Best Elderberry Supplements for Kids & Adults: Gummies & Syrup
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Let’s say the cold and flu season is in full swing – or, perhaps, you or a loved one is one of the lucky people who experience these illnesses in the off-season.
(This happens more often than you might think!)
Anytime, year-round, whenever you feel like giving your immune system a little extra support, there’s one supplement that always seems to come up in every “best supplement for cold” or “benefits of immune gummies for kids” article…
…Elderberries.
Elderberry syrup, elderberry gummies, and more: There are potent nutrients in elderberries that can be very beneficial to anyone who wants a stronger immune system.
What can the best elderberry supplements do for kids and adults?
We did the research to find out. Read on!
What the Best Elderberry Supplements for Kids & Adults (Actually) Do
Black elderberry – or, if we call it by its scientific name, Sambucus nigra – is a fruit that’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Why?
We’ll turn to Dr. Brynna Connor, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician who specializes in regenerative medicine, for a quick answer:
“Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): While further research on elderberry is ongoing, it has been shown to be helpful to boost the immune system and appears to allow the body to recover faster, if and when, people are sick.”
These berries are extremely rich in antioxidants.
They carry a type of antioxidants called flavonoids, a substance that’s very good at supporting the immune system.
While elderberries aren’t made for eating by themselves – they’re toxic unless they’re properly prepared, so don’t go throwing them into your morning smoothie! – they can be very helpful when taken in carefully processed forms.
That’s why you’ll find elderberry supplements in the form of syrups, gummies, capsules, or lozenges – and you won’t typically find cartons of raw elderberries, say, in the food section of your local grocery store.
The Intriguing Benefits of Elderberry Syrup and Gummies
So why has elderberry become a go-to natural remedy?
Studies suggest that elderberry extracts may help reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry supports your immune system’s ability to fight off viral infections.
Just a few of the recognized benefits of elderberry syrup and supplements include:
- Immune system support
- Possible shortening of the duration of cold and flu symptoms
- Antioxidant-enabled lessening of oxidative stress
- The possibility of easing sinus infections and reducing inflammation
- Possible cardiovascular benefits
…All in all, elderberries (while not being a cure-all) can be a good thing to have in your wellness toolkit, if you find a good one, and if it works for you.
Let’s dwell for a minute or two, though, on that phrase: “If you find a good one.”
What does that mean?
And what types of elderberry supplements are out there?
Elderberry Syrup vs. Elderberry Gummies: Which Is the Best Elderberry Supplement for You?
The two most popular forms of elderberry supplements are elderberry syrup and elderberry gummies.
Both of these supplements can offer people immune-supporting benefits, when taken as indicated, and especially when paired with other health-promoting lifestyle activities (like eating a balanced diet and moving your body on a regular basis).
However, these two supplements do vary significantly in terms of taste, convenience, dosage, and suitability for different age groups.
The Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a concentrated, thick, and even gooey liquid made of the extract of black elderberries.
Sometimes, you’ll find elderberry syrup that also contains other immune-boosting ingredients, like honey, ginger, or echinacea.
If you’re inclined to find an elderberry syrup that works for you, great news – you may be able to anticipate the following benefits associated with elderberry syrup:
- Fast absorption. When compared to solid supplements, liquids tend to get absorbed a little faster.
- Customizable dosing. One reason many families like having a bottle of elderberry syrup on hand is the easy adjustments of doses between small children, older children, and adults.
- Natural ingredients. While not all elderberry syrups are inherently “natural,” they are often seen as a more natural alternative to prescription immune-system-enhancing or anti-inflammatory drugs – and you can find some elderberry syrups that contain minimal additives or preservatives.
- Soothing properties. Completely aside from the medicinal properties of the ingredient list, the simple act of sipping on a syrup can be, itself, comforting on a sore throat.
All of this said, syrups are far from perfect, or from being a perfect solution for everyone.
Many popular elderberry syrups do contain sugars, sweeteners, and other additives that some may not want to see in their supplements.
Others require refrigeration, which can be a little inconvenient for regular storage and use.
The Benefits of Elderberry Gummies
If you dislike swallowing pills, don’t think syrups are going to work for you, or generally just prefer a tasty, chewable option whenever given the choice – elderberry gummies may be worth looking into.
Why choose elderberry gummies?
They have a great taste. While taste is subjective, elderberry gummies are often flavored specifically to appeal to both kids and adults.
They offer pre-measured doses. When purchased as a set, each gummy in your bottle or sachet will contain a set, predictable, and reliable amount of elderberry extract (and any other ingredients, like ginger or echinacea, that might be present).
This makes it easy to stay consistent.
They can be portable & convenient. Usually, you don’t need to refrigerate gummies; instead, you can just toss your bottle of elderberry gummies directly in a bag, which can make traveling with this supplement a breeze.
They can be kid-friendly. If you’re a parent interested in helping your child benefit from elderberry supplements, know that asking your children to take elderberry gummies for kids can often be an easier “sell” than tablets or syrups.
Of course, there are other considerations that come with elderberry gummies.
For example, some gummies include ingredients like gelatin or added sugars. This may not be a big deal, but if you’re limiting your sugar intake or are vegan, these are things you’ll need to know.
There’s also the fact that elderberry gummies are easier to confuse with candies, which can lead to a risk of overconsumption. Keeping gummy supplements out of reach of your younger children will be important.
Additional Supplements to Support Immune Health
Interested in stocking your medicine cabinet with natural remedies to boost immune function?
Or are you intrigued by the idea of pairing your elderberry supplement with another type of booster that will help you feel your best year-round?
There are other options to consider.
Many people interested in elderberry also look for:
- Vitamin C, a classic antioxidant known for strengthening immune defense
- Zinc, a vitamin known for supporting immune cell function and helping to fight off invading bacteria and viruses
- Echinacea, a plant-based supplement often used to prevent or reduce cold symptoms
- Probiotics, a class of supplements that are frequently used to promote gut health, which plays a key role in immune response.
- Vitamin D, a vitamin essential for immune regulation, especially in colder months when sun exposure is limited.
If your chosen supplement features a mix of these and other ingredients, when taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, you may be setting yourself up well to enjoy comprehensive immune support year-round.
How to Tell if Your Elderberry Supplements Are Working for You
Elderberry supplements can be delicious and fun to take. By helping you feel like you’re making a healthy choice, they can also help you enjoy a more health-promoting lifestyle.
But will taking elderberry supplements, themselves, really do anything for you – specifically?
It’s hard to say, as elderberry supplements do seem to help many people accomplish their health goals – but the same supplements may not move the needle for other people.
It comes down to your unique biology and the goals you, individually, are working towards.
Determining whether your elderberry supplements are helping you feel better will require some observation. Remember, because elderberry works preventatively and supportively (rather than immediately or acutely), the effects may be subtle.
Still, here are a few signs that your elderberry gummies or elderberry syrup might be helping:
You’re getting sick less often. Over the course of several months, some people report experiencing fewer colds or shorter illnesses after they begin taking a daily elderberry supplement.
Cold symptoms don’t last as long. Elderberry may help reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections.
If you’re noticing that your typical 10-day head cold now wraps up in five or six days, elderberry could be a contributing factor.
You feel more resilient during “sick season”. If you’re surrounded by coughing coworkers or congested classmates and you stay healthy, that may be a win for your immune-support regimen.
Of course, elderberry isn’t a miracle cure, and it won’t make you invincible to viruses.
But, taken consistently, many people do report feeling more prepared for cold and flu season with it in their daily routine.
Pro tip: Keep a short symptom journal!
Whether in your notes app or a paper calendar, jot down when you’re sick and how severe your symptoms are.
This can help you track patterns and determine whether elderberry supplements might be making a difference.
How to Read an Elderberry Supplement Ingredient List (What to Look For)
If you're shopping for the best elderberry gummies, syrup, or capsules, knowing how to read a supplement label is key.
When you’re picking up a supplement bottle in your local pharmacy (or perusing ingredient lists as you’re shopping online for your favorite supplements!), here’s a quick cheat sheet of what to look for…and what you might want to avoid.
Look for the following:
- Standardized elderberry extract, to help ensure you’re getting a consistent amount of active compounds
- Transparent dosing, or a clear indication of how much elderberry extract per serving you’re getting (no “proprietary blends” without ingredient breakdowns!).
- Immune-supporting additions, if you’re so inclined, like vitamin C, zinc, or echinacea to boost effectiveness.
- Minimal additives, if possible, so, seek supplements that are free of artificial colors, excessive sugar, or synthetic preservatives.
Wherever possible, consider avoiding supplements that have admittedly low elderberry content, artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, unclear sourcing, unclear processing, or come with outsized or miracle claims that are (clearly) too good to be true.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
How to Save on Elderberry Gummies, Syrups, and Vitamins at NorthWestPharmacy.com
Supplements can get expensive – especially if you're purchasing them regularly for the whole family.
Luckily, buying elderberry supplements online from Canada can make a big difference in affordability.
Here’s how NorthWestPharmacy.com can help you save big and feel confident when buying health-promoting products, from OTC supplements to prescription meds and more:
- Thanks to global fulfillment and international partnerships, we can offer lower costs on brand-name and generic health products – including elderberry vitamins and supplements.
- When you work with NorthWestPharmacy.com, you’ll get access to live customer service representatives and a clear, transparent checkout process – so you know you’re getting authentic, pharmacist-reviewed products.
- Whether you’re looking for black elderberry gummies for kids, a naturally sweetened elderberry syrup, or a capsule that’s easy to swallow, you can browse multiple brands in one place.
- While you’re shopping for elderberry, you can also grab affordable vitamin C, probiotics, or zinc – which can make NorthWestPharmacy a one-stop shop for your immune support routine.
Looking to save on top-rated elderberry supplements?
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, we offer a curated selection of trusted wellness products and prescription medications for both kids and adults – all at competitive prices, all accessible with just a few clicks.
Our team looks forward to supporting you and your health journey.
