Is Airborne Immune Support for Celiac Safe?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide have Celiac disease. For these individuals, ingesting even trace amounts of gluten can cause serious intestinal damage, raising crucial safety questions about supplements like Airborne immune support for celiac safe?.

Quick Summary

Although Airborne products are explicitly labeled gluten-free, a deeper evaluation of ingredients, manufacturing protocols, and potential cross-contact is essential for individuals with Celiac disease. Safety considerations should extend beyond surface-level label claims.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Label: Airborne products are labeled gluten-free, meeting the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Cross-Contact Risk: Potential for gluten cross-contact exists in manufacturing facilities, and Airborne is not consistently certified by a third party for all products.
Sorbitol Sensitivity: Some Celiac patients have reported adverse reactions to sorbitol, an ingredient found in some Airborne formulations, which can mimic digestive symptoms.
Ingredient Variability: Different Airborne product forms (gummies, chewables, effervescent) contain varying ingredients, requiring careful label reading for each specific product.
Actionable Steps: Celiac patients should verify manufacturing processes, look for third-party certifications, and consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety.

Airborne’s Official Stance on Gluten

Airborne, a popular immune support supplement, is widely advertised as gluten-free. This labeling is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and indicates that the product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. While this standard is considered safe for most individuals with Celiac disease, it is not a guarantee of a completely gluten-free production environment. The company's official websites and marketing materials consistently reinforce this gluten-free claim, but for those with a serious autoimmune condition like Celiac, the details behind the label are critical.

Potential Risks Beyond the Gluten-Free Label

For a Celiac patient, the risk of cross-contact (the transfer of gluten to a gluten-free product) is a constant concern, even with products labeled gluten-free. The primary risk with supplements comes from the manufacturing process. Unless a product is certified by a third-party organization that monitors for cross-contact (such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization), there is always a potential for exposure.

Cross-Contact During Manufacturing

Shared Facilities: Airborne supplements are produced in facilities that may also process products containing gluten. Airborne uses multiple forms, including effervescent tablets, gummies, and chewables, which could all be exposed to different levels of cross-contact risk in a shared factory.
Ingredient Sourcing: The raw materials used in the supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and proprietary herbal blends, are sourced from various suppliers. Without rigorous and transparent testing at every step of the supply chain, contamination can occur before ingredients even reach the Airborne facility.
Packaging: While less common, packaging lines could also be a source of contact if they handle both gluten-containing and gluten-free products without strict separation and sanitation protocols.

Examining Airborne's Key Ingredients for Celiac Safety

Beyond the risk of cross-contact, individuals with Celiac disease must also consider their sensitivity to specific non-gluten ingredients. While most ingredients in Airborne are generally safe, some components can cause issues for sensitive individuals.

Potential Sensitivity Concerns

Maltodextrin: Often used as a filler or binder, maltodextrin is typically corn-derived in the US, but it can be sourced from wheat. Airborne's current labeling generally implies a corn source, but older formulations or variants might differ. This is a crucial detail for patients with co-existing wheat allergies or sensitivities.
Sorbitol: An artificial sweetener, sorbitol, has been reported in online forums to cause gastrointestinal issues for some people, including those with Celiac disease. While not a source of gluten, it can mimic or exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Herbal Blends: Airborne contains various herbal extracts, including Echinacea and Ginger. While not related to gluten, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients, leading to unpleasant side effects.

Comparing Airborne Product Formulations

Airborne is available in several forms, each with a slightly different ingredient list. The following table highlights some key differences relevant to Celiac patients.


Feature	Effervescent Tablets	Chewable Tablets	Gummies
Gluten-Free Claim	Yes, consistently labeled	Yes, consistently labeled	Yes, consistently labeled
Primary Sweetener	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Sorbitol	Dextrose, Sucralose	Corn Syrup, Sugar
Maltodextrin	Contains Maltodextrin	Contains Maltodextrin	Contains Maltodextrin
Form Specific Risk	Rapidly dissolving, minimal dust risk.	Risk of crumbling; crumbs could cross-contaminate.	Soft form, lowest risk of airborne contamination.
Considerations	Sorbitol can cause GI distress.	Watch for crumbs and handling contamination.	Contains corn syrup and sugar, be mindful of sugar intake.

How Celiac Patients Can Assess Supplement Safety

For individuals with Celiac disease, trusting a product based solely on a "gluten-free" label can be risky. Taking a proactive approach to verify safety is essential.

Steps to Mitigate Risk

Research the Manufacturer: Visit the official Airborne website and look for detailed allergen information or a dedicated gluten-free statement. Some websites provide more detail than others.
Contact the Company: A direct call or email to customer service can provide valuable information about their manufacturing processes, including whether they follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contact. Inquire about third-party certifications.
Check for Third-Party Certification: Look for a trusted third-party gluten-free certification mark on the product packaging. This provides a higher level of assurance regarding cross-contact prevention.
Monitor Your Body: Since individual sensitivities vary, paying close attention to your body's response after taking the supplement is crucial. Keep a log of any adverse reactions.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: A doctor or registered dietitian with experience in Celiac disease can review the ingredient list and help you make an informed decision based on your specific health needs. For a deeper look at Celiac management, you can refer to the information available from organizations like the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

While Airborne immune support products are consistently labeled gluten-free, their safety for individuals with Celiac disease is not absolute due to potential cross-contact risks and sensitivities to non-gluten ingredients. The 20 ppm standard, while protective for most, might not be sufficient for the most sensitive Celiac patients. By taking steps to verify manufacturing procedures, checking for third-party certifications, and consulting with a healthcare provider, those with Celiac disease can make a more informed decision about whether Airborne is a safe choice for them. Ultimately, caution and diligence are the best defenses against accidental gluten exposure when consuming supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Airborne is labeled gluten-free, meeting the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm. However, not all products are necessarily certified by a third-party organization, which verifies against cross-contact in production.

The risk of cross-contact arises from shared manufacturing facilities or equipment used for both gluten-containing and gluten-free products. Without third-party certification, manufacturers cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free production line.

Yes, some Celiac patients report reactions to non-gluten ingredients like sorbitol or maltodextrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Always read the full ingredients list and consult a doctor if you suspect an adverse reaction.

Airborne gummies are labeled gluten-free. They have a lower risk of airborne contamination than effervescent or chewable tablets. However, checking the full ingredient list for other sensitivities is still recommended.

The maltodextrin in most US Airborne products is likely corn-derived, but it can be sourced from wheat in some cases. Since manufacturers must declare wheat as an allergen, the gluten-free label suggests a non-wheat source, but cautious individuals may wish to confirm with the company.

Both forms are labeled gluten-free. Effervescent tablets dissolve in water, which can minimize the risk of crumbs. Chewable tablets pose a minimal risk of airborne dust or crumbs during handling and consumption.

Yes, contacting the manufacturer directly is an excellent step for Celiac patients. Inquiring about their cross-contact prevention protocols and ingredient sourcing can provide added peace of mind beyond the label.