The Best Elderberry Supplements to Help Strengthen Your Immune System
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Maintaining a strong immune system is essential, but it’s not always easy. Teachers, healthcare workers and frequent travelers may find themselves feeling run down or needing a boost. In fact, many of us need all the help we can get—that's where elderberry comes in.
Many experts recommend elderberry to boost your immune system and ward off illness. These tiny black berries have been safely used to treat many illnesses for hundreds of years. What's more, research suggests that elderberries are anti-bacterial, heart-healthy and may reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Whether you’re looking for a natural cold treatment or want to stay healthy, an elderberry vitamin or elderberry capsule may be the right addition to your wellness routine. Check out our guide to the six best elderberry supplements and everything you need to know before buying.
Our Picks for Elderberry Supplement:
- Best Overall Elderberry Supplement: Future Kind Organic Vegan Elderberry
- Best Elderberry Supplement Syrup: Cymbiotika Liposomal Elderberry
- Best Elderberry Supplement to Boost Your Immunity: Uzty U-Mune
- Best Value Elderberry Supplement: Nature’s Way Black Elderberry
- Best Vegan Elderberry Supplement: Future Kind Organic Vegan Elderberry
- Best Elderberry Supplement Gummies: Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies
Best Overall Elderberry Supplement: Future Kind Organic Vegan Elderberry
SI Showcase + Future Kind
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: 150 milligrams black elderberry
- Nutrition facts: 15 calories, 4 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams added sugar, 10 milligrams sodium
- Flavors: Elderberry
- Certifications: Non-GMO, vegan, gluten- and yeast-free; no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Subscription: 30, 60, 90, and 180 days, 20% savings
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc, elderberry
- Sweeteners: Organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar
- Best for:
- Anyone looking for quality and value
- An affordable, year-round supplement
- Vegans looking for gummies made without animal products
- Price per serving: $0.83
Future Kind+ is a new 100 percent vegan brand launched in 2019 by certified nutritionists. Future Kind+ organic vegan elderberry is our pick for the best overall supplement because it checks all the boxes: quality, affordability, value and adaptability to a wide range of diets, natural flavors, preferences and needs.
Each gummy contains organic black elderberry extract plus vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin C and zinc are known to improve skin health. Take one Future Kind+ Organic Vegan gummy twice a day. Reviews from the product site are nearly all positive, with an average of 4.6/5 stars. At the time of writing, one user didn’t like the flavor, but most agree that this gummy is tasty and easy to take.
Pros:
- 100-percent vegan
- Brand backed by science
- Contains zinc and vitamin C
Cons:
- Twice-daily formula
Best Elderberry Supplement Syrup: Cymbiotika Liposomal Elderberry
SI Showcase + Cymbiotika
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: Unknown; the supplement contains 1,660 milligrams of its proprietary liposomal blend, which includes 16:1 black elderberry extract, but doesn't state the percentage
- Nutrition facts: 25 calories, 5 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams sugar
- Flavors: Elderberry
- Certifications: GMO-free, vegan, gluten-free and made with zero chemicals, alcohols, additives and preservatives
- Subscription: Monthly, 10% savings
- Key ingredients: Organic elderberry extract 16:1 (Sambucus nigra fruit), vitamin C, echinacea extract
- Sweeteners: none
- Best for:
- Preventing illness. As soon as you feel sick, since echinacea may reduce cold symptoms
- Busy professionals on the go who require a portable pouch serving to keep on hand.
- Price per serving: $1.44
Cymbiotika is a wellness brand that makes high-quality supplements to complement health education and nutrition. This liquid supplement contains elderberry extract, vitamin C and 100 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin E. It also has echinacea, which has been shown to reduce the frequency of the common cold.
Cymbiotika Liposomal Elderberry is our top pick for best elderberry syrup because it is a liposome formula that increases absorption and protects active compounds from breakdown as they enter cells.
The recommended dose is one pouch daily. Customer feedback on Cymbiotika Liposomal Elderberry is generally positive, with many users reporting improvements in immune function, energy levels and overall well-being.
Pros:
- Liposomal delivery
- Individual pouch servings
- 100 percent daily vitamin E
Cons:
- Pricey compared to others on the list
Best Elderberry Supplement to Boost Your Immunity: U-Mune
SI Showcase + Uzty
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: 50 milligrams European elderberry extract
- Nutrition facts: 0 calories, 0 grams carbohydrates
- Flavors: Elderberry and echinacea
- Certifications: Ingredients tested for purity, safety and effectiveness at an in-house lab, and verified by third-party labs
- Subscription: Every 30, 45 or 60 days, 15% savings
- Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, pantothenic acid, calcium, phospherous, sodium, potassium, arabinogalactin, Andrographis paniculata leaf extract, echinacea, European elderberry extract, L-Lysine, lemon balm leaf extract
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for:
- Someone looking for a seasonal winter supplement to boost D levels
- Price per serving: $0.48
If you’re looking for an elderberry supplement for immune function, check out U-Mune from Utzy. U-Mune is a vitamin, mineral and botanical blend. It’s formulated to help meet any nutritional deficiencies that may be hindering your immune system.
Elderberry is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects. A clinical trial found that elderberry extract reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms. U-Mune also includes vitamins A, C and D, which the National Institutes of Health say are essential for staying healthy. For example, vitamin A deficiency is linked to increased vulnerability to infections and vitamin E deficiency impairs how the immune system functions.
Each U-Mune serving also includes 100 milligrams of Andrographis paniculata, a herb used in traditional medicine to fight the common cold.
Pros:
- Six ingredients to support immune health (vitamin A, C, D, elderberry, andrographis, echinacea)
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Does not contain zinc or selenium
- Contains sodium
Best Value Elderberry Supplement: Nature’s Way Black Elderberry
SI Showcase + Nature's Way
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: 1,150 milligrams
- Nutrition facts: 0 calories, 0 grams carbohydrates
- Flavors: Unflavored capsule
- Certifications: Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, ingredients are third-party tested by Tru-ID Progressive
- Subscription: Not offered
- Key ingredients: Elderberries and elderflower
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for:
- Anyone looking for an affordable elderberry product
- People who do want a dietary supplement without added sugar or sodium
- Those who already take a daily multivitamin and don’t care for extra minerals or vitamins
- Price per serving: $0.33
Nature's Way has been an established vitamin brand in business for over 50 years. Its elderberry capsules are our pick for the best value elderberry supplement because it combines high potency—1,150 milligrams per serving at only $0.33 per serving. The capsules are also vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Nature's Way Black Elderberry capsules should be taken twice daily with water. Some users complain that the pills are too big and hard to swallow. Yet overall, customers like the product's high potency, effectiveness and all-natural, allergen-free formula.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High potency
- Capsule contains only elderberry and elderflower
Cons:
- Large capsule form may be hard to swallow
Best Vegan Elderberry Supplement: Future Kind+ Organic Vegan Elderberry
SI Showcase + Future Kind
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: 150 milligrams black elderberry
- Nutrition facts: 15 calories, 4 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams added sugar, 10 milligrams sodium
- Flavors: Elderberry
- Certifications: Non-GMO, vegan, gluten and yeast free, no artificial colors or preservatives
- Subscription: 30, 60, 90, and 180 days, 20% savings
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc, elderberry
- Sweeteners: Organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar
- Best for:
- Someone who wants to save by purchasing in bulk
- Those who want to support earth-conscious brands
- Anyone looking for a vegan supplement
- Price per serving: $0.83
Future Kind+ is an eco-friendly, cruelty-free company founded by vegan nutritionists. Future Kind+ Elderberry is our pick for the best vegan elderberry supplement because it combines organic black elderberry extract (150 milligrams), vitamin C (45 milligrams), and zinc (5 milligrams) in a vegan and allergen-free gummy form. So it’s ideal for a wide range of dietary needs. We love that it’s full of natural flavors rather than artificial sweeteners.
Elderberry has been shown to increase immune function, and vitamin C and zinc play important roles in immunity. The dose for this product is two gummies per day, with or without food.
These black elderberry gummies received mostly positive customer feedback, with many reporting better immune function and overall health. Customers value its vegan and allergen-free formulation.
Pros:
- 100 percent vegan brand
- Made in the US in an FDA-approved facility
- Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral delivery
Cons:
- Contains added sugar
- Contains a trace amount of sodium
Best Elderberry Supplement Gummies: Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies
SI Showcase + Nature's Way
Key features & specs
- Elderberry per serving: 50 milligrams of black elderberry extract
- Nutrition facts: 20 calories, 5 grams protein, 3 grams added sugar, 15 milligrams sodium
- Flavors: Elderberry
- Certifications: Gluten-free, vegetarian
- Subscription: None
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry
- Sweeteners: Organic tapioca syrup, cane sugar
- Best for:
- Those who don’t like to swallow pills
- Families who want a gummy that the whole family can share
- School teachers, healthcare workers and anyone commonly exposed to viruses
- Price per serving: $0.25–0.37
Nature’s Way is well-known for its line of whole herbs, extracts and homeopathic remedies. Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry is our pick for the best elderberry gummy because it combines strength with affordability in an easy-to-take formula. Each berry is handpicked by experienced farmers for quality. In addition to an ultra-concentrated dose of elderberry, this product contains vitamins C, D and zinc, well-known for their role in fighting illnesses.
The brand recommends taking Sambucus gummies once daily; two gelatin-free gummies for adults and one gummy for children aged four and up. Some negative feedback mentions a dislike for the texture, but this is rare. Customers generally give the product rave reviews, averaging 4.8/5 stars on Amazon from 105,317 reviews at the time of writing.
Pros:
- Safe for children and adults
- Reasonably priced
- Four ingredients for immune support—vitamins C, D, zinc and elderberry
Cons:
- Contains added sugar
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberry is the fruit of the elder plant that grows wild in Europe (Sambucus nigra) and North America (Sambucus canadensis). Elder plants are hardy shrubs that produce small, dark purple to black berries with a sweet and tart flavor. An unripe or raw elderberry can be poisonous. However, cooked or dried berries are used in foods and herbal supplements.
Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry fruit extract has been used widely for centuries as a natural treatment for respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis and fever. Elderberry contains antioxidant properties from anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are thought to help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Elderberry has traditionally been used for its potential health benefits, which may include the following:
- Provides immune support
- It can reduce inflammation and cell damage
- It is antiviral and antibacterial
- It contains substances that may be anti-tumor and anti-depressant
- Elderberry may also impact obesity and metabolic dysfunction
Elderberry contains anthocyanins, which fight viral infections by attaching to viruses and inactivating them.
In one clinical trial, 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days relieved flu symptoms four days earlier on average. Other studies suggest that it may decrease the duration and severity of colds.
Elderberry Side Effects
While elderberry fruit is considered safe when used correctly, there are a few risks. Some people may be allergic to elderberries.
Also, the plant’s stems, leaves and unripe berries contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic if consumed. Signs of cyanide poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea. Ripe berries used in supplements and food products, on the other hand, are generally safe.
Precautions for Elderberry Supplements
When taking elderberry supplements or consuming elderberry products, keep the following in mind:
- Use the recommended dosages. Too much elderberry can cause digestive upset.
- Choose high-quality products from reputable brands that are independently tested or USDA-certified for purity and potency.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications or have a history of allergies or immune system disorders, talk to your doctor before using elderberry.
How to Choose the Best Elderberry Supplement for You
Here are tips for choosing the best elderberry supplement.
- Consider the form. Elderberry is available in different formulas, including syrups, capsules, gummies and teas. Choose the one that is most convenient and easiest for you to use.
- Understand the ratio of extracts. Elderberry supplement labels give a ratio of “4:1” or “16:1”. The ratio tells the ratio of plant to finished extract. Higher ratios don’t necessarily mean a better product, since there are many factors that influence the end result, including ingredient quality, extraction duration and extraction solvents used.
- Choose organic and non-GMO products. If you are concerned about pesticides or genetically modified organisms, organic and non-GMO elderberry products may be a good option.
What to Avoid in an Elderberry Supplement
Avoid elderberry supplements or products that contain unripe berries or toxic elder plant parts, low-quality extracts, added sugars or artificial sweeteners, fillers or additives, non-organic and GMO ingredients and contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and microbes.
It is critical to carefully read the label and select a high-quality elderberry supplement from reputable brands independently tested for purity and potency. Before using elderberry, consult a healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.
How We Chose the Best Elderberry Supplement
We took a look at the most reputable supplement brands and their elderberry vitamins, gummies, capsules and syrups. From there we combed over customer reviews, third-party reviews, certifications, costs and prices to bring you our picks for the best elderberry supplements.
Elderberry Supplement FAQs
What does elderberry do?
Elderberry has traditionally been used for its potential health benefits, including immune system support. Scientific studies suggest that elderberries are also an effective treatment for flu and can shorten the severity and duration of colds.
What is elderberry good for?
Given its high antioxidant and bioactive compound content, elderberry is thought to be beneficial for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and treating respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu.
Can you take an elderberry supplement daily?
Elderberries can be consumed safely daily in appropriate doses for short periods of time, such as during cold and flu season. However, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking elderberry supplements on a regular basis or for extended periods of time.
Can you take elderberry supplements during pregnancy?
According to the National Institutes of Health, it is unclear if elderberries are safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Since there is limited research on the safety of elderberries during pregnancy, pregnant women should talk with their doctor before taking elderberry products.
How much elderberry should I take?
Elderberry supplement dosage varies by product, concentration, and individual health needs. Most elderberry supplements recommend 650-1500 milligrams daily as a general guideline.
- 15 milliliters of syrup taken four times daily for five days has been used to treat flu.
- 600 milligrams daily for 10 days before air travel with 900 milligrams daily for five days post-flight to prevent illness during a trip.
Takeaway: Are Elderberry Supplements Worth It?
Elderberry supplements can provide immune support and treat respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. Still, it is important to pick a high-quality supplement from a reputable brand and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health problems or are taking prescription medications.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
