We all want a well-functioning immune system to help us fight invasive bacteria and viruses and recover faster from illness. Popular “immune-boosting” ideas, however, might be more of a hindrance than a help.

Immune boosting is an online trend. Content producers share immune-boosting recipes — from smoothies to soups to poke bowls and pumpkin loaves. Nutrition books speak of “super powered immunity” while naturopathic clinics share immune-boosting “tips.”

The “boosting” phrase has become so commonplace that it frequently appears in health content from reputable academic institutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic — more so than ever in recent memory — had the public thinking hard about immunity. As interdisciplinary public health researchers studying the influential forces that shape public perceptions, the rise of immune-boosting discourse during this time caught our attention. We researched the trending concept in Google search results and on social media sites like Instagram.

We found it to be problematic in two ways: First, content often presents scientific inaccuracies about how the immune system functions; second, it showcases corporations that push ineffective products or services. At a time when trust in evidence-based interventions like vaccines is on shaky ground, this can lead to negative outcomes for our health.

Immunity and Society is a new series from The Conversation Canada that presents new vaccine discoveries and immune-based innovations that are changing how we understand and protect human health. Through a partnership with the Bridge Research Consortium, these articles — written by experts in Canada at the forefront of immunology, biomanufacturing, social science and humanities — explore........

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