Is Elderberry Effective? Benefits & Risks of Giving this Trendy Supplement a Try

Used across the world since Egyptian times, Elderberry has been harvested medicinally first to heal burns, then to treat fever and in modern society, most frequently to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu.

In recent years, Elderberry has gained traction as a trendy supplement for adults and children alike. But the research is still limited, and therefore, the effects are unproven. Moreover, as an herbal supplement, Elderberry falls outside of FDA regulation, making production inconsistencies a concern.  

While Elderberries boast antioxidants, Vitamin C and dietary fiber, which can be formulated into products such as syrups or gummies (especially popular for children), the uncooked berries, leaves, bark and roots all contain small amounts of lectins and cyanide. Because of this, it's especially important to choose a high quality product (look for certified GMP or Good Manufacturing Practices) which has been third-party tested and contains an appropriate dose per serving. Also of note, most gummies and syrups contain added sugar (capsules are a no sugar added alternative though may be less easily accepted by kiddos).

With a long history of anecdotal effects on overall wellness, Elderberry may very well prove to be an ally in the effort to support children’s health. We remain curious and will follow future research, but currently opt for Vitaminis larger dose of Vitamin C without unnecessary preservatives, thickeners and sugars.