotics (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade D
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Respiratory health encompasses the function of your lungs, airways, and the immune defenses that protect them from infections and environmental insults. Good respiratory health means efficient oxygen exchange, clear airways, and robust defenses against pathogens. Common respiratory concerns include frequent colds and infections, chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and environmental sensitivities.
CRITICAL: Respiratory symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness require medical evaluation. Conditions like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia need proper diagnosis and treatment. These supplements support respiratory health and immune function but do not replace medical treatment for respiratory diseases. If you have chronic respiratory disease, work with a pulmonologist and discuss any supplements to avoid interactions with medications.
Vitamin D* plays a crucial role in respiratory immune defenses. A large meta-analysis showed vitamin D supplementation reduces respiratory infections, especially in those who are deficient. Maintaining adequate levels supports lung immunity.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* is a mucolytic that thins mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. It's also an antioxidant that protects lung tissue. Meta-analyses support its use in chronic bronchitis and COPD.
Vitamin C* supports immune function and may reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections. Regular supplementation is more effective than starting when already sick.
Zinc* is essential for immune function. Zinc lozenges taken at the start of a cold can reduce its duration.
Elderberry* has antiviral properties and meta-analyses show it can significantly reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have anti-inflammatory effects that support lung health. They help resolve inflammation and may benefit chronic respiratory conditions.
Quercetin* is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that supports respiratory health.
Pelargonium Sidoides* (African geranium) is effective for acute bronchitis based on Cochrane review evidence.
Probiotics* support the gut-immune axis and Cochrane review evidence shows they can reduce the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections.
Expected timeline: Vitamin D optimization: 2-3 months for full effect. NAC mucolytic effects: within days to weeks. Acute illness supplements (zinc, elderberry): most effective when started at first symptoms.