Efficacy of nutraceuticals as adjunctive therapies in autoimmune diseases: A systematic review of clinical trials

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a dysregulation of the immune system, resulting in chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Although immunosuppressive therapies have advanced, their limited efficacy and the adverse effects associated with long-term use restrict their clinical utility, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the efficacy of nutraceutical interventions for these disorders. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025 evaluating nutraceutical supplementation in patients with autoimmune diseases. Study selection and data extraction were performed according to predefined inclusion criteria. Results: Thirty clinical trials involved 2,107 participants with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Interventions included polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, administered over 4 to 48 weeks, with sample sizes ranging from 24 to 351 participants. The studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, as well as improvements in disease activity and clinical symptoms following supplementation with curcumin, probiotics, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, baicalin, resveratrol, and quercetin. Additionally, reductions in autoantibody levels were observed after supplementation with curcumin, selenium, and genistein. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that these nutraceuticals are emerging as candidates with therapeutic potential for integration as adjunctive therapies in the management of autoimmune diseases.