Benefits of Elderberry for Kids

Elderberry syrups and tinctures have been used around the world for centuries, by adults and children alike. What is so special about this popular remedy?

When properly sourced and prepared, the elderberry (sambucus nigra) is a beneficial source of vitamins, minerals, and a variety of powerful antioxidants. Its long history of use has made elderberry products a go-to for supporting immune function and reducing upper respiratory discomforts.*^[1]

What is elderberry?

A small, round, blackish purple berry, the elderberry is generally considered safe to use when fully ripe and properly cooked. It is widely available now, not just in its native regions of North America and Europe, but around the globe. However, those who grow and prepare elderberry syrups and tinctures at home need to be cautious; using the berries when under-ripe or uncooked is paradoxically toxic due to their cyanide compounds.

Preparations of elderberry commonly include tinctures, syrups, gummies, or dissolvable tablets—all generally child-friendly formats. The berry itself is slightly sweet and bitter, so it is often sweetened for palatability, particularly for children. Always pay attention to the sugar content on ingredient labels.

widespread history of usage

In 400 BC, Hippocrates, known historically as the Father of Medicine, referred to elderberry as his “medicine chest”, due to its many applications in health and wellness. Native Americans used this indigenous berry to fight infections and as a general tonic for health and vitality, highlighting its effectiveness and safety in long-term use.

In traditional Chinese Medicine, elderberry is called jie gu mu and is believed to release the exterior, clear heat, dispel wind, resolve damp, tonify the lungs, and expel phlegm. Generally speaking, it is used to strengthen respiratory function, which aligns with its most common indications for use in western healthcare.

benefits of using elderberry for kids

Elderberry is a complex plant, full of active compounds and antioxidants that are now being identified and studied using modern science. Although the leaves, stems, and roots are always considered toxic, the ripe berries are safe for consumption and have many benefits.

1. High in antioxidants. These flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols are known to support overall health that can be potentially harmed by oxidative stress*.^[2]
2. Reduces respiratory discomfort.* A 2021 systematic review of the literature indicates that elderberry can support the immune system during seasonal challenges.^[3]
3. Rich in vitamins and minerals. Elderberries are great sources of iron, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and contain trace amounts of zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more.

Like all plants, we are still discovering and mapping the active and inactive compounds found inside the elderberry. Because of the beneficial synergy within the elderberry, it is used not only in dietary supplements but as a safe coloring and flavoring agent in processed food and beverage products.

research and dosage

Despite elderberry’s long history of usage in children, there is arguably a lack of clinical research to substantiate it. While research in adults generally indicates it is safe to use and often shows benefit in shortening or reducing respiratory symptoms,^[4] more studies are needed to clarify safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.*

Dosing varies by product formulation, usually around 150 mg daily for children in lozenge form, such as immuni-z + elderberry, which combines elderberry with zinc and Vitamin D for immune support or 50 mg daily as part of a children’s multivitamin like Mightiest Vite.

Long-term, daily use of elderberry supplements is also sparsely documented in children, though it traditionally and observationally seems well tolerated. In a 2020 randomized controlled trial in the midwestern health system, emergency room doctors administered 15 ml of elderberry extract orally to children ages 5-12, twice daily for five days, with no adverse effects reported.^[5] 

Related content: elderberry supplements: can kids take them?

conclusion

The use of elderberry formulations for children is considered generally safe, but, as always, it’s important to keep quality in mind. Source your product carefully to ensure it was harvested when ripe and formulated to ensure no harmful levels of cyanide compounds are present.

While research in pediatric populations is limited, studies show benefits for supporting immune function, mitigating microbial access to our cells, and reducing respiratory discomfort.* Similarly, while there is not a ton of research on long-term usage as a preventative approach, there aren’t known side effects, either.

Elderberry can be an important part of the supplement plan for children, with a growing number of reputable products on the market to choose from.