Since vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, any excess is stored in the body. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. Use government or non-profit organization websites to research supplement claims. Fresh foods and nutritional supplements are key. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182. The three ingredients together provide superior immune support and health benefits. 2014 Summer;13(3):1003-9. See additional information. Most often, multivitamins should be taken with a meal in order to prevent nausea. Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dietary supplements are not regulated like conventional food products or drugs in the United States. The most tested product in research (Sambucol) is now sold in different formulations that are not consistent with the original form that was studied. While these results are promising, further large-scale human studies are needed. Bioactive properties ofSambucus nigraL. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Kong F. Pilot clinical study on a proprietary elderberry extract: efficacy in addressing influenza symptoms. Elderberries may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and. Iron is important for making hemoglobin, a protein in your blood. Depending on the season, I may add in extra zinc and vitamin D3, which I take with lunch. Elderberry is also promoted for treating high cholesterol, relieving pain, having anti-inflammatory properties, and more. A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase (-glucosidase), which may help lower blood sugar levels. Vitamin C helps your body absorb plant-based iron. However, there is not enough evidence to support these claims. J.Clin.Dent. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and develops when you're not getting enough iron-rich foods, per the Mayo Clinic. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control (4, 16, 29). If you regularly take any prescription medications, always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine. And, while we should always turn to food for our vitamin and mineral intake, sometimes vitamin supplementation can help us fill the gaps in our diet. Check out our favorite recovery essentials. Some vitamins work best together because they are absorbed by the body more readily that way. These herbs, vitamins, and natural supplements can be used to help increase testosterone levels and help people coping with testosterone-related. Phytother Res 2008;22:913-8. Inflammatory cytokines. Here are the top 8. 2023 UAB Health System. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Mynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, ysiak GP. Macknin M, Wolski K, Negrey J, Mace S. Elderberry extract outpatient influenza treatment for emergency room patients ages 5 and above: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This includes: There is no standard recommendation for dosing elderberry. Both vitamin C and zinc are essential for the body for protection from covid-19 or coronavirus. Taking amounts greater than recommended could be more likely to result in undesirable side effects. Additionally, one study found that antioxidant status improved in people 1 hour after drinking 400 mL of elderberry juice. In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease (17, 22). Some doctors prescribe a vitamin K supplement to help with blood clotting. One must take these either through food or dietary supplements but keep in mind to not . Elderberry has some benefits for heart health, such as reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels. Or you can use it only during an acute illness like cold and flu. Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. When prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs are added to the mix, your risks can increase. This can cause serotonin syndrome and in severe cases, it may lead to muscle rigidity and seizures, he says. Giannattasio A, Poggi E, Trapani G, et al. Our original studies have been referenced on 600+ medical publications including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. Cyanogenic glycoside analysis in American elderberry, Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (, The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells are unusually large, but decreased in number. View abstract. Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins in elderly women after consumption of elderberry or blueberry. Hay fever. J Gen Intern Med. The berries are quite tart and need to be cooked to be eaten. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central. Wu X, Cao G, Prior RL. How effective is Depakote Cp for Seizures? So, you don't need to take vitamin A every single day. That's because high doses of vitamin C can reduce the amount of vitamin B-12 that's absorbed and metabolized by the body, she says. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 25 people who take Elderberry and Multivitamin from the FDA, and is updated regularly. Further research is needed. But if you do take magnesium, Erin Stokes, ND, recommends not taking it at the same time as your multivitamin, as it may interfere with the absorption of smaller minerals found in the multivitamin, like iron and zinc. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. 2020;9(4):83. doi: 10.3390/biology9040083. Since there is no recommended dosage, follow the instructions on the product label or ask your provider how much you should use. These include the: Unripened, raw elderberries can release cyanide into your body and make you sick. While elderberry has some promising potential benefits, there are also some dangers associated with its consumption. In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circumstances. His advice: Be careful and make sure your doctor knows exactly what you are taking and why. The phase IV clinical study analyzes what interactions people who take Elderberry and Vitamin c have. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more. Vitamin A supplement with vitamin A-rich foods. J Int Med Res 2004;32:132-40. Vitamin B12 and folate are both commonly prescribed supplements, with the latter being especially important during pregnancy. While supplements are derived from the black elder (Sambucus nigra) tree, the actual . However, further research is needed to demonstrate if these effects are significant in humans. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. If your doctor prescribes a dosage higher than the daily value of a particular nutrient, disclose any other vitamin and herbal supplements that you take so problematic combinations can be avoided. Answered by Dr. Molly Fleece, MD. . Calcium and vitamin D are commonly recommended as tandem supplements for their beneficial role in bone health. This article will review the potential uses of elderberry, how to safely use it, and possible concerns with using elderberry. There is limited data on the uses of elderberry other than viral infection symptom management. Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health (4, 26). 2020;35(11):3271-3277. doi:10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w, Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Conclusion. Patients in the study may take other drugs besides Elderberry and Multivitamin. Always tell your doctor about all supplements you take before any surgery or procedure. Unfortunately, taking iron supplements along with green tea isnt a great mix. Our Nature Made Elderberry Gummies with Vitamin C & Zinc and Elderberry Syrup with Vitamin C & Zinc can be taken daily, as long as they are taken within the recommended daily dosage for adults and children. View abstract. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Other proposed uses of elderberry have not been supported by research. Witch hazel is widely known for easing inflammation and soothing sensitive skin, but this powerful remedy has more to offer. Fenugreek is an herb and supplement that has many benefits for your health. Exp Pathol Health Sci. Immunosuppressants are also used for other conditions, and common ones include: Keep elderberry in a cool, dry place. Both elderberry (otherwise known as Sambucus) and echinacea are prized for their ability to support a strong immune system. People with certain autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberry. Supplements should always be stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption. At the same time, some vitamins interact with medications in potentially harmful ways. Some researchers have suggested that the syrup shortens the duration of some illnesses and makes them less severe; however, the study findings have varied. People who take a lot of zinc supplements may develop a copper deficiency. Here is a list of 4 natural supplements that are just as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. It is well documented that vitamin E supplementation can lead to increased bleeding in some people. Again, these necessary minerals will compete for absorption by the body, meaning you get less of each when you take them together, warns Dr. Cooperman. Schroder-Aasen T, Molden G, Nilsen OG. Constipation. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these results and determine if elderberry may also play a role in preventing influenza (9). But only about 25% of people who take herbal supplements tell their health care providers. You can easily overdo herbs or supplements with sedative properties. Shutterstock (2) Potassium and calcium Dr. Glatter warns that CoQ10 can also lower blood sugar, and if you are taking other diabetes drugs, you run the risk of developing low blood sugar, he says. The flowers have a delicate muscat aroma and can be eaten raw or cooked (1). Plus, they have many nutritional benefits. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Nutr 2002;132:1865-71. Additionally, black cohosh, an herbal remedy for gynecological issues, can reduce how well statins work. Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. Elderberries are: The exact nutritional composition of elderberries depends on: Therefore, servings can vary in their nutrition (4, 8). However, the branches, bark, or leaves should not be used in cooking or juicing (2). However, their protective effects on humans appear to be insignificant. Is elderberry recommended to prevent COVID-19? Looking to level-up your post-workout self-care? You can give your kids a small daily dose of elderberry during cold and flu season to strengthen their immune system. A caveat: This interaction has only been studied in those who currently have coronary artery disease (CAD). While no negative events have been reported in these groups, there is not enough data to confirm that it is safe (2). Whether or not they are effective, they are usually safe to take. All rights reserved. Clinical effectiveness of a combination of black elder berries, violet herb, and calendula flowers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the results of a double-blinded placebo-controlled study. This means they do not come with strict instructions to follow or warnings about interactions like prescription medications. Dietary supplements vary widely when it comes to the nutrients they provide, as well as the dosage of those nutrients. Additionally, the processing of the berries and flowers can reduce their antioxidant activity. Symptoms of eating uncooked berries, leaves, bark, or roots of the elderberry include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (2). If you take a multivitamin dont worry, but if you are K deficient and need extra K, take it two hours apart from the other fat-soluble vitamins, he says. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs. Vitamin C and B12. Read more: How to Determine if a Vitamin or Supplement Is Actually Right for You. The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants. It's recommended that people at high risk for. Unripe or unprocessed berries, as well as other parts of the plant, should not be consumed as they can be poisonous. Elderberry gummies are a popular supplement that many people use to treat cold and flu symptoms. View abstract. If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. Common interactions include haemorrhoids among females and dysuria among males. Only take the amount recommended on the label. Next, be sure to check out these vitamin mistakes you might not know youre making. Furthermore, a study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms (11). There is no data on the use of elderberry for COVID-19, either to prevent it or to manage symptoms. It is possibly unsafe to consume. Nausea and vomiting. Its never safe to eat unknown berries in nature, as they may have dangerous effects. In addition, the processing of elderberries, such as extraction, heating, or juicing, can reduce their antioxidant activity (4). Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When we eat food, usually there is an array of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, fats, and flora (the good germs that live in our digestive tract). In folk medicine, the dried berries or juice are used to treat influenza, infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart pain, and nerve pain, as well as a laxative and diuretic (2). Some participants also took. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. Therefore, products like syrups, juices, teas, and jams may have reduced benefits compared to some results seen in laboratory studies (16). Clin Exp Allergy 2003;33:1703-10. They're naturally flavored with. Elderberry is most commonly used orally as a syrup. 2010 Jan;24(1):1-8. Taking this medication and vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding. As with several other fruits, eating a lot of elderberry fruit can cause: Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before theyre consumed. View abstract. In fact, vitamin E supplementation of over 800 IU can interfere with blood clotting and make your blood thinner. Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al. Iron is found in meat, beans, and leafy green vegetables. Furthermore, elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. View abstract. View abstract. Products are available in many forms, including: In addition to the various forms, elderberry is available as a single supplement or in combination with other nutrients. European elder. It has a potential interaction with several drugs that treat cardiovascular disease symptoms like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. There are three ways you can take elderberry for immune support. If you take too many water-soluble vitamins, the excess just gets flushed out in your pee. BMC Complement Med Ther. Many people take them to help prevent or treat colds. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. And a 2017 article published in the Journal of the American Heart Association actually found that calcium supplements increase the risk of stroke, but combining them with vitamin D seemed to offset this result. However, no large clinical studies have proven these benefits. Have a conversation with your doctor about the risks associated with taking these two supplements together, to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention. View abstract. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Elderberry extract has been found to help reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Vitamin Keven in foods such as kale, lettuce, broccoli, and chickpeascan counteract a blood thinners benefits. A version of this story was published March 2021. If you take a traditional blood thinner like warfarin, just the small amount of vitamin K in an MVM can cut its strength. The study uses data from the FDA. A 2013 article published in Current Atherosclerosis Reports indicated that the original findings of the WHI showed no association between the two supplements and stroke risk. Water-soluble vitamins, such as C and B-complex, can be flushed out of your system when there's an excess, but the fat-soluble vitamins D, E, K and A are stored in the body, so taking large amounts can be dangerous. Your body depends on magnesium to allow it to absorb vitamin D. Enzymes in your liver and kidneys need magnesium to break down the vitamin and convert it into a form your body can work with. Your body needs adequate doses of vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E and K every day for optimum health. Unless specifically directed by a doctor, it's usually not a good idea to take individual vitamin or mineral supplements. If you are one of the 95 million Americans with high cholesterol, you might like the idea of taking a natural supplement to lower your levels. When these minerals are taken at the same time, they may not be quite as effective, says Tod Cooperman, MD, president of consumerlab.com, an independent testing company focused on health and nutrition products in White Plains, New York. But a July 2019 review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that there is a slight increase in the risk for stroke when these two supplements are taken together.