Elderberry supplements are available in several forms. Gummies are a particularly popular option, especially for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or prefer the taste of gummies over that of other supplements. It’s worth mentioning that they taste better than other forms because they tend to have added sugars or sweeteners — some more using more natural ingredients than others. Ho GTT, Kase ET, Wangensteen H, Barsett H. Phenolic elderberry extracts, anthocyanins, procyanidins, and metabolites influence glucose and fatty acid uptake in human skeletal muscle cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(13):2677-2685. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05582 Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. J Funct Foods. 2015;18:941–958. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2014.07.012

One of the areas where elderberry gummies differ is in the amount of elderberry extract contained in each serving. This can be as low as 60 mg or as high as 200 mg per serving, but you won’t know until you read the fine print on the label. Once gummies are firm, pop them out of the molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Don’t store them in a warm environment, since the gummies can melt in warm temperatures. That’s because we are using all natural ingredients and no stabilizers or waxes to prevent melting. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is some evidence that elderberry can help relieve symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza.Additionally, one study found that antioxidant status improved in people 1 hour after drinking 400 mL of elderberry juice. Another study in rats found that elderberry extract helped reduce inflammation and oxidative tissue damage ( 20, 21).

Heat gently and add unflavored beef gelatin, whisking frequently. For superior quality and the most health benefits, you’ll love the Perfect Supplements brand. It’s sourced exclusively from Brazilian non-GMO grass fed cows. For a budget option, try NOW foods unflavored gelatin. The results of the study showed no difference in the severity or duration of flu symptoms between the elderberry and placebo groups. For those in the elderberry group who didn’t take oseltamivir, it took two extra days for symptoms to subside compared to the placebo group. This contradicts previous studies which found that elderberry shortened flu symptoms by four days, demonstrating the need for further research. Elderberry has not been proven to prevent COVID-19 There are 3 mg of cyanide per 100 grams of fresh berries and 3–17 mg per 100 grams of fresh leaves. This is just 3% of the estimated fatal dose for a 130-pound (60-kg) person ( 2, 35). A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase ( α-glucosidase), which may help lower blood sugar levels. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control ( 4, 16, 29). Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018;40:377-390. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2017.11.025Patients had two or more of the following symptoms: body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, headaches, nasal congestion or sore throat. They were evaluated in an emergency room setting where they were randomly assigned to receive elderberry extract or a placebo for 5 days. They had the option to take the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu)as well. Of course, you can always start with store-bought elderberry syrup instead if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind though, storebought elderberry syrup often has other ingredients, including alcohol and cider vinegar for preservation. If you’re opposed to that, be sure to make your own simple elderberry syrup using dried elderberries and raw honey. Other varieties include the American elder, dwarf elder, blue elderberry, danewort, red-fruited elder, and antelope brush ( 1). Production standards. Look for elderberry gummies that are produced in certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facilities. This stamp ensures that the facility meets standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Before giving these gummies to toddlers, please note that these are not intended for babies under the age of 1. Since they contain honey, which is unsafe for infants, please wait until your child is a bit older. Elderberry gets a lot of support as a healing agent through word of mouth and old wives’ tales, but its success in medical tests is less definite.This is a great resource for information about the European Elderberry by: The American Botanical Council Roschek B, Fink RC, McMichael MD, et al. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry 2009;70:1255-61. View abstract.