Elderberry For Kids: Is It Safe and Effective? What Parents Need To Know.

When it comes to natural remedies, elderberry is one of the most popular options. Many parents swear by its benefits for kids, but is it really safe and effective? In this article, we’ll take a look at the evidence and find out what parents need to know about using elderberry for their children.

Is Elderberry Safe For Kids?

Yes, Elderberry is a safe and effective remedy for kids. Elderberry has been used for millennia as a natural remedy. In the United States, elderberry is widely available in many forms. It can be found at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

There are even products like GAIA Kids Black Elderberry Syrup that contain no artificial ingredients and are made with organic elderberries only.

What’s more, there are no known side effects from taking elderberry for children in appropriate doses. So what makes it so popular among parents? For starters, its benefits are impressive: Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A through Zinc!

These nutrients help fight off colds and flu viruses. It also contains a high amount of flavonoids, which are plant-based nutrients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Is Elderberry Effective For Children?

Yes, Elderberry is an effective natural remedy for children with colds and flu. It has been shown to have anti-viral properties and can help shorten the duration of an illness. In one study, children who were given elderberry recovered from their colds faster than those who were given a placebo syrup.

bottle of elderberry on the table

Best Elderberry Gummies For Kids

 

1. ChildLife Essentials Elderberry Super Immune Softmelts

These super immune softmelts are a great option because they don’t need to be chewed and taste great to kids. They are loaded with additional immune boosting vitamins and nutrients such as beta glucan, vitamin C, and folate.

They are sugar free and naturally sweetened with stevia and xylitol. They contain no gluten, no fillers, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, and are non GMO.

They were also formulated by a leading holistic pediatrician (Dr. Murray Clarke), so the ingredients and dosages are perfectly optimized to help support your child’s immune health.

Additional Ingredients: Xylitol, Sunflower Oil, Purified Water, Sorbitol, Gelatin (bovine), Natural Flavors, Trisodium Citrate, Rebaudioside A

2. Rainbow-Light Kids Counter Attack Elderberry Gummies

These are an awesome option on the cheaper end of the spectrum for kids who enjoy gummies. They taste delicious and are sweetened with natural sugar and no contain no other sweeteners.

They contain essential immune supporting vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc on top of the generous 100mg of Elderberry per gummy.

These gummies are gluten-free and vegetarian, and contain no common allergens such as wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, eggs, shellfish, or fish.

Ingredients: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Water, Citrus Pectin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, natural Flavor, Carrot Concentrate, Glazing Agent (Vegetable Oil, Carnauba Wax)

 

3. Zarbees Naturals Children’s Elderberry Immune Support Gummies

Another great gummy option is Zarbees Naturals Elderberry Gummies. These gummies include even more vitamins and minerals than the previous gummy. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc.

They only contain 45mg of black elderberry per gummy, compared to the previous 100mg that Rainbow-Light provides, but they make up for it by the additional vitamins and nutrients. They are vegan friendly and use fruit pectin instead of animal gelatin.

If your child has a cough these are a great option as they also contain dark honey which can help to soothe the throat.

These gummies are sweetened with sugar and glucose syrup, and contain no artificial sweeteners.

Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Zinc, Black Elderberry Fruit Extract, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Pectin, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Color Added (Maqui Berry Juice Concentrate)

4. Hyland’s Kids Naturals Organic Elderberry Plus

Hyland’s Gummies for Kids are another great option as they have a smaller ingredient list that most others, and still provide a good 75mg of elderberry per gummy.

They contain Vitamin C, Elderberry, and Zinc in a low sugar delicious flavor. These are free of major allergens, and do not use and synthetic colors or preservatives.

They are sweetened with Organic Tapioca Syrup and Organic Cane Sugar and free from artificial sweeteners. These gummies are made in the USA and each batch is tested for purity. They are also certified USDA organic.

Hyland’s are a great choice if you’re looking for more of a minimalistic gummy, only the necessary ingredients to get the job done.

Other Ingredients: Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Water, Citric Acid, Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Carnauba Wax, Pectin, Sodium Citrate.

 

 

5. GAIA Kids Black Elderberry Syrup

bottle of elderberry syrup from european elder tree

While this product isn’t a gummy, it’s still a great option for kids and has a very effective dose of elderberry.

GAIA is one of the original leaders when it comes to elderberry products. They’ve been around for years and their products have been shown to be effective.

This is a good option for kids who prefer syrup over soft-melts or gummies.

This product is certified organic, ultra concentrated, and even has additional ingredients like lemon balm and California poppy to help your child sleep.

This syrup can be used year round to help provide immune support, but we find that most people use it during cold and flu season to keep their child healthy.

The syrup is lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar and honey to help kids enjoy it more. Recommended age is 1+.

Ingredients: Organic Black Elderberry fruit juice concentrate (Sambucus nigra), Organic Acerola fruit dried extract, Organic sugarcane, water, organic honey and lemon fruit juice

FAQ

Is Elderberry Syrup For Kids a Good Option?

Yes, Elderberry syrup is a good option for kids. It’s easy to give to children and they tend to like the taste. There are two types of syrup: liquid and dry. The liquid form contains more vitamins than the dry version, but both have their pros and cons.

Can I Give My Child Elderberry?

If your child is suffering from a cold or the flu, then elderberry may be a good option for them. Elderberry has been shown to have anti-viral properties and can help shorten the duration of an illness. It’s also a great alternative to antibiotics if your child has bacterial infections.

Be sure to consult with your pediatrician before starting your child on any new remedy, including elderberry. And always follow the dosage directions on the package carefully!

Does Elderberry Support The Immune System?

Elderberry has been used for centuries to fight colds and flu. It contains potent antioxidant properties that help support immune health.

Can a Child Take Elderberry Everyday?

Yes, Elderberry is safe for kids to take daily in small doses, and many parents choose this as a way to support their child’s immune system. It is also taken when your kid first feels a cold coming on, and can be taken daily while symptoms persist.

Can a Child Overdose On Elderberry Gummies?

Yes, but it is generally very mild. Common overdose symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, the same as if your child ate too much of anything at once.

smelled fresh elderberries

The main concern is that children (and adults) never consume uncooked elderberries, as these are actually poisonous and can cause severe symptoms.

Can Children Take Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract?

Yes, Sambucol Black Elderberry is safe for children. It is recommended to give your child half the daily serving of elderberry that you would take yourself.

Can Elderberry Keep My Child Healthy During Cold and Flu Season?

Yes, it can help your child stay healthy during cold and flu season by supporting their immune system. It contains antioxidants that fight off free radicals, as well as vitamins C and Zinc that help support a healthy immune system.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Elderberry For Kids?

The health benefits of elderberry for kids include fighting off colds and flu, helping to boost immune function, helping with cough and sore throat, and reducing inflammation.

Does Elderberry Have Side Effects For Children?

Sambucus Canadensis and Sambucus Nigra

No, elderberry has no known side effects for children when taken in appropriate doses. Always watch for an allergic reaction within the first 24 hours of giving your child anything new. Raw elderberries should never be consumed by anyone since they are poisonous until they are cooked.

How Much Elderberry Can I Give My Child?

Typically, a child can take between 50mg to 500mg per day. You should consult with your pediatrician before giving your child an elderberry supplement. Follow the dosage directions on the package carefully.

What Age Can a Child Take Elderberry?

A child over the age of 6 months can take small amounts of elderberry extract, but some people feel it’s best to wait until at least two years old. It’s important to start slowly and watch for any signs of allergic reaction within 24 hours after the first dose.

Is Elderberry FDA Approved?

The FDA has not approved elderberry as a drug to prevent or treat the common cold or flu. However, it is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the FDA.

Conclusion

Elderberry is a great option for supporting your child’s immune health and reducing the severity of colds and flu symptoms. There are a lot of options for elderberry supplements on the market, and you may have to try a few before finding the one that works best for your child. Always consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any herbal supplement.