Supplements

Low levels are unusually common across autoimmune disease and linked to higher disease activity — in lupus specifically, deficiency is tied to more frequent flares and higher antibody levels. Correcting a confirmed deficiency can modestly ease fatigue; a blood test is what makes it worth doing rather than guessing.

Studied across rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, and type 1 diabetes for its role in resolving inflammation rather than just blocking it. Higher doses have a blood-thinning effect worth flagging if you're on anticoagulants or have surgery coming up.

An antioxidant that also boosts absorption of the iron many people with Crohn's, Celiac, or heavy endometriosis-related bleeding are trying to replace — worth taking alongside an iron supplement rather than instead of one.

A common shortfall in chronic illness, with a plausible role in migraine prevention, muscle cramping, and nervous system regulation. Shows up in fibromyalgia research as a reasonable supporting player alongside vitamin D, B12, and omega-3 — not a standalone fix.

Supports immune function and wound healing; deficiency shows up often in Crohn's disease specifically. Commonly paired with selenium for thyroid support in Hashimoto's.

A natural fit for conditions with a digestive component — IBD, Celiac, IBS-type symptoms — given how closely gut bacteria and immune regulation are linked. Strain and dose vary enormously between products, so a specific recommendation from a dietitian or GI doctor beats a generic bottle.

Can ease bloating and support nutrient absorption in Crohn's and Celiac, particularly while the gut lining is still healing after diagnosis or a flare.

One of the better-evidenced options specifically for IBS cramping and bloating. The enteric coating matters — it's designed to release in the intestine rather than the stomach, so swapping it for peppermint tea won't give the same effect.

Eases nausea and carries a mild anti-inflammatory effect studied in IBS and general digestive upset — one of the lowest-risk options on this entire list.

Sometimes used to support gut lining repair in IBD and Celiac recovery. The theory is more developed than the human evidence at this point, so treat it as a lower-confidence option, not a proven fix.

Studied across osteoarthritis, IBS, and other inflammatory conditions with a real anti-inflammatory signal, though results aren't always consistent. Look for an enhanced-absorption formula — plain turmeric powder is poorly absorbed — and note the blood-thinning effect at higher doses.

A long-standing combination for osteoarthritis joint pain. Evidence across trials is mixed, but many people report modest relief after consistent use over months rather than days.

Often paired with glucosamine for joint pain and morning stiffness. Generally well tolerated, with a more modest evidence base than curcumin or Boswellia.

Standardized extracts have produced clinically meaningful reductions in knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness in trials, with earlier-stage research also looking at rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Studied for migraine prevention and as an add-on for the fatigue and pain common in fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions — thought to work by supporting cellular energy production.

Best evidence is for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, relevant to type 1 diabetes — around 600mg a day has eased burning and numbness in trials, often within a few weeks. Higher doses (1,200mg+) don't add benefit and mainly add stomach upset.

Widely used for joint support and sometimes for gut-lining concerns. Evidence here is more preliminary than for curcumin, Boswellia, or alpha-lipoic acid — reasonable to try, but don't expect it to outperform the better-studied options.

A randomized trial in lupus found that 3 months of NAC meaningfully reduced disease activity scores and fatigue compared with standard care alone, likely by replenishing glutathione — an antioxidant that tends to run low in SLE. One of the more encouraging autoimmune-specific findings on this list.

An antioxidant studied for skin health, which matters for psoriasis specifically. Food sources are generally preferable to high-dose supplements here.

A plant antioxidant with mild antihistamine-like effects, sometimes used alongside other anti-inflammatory approaches — though direct evidence in autoimmune disease specifically is still limited compared with curcumin or omega-3.

Supports immune regulation and skin turnover relevant to psoriasis, but excess supplementation (as opposed to food sources) can be toxic and isn't advised during pregnancy. Best obtained through diet where possible rather than a high-dose pill.

Important for anyone on long-term corticosteroids — common during lupus, IBD, and arthritis flares — or managing Celiac-related malabsorption, both of which raise osteoporosis risk over time.

Works alongside vitamin D and calcium to help direct calcium into bone rather than soft tissue — relevant to the same steroid-use and malabsorption groups as calcium above.

Popular for liver support among people on methotrexate, used in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. Animal studies are promising and no dangerous interaction with methotrexate has been found, but solid human trial evidence for this specific use is still lacking.