Kombucha for Immune Function

Research suggests that kombucha may support immune function through its bioactive components, including organic acids, polyphenols, and probiotic microorganisms produced during fermentation, with a 2025 review article noting that these compounds have been associated in the scientific literature with potential immune-enhancing and antioxidant effects. The most direct immune-related evidence comes from a 2021 animal study, which found that kombucha improved survival rates in mice with LPS-induced sepsis, reduced inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and favorably shifted gut bacteria composition, though this research has not been replicated in humans. A 2024 study on yeast screening methods, while not focused on kombucha specifically, highlights the broader antifungal potential of yeast strains relevant to fermented beverages, though its connection to kombucha's immune effects remains indirect. Overall, the available evidence consists of a narrative review and preclinical animal research rather than human clinical trials, which means conclusions about immune benefits in people remain preliminary and warrant further investigation.