NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Prednisone

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prednisone is an oral synthetic corticosteroid widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It treats a broad range of conditions including autoimmune diseases, allergic disorders, asthma exacerbations, inflammatory bowel disease, and as part of cancer treatment protocols. It is a prodrug that must be converted to prednisolone in the liver to become active.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1980–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
4 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prednisone is an oral synthetic corticosteroid widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 5–60 mg daily; highly variable depending on indication and severity (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete calcium, vitamin d, potassium. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Potent anti-inflammatory effect8
  • Rapid symptom relief in acute inflammatory conditions3,5
  • Broad immunosuppressive activity
  • Versatile use across many diseases9
  • Inexpensive and widely available
What to watch for
  • Weight gain and increased appetite
  • Hyperglycemia and steroid-induced diabetes
  • Insomnia and mood changes (irritability, euphoria, depression)
  • Systemic fungal infections4,5
  • Known hypersensitivity to prednisone1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: potent anti-inflammatory effect, rapid symptom relief in acute inflammatory conditions, broad immunosuppressive activity. 10 sources indexed (1980–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

A prodrug converted to the active metabolite prednisolone by hepatic 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Prednisolone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and modulates gene transcription. Upregulates anti-inflammatory proteins (lipocortin-1, IL-10) and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha), prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Also suppresses immune cell function, reducing lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil activity.3,7

Class
Corticosteroid
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5–60 mg daily; highly variable depending on indication and severity (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet or oral solution

Take with food or milk to reduce gastric irritation. Morning dosing preferred to mimic the natural cortisol diurnal rhythm and minimize adrenal suppression.2

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Calcium

Significant

Glucocorticoids reduce intestinal calcium absorption, increase urinary calcium loss, and accelerate bone resorption.

Replace CalciumMonitor Serum calcium or bone density trendOnset Bone effects accumulate over weeks to months

Vitamin D

Moderate

Glucocorticoids impair activation and signaling of vitamin D, reducing calcium absorption and bone support.

Replace Vitamin D3Monitor 25-OH vitamin DOnset Bone effects accumulate over weeks to months

Potassium

Moderate

Systemic corticosteroids can promote potassium loss or shifts in susceptible patients, especially at higher doses or with other hypokalemia risks; replacement should be lab-guided.

Replace Clinician-guided potassium repletion if serum potassium is lowMonitor Serum potassium + kidney functionOnset Can develop within days to weeks

Magnesium

Moderate

Chronic corticosteroid use can increase urinary magnesium losses and worsen low magnesium status.

Replace Magnesium GlycinateMonitor Serum magnesium or RBC magnesiumOnset Usually over weeks to months

Full Prednisone depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Weight gain and increased appetite
  • Hyperglycemia and steroid-induced diabetes
  • Insomnia and mood changes (irritability, euphoria, depression)
  • Osteoporosis with chronic use
  • Cushingoid features (moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity)
  • Increased infection risk
  • Adrenal suppression with prolonged use
  • Peptic ulcers (especially with concurrent NSAID use)

Contraindications

  • Systemic fungal infections4,5
  • Known hypersensitivity to prednisone1,2
  • Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines during immunosuppressive doses
  • Uncontrolled active infections (relative)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

4

Reviews & position papers

3

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Prednisone, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is an oral synthetic corticosteroid widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It treats a broad range of conditions including autoimmune diseases, allergic disorders, asthma exacerbations, inflammatory bowel disease, and as part of cancer treatment protocols. It is a prodrug that must be converted to prednisolone in the liver to become active.

What is Prednisone used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Prednisone include: Potent anti-inflammatory effect; Rapid symptom relief in acute inflammatory conditions; Broad immunosuppressive activity; Versatile use across many diseases; Inexpensive and widely available. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Prednisone?

A typical adult dose of Prednisone is 5–60 mg daily; highly variable depending on indication and severity (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Prednisone?

Reported side effects include weight gain and increased appetite, hyperglycemia and steroid-induced diabetes, insomnia and mood changes (irritability, euphoria, depression), osteoporosis with chronic use, cushingoid features (moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity), increased infection risk. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Prednisone?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Prednisone in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.