Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Supplements studied for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has substantial supplement research, led by N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) with 21 studies. Oral NAC may reduce exacerbations and improve symptoms in moderate-to-severe COPD over at least six months, especially in patients not on inhaled corticosteroids.
Vitamin D supplementation has not consistently improved COPD outcomes, though low levels correlate with worse disease in observational data. Panax Ginseng and Ginger appear mainly in combination herbal trials with mixed lung-function results. Melatonin 3 mg daily may ease breathlessness in some small studies and may add to exercise training benefits. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Rhodiola | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Astragalus | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Whey Protein | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Quercetin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nicotinamide Riboside | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Eucalyptus | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Elderberry | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ashwagandha | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Creatine | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Beta-Alanine | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
21 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking N-acetylcysteine by mouth can help reduce flare-ups and improve symptoms in people with moderate to severe COPD, especially if they are not using inhaled corticosteroids.
- It usually needs to be taken for at least six months to see benefits.
- Doctors may recommend it for those who have frequent flare-ups or cannot use other inhaled medicines.
- It is generally safe and well tolerated.
- For people hospitalized with COPD flare-ups, adding NAC might help improve breathing and lower the need for extra oxygen.
Browse 21 studies·7 meta-analyses
GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COPD: 2025 Report2025
The 2025 GOLD COPD report outlines evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies; NAC is discussed among mucolytic adjunct options with mixed trial support.
RCTEffect of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on exacerbations and lung function in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD: a double-blind, parallel group, multicentre randomised clinical trial2024n=968
An RCT of 968 COPD patients (ages 40–80) found high-dose NAC (1200 mg/day) reduced exacerbations and improved FEV1 versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1200 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 968
- Ages
- 40–80
RCTEvaluation of high dose N-Acetylcysteine on airway inflammation and quality of life outcomes in adults with bronchiectasis: A randomised placebo-controlled pilot study2024n=9
A 6-week RCT of 9 COPD patients found high-dose NAC (2400 mg/day) reduced airway inflammation and improved quality of life.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 2400 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 9
- Avg age
- ~72
MetaN-acetylcysteine Treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Bronchitis/Pre-COPD: Distinct Meta-analyses2024
A meta-analysis found NAC reduced COPD exacerbation frequency in chronic bronchitis phenotypes but showed inconsistent effects on lung function decline.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaThe efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a meta-analysis2023n=1,076
A meta-analysis of 1,076 COPD patients found NAC significantly reduced exacerbation rates, especially at doses ≥600 mg/day.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,076
MetaSystematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2021
A meta-analysis found NAC significantly reduced COPD exacerbations and improved symptoms across randomized trials.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- AECOPD patients
MetaEffect of Orally Administered N-Acetylcysteine on Chronic Bronchitis: A Meta-analysis2019n=775
A meta-analysis of 775 chronic bronchitis patients found oral NAC reduced exacerbation frequency and improved symptoms versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1200 mg/day
- Population
- Chronic bronchitis patients
- Participants
- 775
RCTN-acetylcysteine in the Management of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease2019n=21
An RCT found NAC (600 mg twice daily) during acute COPD exacerbation shortened recovery time and reduced re-hospitalization versus standard care.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 600 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 21
GuideGlobal Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2017 Report. GOLD Executive Summary2017
The GOLD COPD strategy document summarizes evidence for pharmacologic therapies including mucolytics such as NAC for exacerbation prevention in select patients.
MetaThe effect of N-acetylcysteine on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review2017n=2,691
A meta-analysis of 2,691 COPD patients found NAC significantly reduced exacerbation frequency versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 2,691
RCTHigh-dose oral N-acetylcysteine fails to improve respiratory health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial2016n=130
An 8-week RCT of 130 COPD patients found high-dose oral NAC (3600 mg/day) did not improve respiratory health status versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 3600 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 130
- Ages
- 40–85
GuidePrevention of acute exacerbations of COPD: American College of Chest Physicians and Canadian Thoracic Society Guideline2015
An American College of Chest Physicians guideline found insufficient evidence to recommend NAC routinely for COPD exacerbation prevention.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
MetaN-acetylcysteine and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2006
A meta-analysis found NAC significantly reduced COPD exacerbation rates, with greatest benefit in patients not on inhaled corticosteroids.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
RCTEffects of N-acetylcysteine on outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Bronchitis Randomized on NAC Cost-Utility Study, BRONCUS): a randomised placebo-controlled trial2005n=523
A 3-year RCT of 523 COPD patients (BRONCUS) found 600 mg/day NAC did not significantly reduce FEV1 decline or exacerbations versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 years
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 523
RCTLong-term oral n-acetylcysteine reduces exhaled hydrogen peroxide in stable COPD2005
A 2-month RCT found long-term NAC (600 mg twice daily) reduced exhaled hydrogen peroxide, a marker of oxidative stress, in stable COPD.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 600 mg 2×/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Avg age
- ~66
RCTNew developments in the treatment of COPD: comparing the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine2005
An RCT comparing inhaled corticosteroids, NAC, and other COPD treatments found each therapy reduced exacerbations, with combination strategies most effective.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
RCTRandomised, controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ISRCTN21676344]2004n=25
A 3-month RCT of 25 COPD patients found 40 mg/day NAC during acute exacerbation shortened recovery and improved FEV1 versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 40 mg/day
- Participants
- 25
- Ages
- 50+
RCTInduced sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contains adhesion-promoting, therapy-sensitive factors2000n=11
An 8-week RCT of 11 COPD patients found NAC reduced airway oxidative stress markers in induced sputum versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 11
MetaThe effect of oral N-acetylcysteine in chronic bronchitis: a quantitative systematic review2000
A quantitative meta-analysis found oral NAC significantly reduced chronic bronchitis symptoms and exacerbation rates across trials.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12–24 weeks
- Population
- ALL patients
RCTN-acetylcysteine reduces the exacerbation rate in patients with moderate to severe COPD1999n=69
A 6-month RCT of 69 moderate-to-severe COPD patients found 600 mg/day NAC reduced exacerbation rate versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 69
An evaluation of the effect of nebulized N-acetylcysteine on sputum consistency1967
A study found nebulized N-acetylcysteine reduced sputum viscosity in patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Panax GinsengView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking Panax ginseng alone helps people with COPD.
- Studies using Panax ginseng together with other herbal ingredients show it can improve lung function and quality of life over 3 to 6 months, helping COPD symptoms by about half.
- But it has little effect on a key lung measurement (FEV1).
- Taking Panax ginseng alone does not seem to lower the chance of having flare-ups of COPD.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaClinical efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with blood hypercoagulability: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023n=1,831
A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs in 1831 COPD patients with hypercoagulable blood found Panax notoginseng saponins improved clinical efficiency and FEV1% predicted versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with COPD
- Participants
- 1,831
RCTEffect of Panax Ginseng (G115) Capsules versus Placebo on Acute Exacerbations in Patients with Moderate to Very Severe COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial2020n=200
A 12-month RCT of 200 moderate-to-severe COPD patients found ginseng 400 mg twice daily did not significantly reduce acute exacerbation rates versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 800 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with COPD
- Participants
- 200
- Ages
- 40+
Systematic reviewOral ginseng formulae for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review2011n=1,560
A systematic review of 12 low-quality RCTs in 1560 stable COPD patients found ginseng formulae improved FEV1 and quality of life, though evidence quality was limited.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 1,560
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It’s not clear if vitamin D helps people with COPD, but it might help those with very low vitamin D levels.
- Research shows people with low vitamin D have worse lung function, a higher chance of getting COPD, and more severe COPD.
- However, studies that gave people with COPD vitamin D found it did not overall reduce death, flare-ups, or symptoms.
- Some benefits may occur for those with very low vitamin D at the start.
Browse 6 studies·4 meta-analyses
MetaVitamin D for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2024n=1,063
An updated Cochrane meta-analysis of COPD vitamin D trials found supplementation did not significantly reduce moderate or severe exacerbation rates overall.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,063
MetaNegligible effect of vitamin D supplementation on exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: meta-analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs in 522 COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency found supplementation raised 25(OH)D but did not reduce exacerbations or improve FEV1.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients
MetaEfficacy of vitamin D supplementation on COPD and asthma control: A systematic review and meta-analysis2022n=3,208
A meta-analysis of 30 COPD/asthma RCTs (3,208 patients) found vitamin D improved some lung function and inflammatory markers but not exacerbations, hospital stay, or mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD and asthma patients
- Participants
- 3,208
Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Plasma Cathelicidin Response to 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Supplementation: A Pilot Study2021n=17
In 17 vitamin D–deficient smokers given 50,000 IU/week for 8 weeks, serum 25(OH)D rose but plasma and BAL cathelicidin levels did not increase.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 50000 IU/day
- Participants
- 17
MetaThe association between vitamin D and COPD risk, severity, and exacerbation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis of 21 studies (4,818 COPD patients) found lower serum vitamin D associated with COPD risk, severity, and exacerbation; deficiency linked to higher COPD risk (OR 1.77).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- COPD patients
The role of vitamin D in pulmonary disease: COPD, asthma, infection, and cancer2011
A narrative review summarized evidence linking low vitamin D to asthma, COPD, infection, and lung cancer, describing immunomodulatory mechanisms but not interventional outcomes.
- Population
- Asthma patients
AstragalusView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Studies find that astragalus injections combined with ambroxol hydrochloride may help improve symptoms and lung function in people with COPD when added to usual treatments.
- However, the quality of the evidence is low, and all research was conducted in China.
- It is not known if the effects are due to astragalus, ambroxol, or their combination.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe combination of Astragalus injection and ambroxol hydrochloride in the adjuvant treatment of COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis2023n=1,070
A meta-analysis of 14 RCTs in 1,070 COPD patients found astragalus injection plus ambroxol as adjuvant therapy improved clinical response, oxygenation, and lung function versus standard care alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,070
RhodiolaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Rhodiola has insufficient evidence for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
Systematic reviewEfficacy and safety of three species of Rhodiola L. in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis2003
In beta-lactam antibiotic recipients, S. boulardii 1 g/day reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Patients with COPD
AshwagandhaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if ashwagandha helps people with COPD.
- A small study found that taking ashwagandha twice daily for 12 weeks with usual treatment improved lung function and ability to exercise, but did not improve overall quality of life.
Browse 1 study
RCTWithania somnifera (L.) Dunal as Add-On Therapy for COPD Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study2022n=150
In 150 COPD patients over 12 weeks, add-on Withania somnifera root 3–6 g/day with standard therapy improved COPD outcomes more than conventional drugs alone in GOLD 2–3 disease.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3.0–6.0 g/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 150
ElderberryView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- No summary is available.
Browse 1 study
RCTClinical Effectiveness of a Combination of Black Elder Berries, Violet Herb, and Calendula Flowers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Results of a Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study2020n=60
In 60 COPD patients over 6 months, Inflaminat (elderberry, violet, calendula) significantly improved BCSS symptoms (3.0 to 1.9) and FEV1 (66% to 73%) versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 60
- Ages
- 40–70
EucalyptusView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- No summary is available.
Browse 1 study
RCTConcomitant therapy with Cineole (Eucalyptole) reduces exacerbations in COPD: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial2009n=242
In 242 COPD patients (40–80 years) over 6 months, adjunct 600 mg/day cineole significantly reduced exacerbation frequency, dyspnea, and improved lung function and quality of life versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 242
- Ages
- 40–80
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if ginger by itself helps with lung problems because studies have only tested it combined with other ingredients.
- In people with COPD, one combination with ginger and other herbs did not improve symptoms, while another combination with ginger improved lung function and confidence but not most symptoms or daily activity.
- It’s not known if ginger or the other ingredients caused these effects.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffect of Herbal Medicine Formulation (Compound Honey Syrup) on Quality of Life in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Clinical Trial2022n=38
In 76 COPD patients, a compound honey syrup with ginger and other herbs for 8 weeks significantly improved quality of life versus placebo in a randomized trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 38
- Ages
- 18–75
RCTAdjunctive treatment with oral AKL1, a botanical nutraceutical, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2014n=33
In 33 COPD patients with chronic cough, AKL1 (containing ginkgo, ginger, and Picrorhiza) for 10 weeks improved Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 33
- Ages
- 18+
L-CarnitineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In adults with moderate to severe COPD, a small study found that taking L‑carnitine 2 grams daily for 6 weeks helped improve exercise ability and walking endurance compared with a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTL-carnitine as an ergogenic aid for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease submitted to whole-body and respiratory muscle training programs2006n=16
A randomized, controlled trial in 16 patients with moderate-to-severe Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assigned to receive either 2 g/day oral L-carnitine or placebo, alongside whole-body treadmill and inspiratory muscle training for six weeks, found that the supplementation group had greater gains in inspiratory muscle strength (40 ± 14 vs 14 ± 5 cmH₂O) and walking test tolerance (87 ± 30 vs 34 ± 29 m), along with lower post-exercise blood lactate (1.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.3 ± 0.7 mM).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 16
- Avg age
- 66±7
MelatoninView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research suggests that taking melatonin 3 mg daily for 3 months may help ease shortness of breath in people with COPD, but it does not seem to improve lung function or stamina on its own.
- In another small study, combining melatonin 3 mg daily with exercise training led to better ability to exercise, improved health and quality of life, and an average increase of 46 meters in a walking test.
Browse 2 studies
RCTMelatonin supplementation enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes in COPD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2023n=21
An RCT of 39 COPD patients in pulmonary rehabilitation found 3 mg/day melatonin improved 6-minute walk distance by 71 m vs 25 m on placebo and improved health status and quality of life.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- COPD patients
- Participants
- 21
RCTMelatonin reduces lung oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2012n=18
A 3-month RCT of 36 COPD patients found 3 mg melatonin reduced exhaled 8-isoprostane oxidative stress markers and improved dyspnea vs placebo, without changing lung function.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 3 mg
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 18
Nicotinamide RibosideView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- COPD is a lung disease caused by smoking and aging that gets worse over time and can't be cured.
- This study tested a supplement called nicotinamide riboside, which helps boost an important molecule called NAD+.
- In people with stable COPD, taking nicotinamide riboside for six weeks cut the level of a lung inflammation marker (IL-8) by about half compared to placebo.
- The reduction in inflammation lasted even 12 weeks after stopping the supplement.
- The treatment also doubled NAD+ levels in the blood, which may help cells repair and stay healthy.
- Early results show it might slow lung aging and damage, but more research is needed.
- This study suggests nicotinamide riboside could help reduce lung inflammation and support lung health in COPD patients, potentially slowing the disease's progression.
- However, more studies are required.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of nicotinamide riboside on airway inflammation in COPD: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial2024n=40
In 40 stable COPD patients, nicotinamide riboside for 6 weeks reduced sputum IL-8 by 53% vs placebo, with effects persisting 12 weeks after stopping; NAD+ doubled in blood.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Population
- Patients with COPD
- Participants
- 40
- Ages
- 60+
QuercetinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Quercetin has insufficient evidence for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of oral treatment with quercetin on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2025
In 14 COPD patients with elevated CRP, quercetin 2000 mg/day for 6 months lowered BAL IL-8, IL-1β, and 8-isoprostane and serum SP-D versus placebo without adverse FEV1 changes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 2000 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with COPD
Whey ProteinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking whey protein doesn’t seem to make a big difference for people with COPD.
- A study using 20 grams of whey daily for 16 weeks, along with strength training, failed to find a benefit for exercise or muscle function compared with no whey protein.
Browse 2 studies
RCTCombined effect of dietary supplementation with pressurized whey and exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study2010n=22
In an RCT of 22 participants, for 8 weeks, study interventions did not modify significantly the systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress markers that were assessed.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Patients
- Participants
- 22
A study on whey protein supplement on physical performance and quality of life among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2007
A whey protein supplementation study in COPD patients examined physical performance; published abstract details were unavailable.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
Black TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if black tea helps prevent COPD.
- One large study in older adults found that drinking 3 or more cups of tea daily (including black, oolong, or green tea) was linked to a lower chance of having COPD and a much lower risk of developing it.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalTea Consumption and Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Singaporean Adults2021n=4,617
In 4,617 Singaporean adults aged ≥55, ≥3 cups/day tea was associated with lower prevalent COPD (OR 0.77) and lower 4.5-year COPD incidence (OR 0.35), with strongest trends for green tea.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,617
- Ages
- 55+
Green TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Drinking at least 3 cups of tea daily (including green, black, or oolong tea) has been linked to a lower chance of having and developing COPD, a lung disease.
- However, in one study, green tea by itself did not seem to lower COPD risk.
- Other studies, mostly in Asian countries, suggest drinking green tea twice a day may lower COPD risk.
- More research is needed in different populations to be sure.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalTea Consumption and Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Singaporean Adults2021n=4,617
In 4,617 Singaporean adults aged ≥55, ≥3 cups/day tea was associated with lower prevalent COPD (OR 0.77) and lower 4.5-year COPD incidence (OR 0.35), with strongest trends for green tea.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,617
- Ages
- 55+
ResveratrolView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In people with mild to moderate COPD, taking a supplement that included resveratrol along with vitamin C, zinc, and other plant compounds for about 2 months slightly improved coughing and mucus production.
- However, it’s not clear if the improvements were due to resveratrol or the other ingredients.
Browse 1 study
A resveratrol containing compound reduces oxidative stress and ameliorates clinical symptoms in COPD subjects2009
A resveratrol-containing compound reduced oxidative stress and improved clinical symptoms in COPD subjects; the available abstract provides no further quantitative details.
- Effect
- Benefit
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is limited information on how taking vitamin A by mouth affects people with emphysema.
- Some studies suggest that eating enough vitamin A in the diet may lower the chance of getting emphysema by about one-third.
- But more evidence is needed.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalConsumption of Vitamin K and Vitamin A Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Developing Emphysema: NHANES 2007-20162020n=17
An NHANES analysis of 17,681 US adults found recommended vitamin A intake was associated with 33% lower emphysema odds (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.44–1.00).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 17
Beta-AlanineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking beta-alanine supplements for 12 weeks can increase muscle levels of carnosine in people with COPD, a lung disease that affects breathing and physical ability but did not improve exercise ability, muscle strength or reduce fatigue in COPD patients compared to placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTEfficacy of 12 weeks oral β-alanine supplementation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2022n=40
In 40 COPD patients, 12 weeks of beta-alanine (3.2 g/day) increased muscle carnosine by ~54% versus placebo but did not improve exercise capacity, quadriceps function, or muscle oxidative stress markers.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3.2 g/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 40
- Avg age
- ~65
CreatineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Evidence for creatine in COPD is currently insufficient to support a clear recommendation.
Browse 1 study
RCTCreatine supplementation and physical training in patients with COPD: a double blind, placebo-controlled study2007n=13
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial assessing whether creatine supplementation enhances the effects of physical training on muscle performance and functional capacity in patients with COPD. An 8-wk study including 23 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease found that creatine (0.7 g/kg for 1 week then 0.07 g/kg for 7 weeks) increased walking capacity by 61% (p < 0.01) compared to placebo (48% increase, p = 0.07). However, the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.8). Creatine supplementation in combination with exercise showed no significant changes in grip strength, knee extensor strength, quality of life or lung function compared to only exercise.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 7 weeks
- Dose
- 0.7 g/kg
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 13
- Avg age
- ~66
SulforaphaneView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking sulforaphane helps with symptoms of COPD.
- In an early study, taking sulforaphane daily for 4 weeks did not improve symptoms compared to a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTLack of Effect of Oral Sulforaphane Administration on Nrf2 Expression in COPD: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial2016n=89
In COPD patients, oral sulforaphane did not increase Nrf2 expression or improve oxidative stress markers versus placebo in this randomized trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with COPD
- Participants
- 89
- Ages
- 40+
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★68% | 21 | 7 | 41% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★52% | 6 | 4 | 12% |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 6% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Whey Protein | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Ashwagandha | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Astragalus | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Beta-Alanine | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Creatine | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Elderberry | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Eucalyptus | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Nicotinamide Riboside | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Quercetin | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Rhodiola | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |