ByDr. Brennan Commerford, D.C.·Last reviewed: 2026-07-17
Starter Formula

The Immune Formula — Daily Immune Function Support

Six ingredients targeting the vitamins, minerals, and botanicals most studied for supporting healthy immune function — at maintenance doses grounded in published research.

Customize this formula
This is a research-grounded starter formula — not a standardized finished product. Doses are evidence-based maintenance recommendations for healthy adults. Individual responses vary. Consult your physician before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription medications. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Formula

6 ingredients · 8 capsules/day · Each dose is study-attributed — see citations in line.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

5000 IU

A 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials (PMID 22552031) found Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) raised serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D more effectively than Vitamin D2, with the effect most pronounced with bolus dosing; vitamin D receptors are found on nearly every immune cell. (PMID 22552031)

Pureway-C®Vitamin C (as Pureway-C®)

500 mg

A Cochrane systematic review of 29 trial comparisons in over 11,000 participants (Hemilä & Chalker 2013, PMID 23440782) found that regular vitamin C supplementation reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults, and reduced cold severity; the review did not find a reduction in incidence in the general population, so this is a duration/severity finding, not a prevention claim. (PMID 23440782)

Albion® Zinc Bisglycinate ChelateZinc (as Albion® Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate)

25 mg

A 2021 review (Gröber & Holick, PMID 33487035) describes zinc, alongside vitamin D and selenium, as an immune-relevant micronutrient supporting both innate and adaptive immune function; FormulaForge uses the bisglycinate chelate form for improved gastrointestinal tolerability and absorption over zinc oxide. (PMID 33487035)

Elderberry Extract 4:1

600 mg

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 312 long-haul air travelers (Tiralongo et al. 2016, PMID 27023596) found a standardized elderberry extract was associated with a significantly shorter cold-episode duration and lower average symptom score versus placebo, though the difference in the number of cold episodes was not statistically significant. (PMID 27023596)

BGF-Immune®1,3 Beta Glucan 85% (as BGF-Immune®)

900 mg

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 299 adults prone to upper respiratory tract infections (Dharsono et al. 2018, PMID 30198828) found 900 mg/day of yeast beta-glucan significantly reduced the severity of physical symptoms during the first week of an infection episode, without altering overall infection incidence; FormulaForge doses at the 900 mg/day used in the trial. (PMID 30198828)

Selenium (as L-Selenomethionine)

200 mcg

A randomized, double-blind trial in UK adults with marginal selenium status (Broome et al. 2004, PMID 15213043) found that selenium supplementation (50 or 100 mcg/day) augmented cellular immune responses — including faster clearance of an attenuated poliovirus — compared to placebo. (PMID 15213043)

Why One Formula Beats the Stack

Sourcing these ingredients separately requires 6 bottles and 15 pills per day — vs. 8 capsules in this formula.

15

pills/day (separate bottles)

8

capsules/day (this formula)

Form Quality Gaps

The commodity versions most single-ingredient bottles use — and why they fall short.

FormulaForge FormCommodity DefaultWhat the Research Shows
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)A 2012 meta-analysis of randomized trials (PMID 22552031) found D3 raises serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D more effectively than D2 — many budget multivitamins still default to the less-effective D2 form.
Zinc Bisglycinate ChelateZinc OxideChelated mineral forms like Albion® zinc bisglycinate are bound to an amino acid carrier for improved gastrointestinal uptake and tolerability compared to inorganic zinc oxide, which is poorly absorbed and the most common form in budget multivitamins.
Standardized elderberry extractElderberry syrup/juice blendsThe positive Tiralongo 2016 trial (PMID 27023596) used a standardized, membrane-filtered elderberry extract at a defined dose — not a sugar-heavy syrup or juice blend, where the actual elderberry-extract content is often undisclosed.

Pricing context

Six separate immune supplements from quality brands typically cost $70-$100/month. This formula's live quote typically comes in at or below that range — with D3 (not D2), a chelated zinc form, and a standardized beta-glucan extract that most budget immune formulas omit entirely.

Exact pricing is quoted live in the builder based on your personalized formula. Example figures are illustrative only and reflect in-one example market research — not a guaranteed price or saving.

This is a starter — you customize it

Every ingredient and dose is adjustable. Add ingredients, swap forms, change doses, or remove anything that doesn't fit your situation. The builder gives you a live price quote as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this formula prevent me from getting sick?

No. This formula is not intended to prevent, treat, cure, or diagnose any illness, including colds, flu, or other infections. The cited studies describe structure/function support for immune function and, in some cases, a reduction in cold duration or symptom severity — not prevention. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult your physician for infection prevention guidance.

Is 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 safe for daily use?

5000 IU/day falls within commonly studied maintenance ranges for adults with suboptimal vitamin D status, but individual needs vary based on baseline blood levels, body weight, and skin tone. Consult your physician and consider a 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test before starting a vitamin D regimen at this dose, especially if you take other supplements containing vitamin D.

Why is the elderberry a standardized 600 mg extract instead of a syrup serving?

The randomized trial supporting elderberry's cold-duration findings (Tiralongo et al. 2016, PMID 27023596) used a standardized, membrane-filtered extract at a defined dose — not a syrup. Syrups and juice blends often list 'elderberry' as an ingredient without disclosing the actual extract concentration, making dose-matching to the research impossible.

Can I take this with other supplements containing vitamin D or zinc?

Check your other supplements for overlapping vitamin D or zinc content before combining them with this formula — excess intake of either can accumulate. Consult your physician if you're combining multiple supplements or have a thyroid, kidney, or autoimmune condition.

Physician hand-off: The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Supplement ingredients interact with medications and may be contraindicated in certain health conditions. Always work with a licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing a supplement regimen. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

  1. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
  2. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
  3. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
  4. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
  5. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed
  6. Supporting study for ingredient dosing PubMed

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