Best Supplements for Lung Health

Certain nutrients may help support healthy lung function. Key vitamins such as C, D, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, NAC (N-acetylcysteine), magnesium, quercetin, herbs including mullein and boswellia, and probiotics have been studied for their potential benefits to the respiratory system.

Each component offers antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the airways and promote easier breathing. This article highlights the main information and research-based findings on supplements and vitamins that may support overall lung health.

Best Vitamins for Lung Health

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant found in lung tissue. It helps neutralize harmful free radicals—byproducts that can damage cells.

In addition, vitamin C supports the regeneration of vitamin E, another protective nutrient in the body. Through these roles, vitamin C contributes to keeping the airways functioning smoothly and may help with easier breathing during activities such as intense exercise [1].

Safety: Vitamin C from normal dietary intake is considered safe. However, supplements above about 2,000 mg per day may cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or kidney-stone formation, especially with long-term use [2].

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is not only important for bones but also plays a role in maintaining immune balance in the lungs. It helps the lungs respond more steadily to inflammatory factors and supports the natural protective barrier of the airways.

Observational studies have found that people with higher vitamin D levels often show better lung function (FVC and FEV₁) in both men and women, including smokers and non-smokers [3,4].

Safety: Most adults generally need about 600–800 IU per day. Chronic intakes above 4,000 IU daily may raise the risk of high blood-calcium levels, which can lead to nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, or kidney-stone formation [5].

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, especially in the form of α-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It helps protect cell membranes in lung tissue from free radical damage [1].

Research suggests that lower vitamin E levels are often associated with wheezing and bronchitis-like symptoms in smokers.

In the Women’s Health Study (WHS), which followed more than 38,000 women aged 45 and older for 10 years, the group taking 600 IU of vitamin E every other day recorded slightly fewer cases of chronic lung problems compared with the placebo group (760 vs. 846 new cases). This represented about a 10% lower reported risk [6].

The study also showed that smokers had more than a four-fold higher risk of respiratory issues compared with women who had never smoked.

Safety: Caution is advised with vitamin E intakes above 400 IU/day, as higher doses may increase bleeding risk and interact with blood-thinning medications [7]. Very high intakes may also cause digestive discomfort or fatigue.

Best Supplements for Lung Health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s (EPA and DHA from fish oil) are healthy fats often highlighted for their role in overall wellness. Large studies show that people with higher blood levels of omega-3s tend to maintain better lung function as they age [8].

Thanks to their calming effect on inflammation, omega-3s may help keep the airways comfortable and support long-term lung resilience.

Safety: Fish-oil supplements are generally considered safe. Mild side effects may include a fishy aftertaste, heartburn, or loose stools. Very high intakes can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with blood-thinning medication [9].

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC is a precursor of glutathione, an important antioxidant in the lungs. It can help loosen mucus and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support (Mokra et al., 2023).

Safety: NAC has low toxicity and is generally well-tolerated. In studies involving people with chronic respiratory issues, 600–2,400 mg/day was well tolerated. Occasional mild nausea or skin rash has been reported; serious side effects are rare.

Magnesium

Magnesium acts as a natural airway smooth-muscle relaxant and may support a healthier inflammatory balance in the lungs [11].

Short-term magnesium supplementation has been associated with modest improvements in lung function among individuals with airway sensitivity.

Safety: Magnesium from food is safe. Supplemental magnesium—especially in citrate or oxide form—can cause diarrhea or abdominal cramping if intakes exceed about 350 mg/day [12].

Extremely high doses (in the thousands of mg) may lead to low blood pressure, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat, particularly in people with kidney impairment [12].

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein is an herbal lung-supporting plant traditionally used to loosen mucus and make it easier to expel [13]. Its natural mucilage compounds can coat the airway lining for a soothing effect, and the leaves contain antioxidants with mild antimicrobial activity.

Safety: Generally regarded as very safe with no serious side effects reported when used traditionally. Rarely, undiluted topical application may cause mild skin irritation; oral use is usually well tolerated. No significant drug interactions have been documented [13].

Boswellia (Frankincense Extract)

Resin from the Boswellia serrata tree contains compounds called boswellic acids. These compounds may help ease inflammation and limit airway tightness.

Some studies have found that Boswellia supplementation is linked with greater breathing comfort and overall respiratory support.

Safety: Generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, reflux, diarrhea, or rash. Boswellia may enhance uterine blood flow and should be avoided during pregnancy. It may also interact with NSAID pain-relievers (e.g., ibuprofen) and could slightly increase bleeding risk.

Read more: How to Improve Lung Health After Smoking

Probiotics

Certain probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may help support the gut–lung connection, contributing to balanced immune responses and greater comfort in the airways.

A 2024 meta-analysis reported that probiotic use was associated with improved asthma-control scores and fewer flare-ups in some participants [15].

However, findings have not been consistent across all studies, and larger trials are still needed to better clarify the role of probiotics in respiratory health.

Safety: Considered safe for healthy individuals. Early side effects may include temporary bloating, gas, or mild constipation when starting supplementation. Rarely, probiotics may pose an infection risk in people with severely compromised immune systems.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a natural compound found in apples, onions, and various berries. It is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

Some animal studies suggest that quercetin may help reduce oxidative stress and support markers of respiratory function in experimental lung models [16]; however, more human studies are needed to gain a clearer understanding.

Safety: Generally considered safe up to about 2,000 mg/day [17]. Higher doses may cause mild digestive discomfort or headaches. Quercetin may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, so caution is advised with concurrent use.

Interactions Between Lung-Health Supplements and Medications

Some dietary supplements may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to use them with care.

• Vitamin C: High doses may increase iron absorption and may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications [2].

• Vitamin E and Fish Oil (Omega-3): Both may enhance the blood-thinning effect of anticoagulants, which can increase bleeding risk [2, 9].

• Magnesium: Can bind to tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics and reduce their absorption. It’s best to take magnesium supplements at least 2–4 hours apart from these medications [12].

• Boswellia: May have additive effects with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Probiotics: No major drug interactions are known, but they should be used with caution in people with severe immune compromise.

• Quercetin: May influence blood clotting; caution is advised when taken alongside anticoagulants.

As always, anyone taking prescription medication—especially for blood pressure, heart conditions, or autoimmune disorders—should consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Conclusion

Supporting lung health doesn’t have to be complicated. Adding familiar nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and herbs like mullein and boswellia may help lungs work more efficiently and contribute to overall daily wellness.

However, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional first to select supplements that are both appropriate and safe for your individual needs.