What Are Immunity/Wellness Shots and Do They Work?

Immunity shots go by many names: wellness shots, functional beverages, and immunity support drinks. Immunity shots contain prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins and other ingredients and these shots may or may not make you feel differently.

Immunity shots go by many names: wellness shots, functional beverages, and immunity support drinks, to name a few. Wellness shots are gaining popularity as many people look for ways to boost their digestive health and immune systems.

Immunity shots get their name from their healthful ingredients and the size of the beverages. Most ingredients are ones that you probably recognize, like:

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Ginger
• Vitamins

Many of these wellness shots also contain ingredients called nootropics that are supposed to provide improved health. Usually small drink portions of two to three ounces, immunity support drink claims include:

• Improved sleep
• Better digestion
• Lower stress levels
• Ability to focus
• Cognitive function

Nootropics are similar to vitamins and minerals, although they work to enhance your cognitive function. Common nootropics found in wellness shots include ampakines, armodafinil, cerebrolysin, citicoline, and piracetam. It's important to know the pros and cons of immunity shots, though, before ingesting these ingredients.

Pros of ampakines

Ampakines work with your brain’s AMPA receptors to enhance the ability to transmit information quickly and accurately. The intended function of ampakines is to make you become more alert, have a higher cognitive function, and more efficiently learn.

Cons of ampakines 

People who take ampakines report that they feel drowsy, nauseous, and have headaches. Studies show that long-term use of ampakines may have a negative impact on motor function and memory.

Pros of armodafinil

This compound makes it easier for you to concentrate. Studies show that participants diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy who ingested Armodafinil were more awake than their peers.

Cons of armodafinil

Participants shared that they experienced headaches, nasal inflammation, and diarrhea.

Pros of cerebrolysin

Cerebrolysin is a combination of peptides and amino acids that come from porcine brain tissue. It is supposed to enhance your sensory experience and improve your brain’s ability to create synapses. Doctors in China and Russia use cerebrolysin to treat strokes.

Cons of cerebrolysin 

People who took cerebrolysin experienced sensations of moving or spinning and feeling agitated or hot.

Pros of citicoline

Citicoline is often used to treat patients who are at risk of dementia and stroke. The ingredient increases your body’s levels of neurotransmitters to improve memory.

Cons of citicoline

Participants shared that they experienced: 

• Headaches
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Sleeplessness and restlessness
• Stomach pains
• Tiredness
• Tremors

Pros of piracetam

Doctors often use piracetam to treat the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. There are claims that the ingredient improves memory and overall cognitive function.

Cons of piracetam

Some people who take piracetam share that they did not see an improvement in cognitive function or memory. Others experience:

• Diarrhea 
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Losing memories
• Mood swings, including a general feeling of unhappiness

You likely see wellness or immunity shots in your local grocery or health food store. The product labels use keywords like natural, organic, and functional. Even if a product makes these claims, that doesn’t mean you’ll experience a positive improvement in your health. In fact, doctors say that you may not feel any different at all.

If you can tell a difference in how you feel after drinking a wellness shot, the effects may be temporary. Immunity shots can be somewhat pricey at $3 or more for a two to three-ounce serving, which adds up over time. Consider reading the ingredients from wellness shots that help you and find a way to incorporate foods into your diet that contain those ingredients.

Talk to your doctor about the risks before trying any functional beverages. Share an ingredients list from your wellness shot of choice and ask about the pros and cons. This is especially important if there are ingredients on the nutrition label that you don’t recognize, like nootropics.

You should also share the health concerns that have you considering a wellness shot. Your doctor may have other ways to address your concerns without the need for immunity shots.

Sure, many ingredients in immunity shots like apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and vitamin C are good for you, but you can also get vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy foods is a preferable choice over immunity shots because your body absorbs the nutrients more effectively.