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Elderberry for Kids: Dosage, Safety Info, Benefits & More
August 2022
Last reviewed: September 2022
Author:
Charlotte Scott
Coauthors:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
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Author:
Charlotte Scott
Coauthors:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
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Inside: Is elderberry safe for kids? You’ll learn what all the research says about elderberry for kids in this article, including whether or not elderberry is safe for kids and what the benefits of elderberries are for kids.
Everyone has questions these days about elderberry for kids. Is it safe for kids? How much is safe? What are the benefits? In this article, we answer these common questions about elderberry and more based on today’s current elderberry research.
The berry should only be consumed when cooked properly. The stems and leaves should not be eaten or served to children.
How much elderberry is safe for kids?
Based on the few studies that have been done in children so far, we do not know how much elderberry is safe to give to children.
Always talk with your child’s qualified healthcare provider before deciding whether it is safe for your child. So far, none of the few studies have shown dangerous side effects in children.
At this time, there are only around two studies that have looked at giving elderberry to children. (2,3)
One of the studies gave children elderberry for six months. It helped many children with chronic ear infections. It is something worth talking to your child’s healthcare provider about.
The study was only six months long though, so it is unknown if there were long-term side effects. (2)
Elderberry safety for the whole family
Elderberry is NOT thought to be safe for people with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and possibly honeysuckle allergies.
At this time, due to a lack of research, it is not known whether it is safe during pregnancy or lactation.
Can elderberries keep kids from getting sick?
There were two studies we found that discussed elderberry and preventing kids from getting sick. One mentioned above showed promising results for low cases of middle ear infection and the other was inconclusive. (2,4)
There has been promising research that suggests that prepared elderberry may reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, influenza and respiratory illnesses. (5,6)
We’ve only seen one review paper specifically looking at COVID-19. This paper suggested that elderberry is not thought to be dangerous and may be helpful if given when a person developed COVID-19 symptoms. (4)
Note: We will update this blog as more information becomes available.
Again, always check with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to give elderberry supplements to your child.
Are elderberry supplements safe for kids?
Some companies make elderberry syrups for children as young as six months old. Some of them are mixed with vitamin C or zinc and in smaller amounts.
Since there are only two studies about elderberry and children and those were in children ages two and above, it is unknown whether syrups for young babies are safe. (2)
More research is also needed on elderberry dosage for kids.
Please note, there is little research to support the safety of these supplements and the FDA does not yet regulate them.
Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to give elderberry supplements to your child.
Are there side effects of elderberry for kids and toddlers?
Raw elderberry should NOT be given to children.
Elderberries contain lectin in small amounts. Even though minimal, Some types of lectin has been shown to cause stomach problems when eaten in excess. (7)
Fresh elderberries also contain components that release cyanide. Cyanide in high amounts can cause us to feel sick and can even lead to cyanide poisoning.
When cooked properly cyanide components are removed. Elderberry branches, bark or leaves should never be eaten. Some signs of cyanide poisoning to watch out for are:
Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness
Dizziness
If you suspect your child may be experiencing cyanide poisoning, contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
To avoid cyanide poisoning or too much lectin, purchase elderberry supplements from a trusted source and/or properly cook edible components (e.g berries and flower). (8,9)
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Charlotte Scott is a Western Carolina University Alumni with a B.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Minor in Spanish. She is currently a Child Nutrition Fellow for Kids Eat In Color and a dietetic intern at Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship. Charlotte is passionate about community service, nutrition counseling, and public health in the hope of opening her own center for families and children at financial risk. Volunteering is dear to her heart, and her curious nature intrigues a passion for expanding her knowledge in various fields.
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Inside: Is elderberry safe for kids? You’ll learn what all the research says about elderberry for kids in this article, including whether or not elderberry is safe for kids and what the benefits of elderberries are for kids.
Everyone has questions these days about elderberry for kids. Is it safe for kids? How much is safe? What are the benefits? In this article, we answer these common questions about elderberry and more based on today’s current elderberry research.
Article contents:
What are elderberries?
What are the different kinds of elderberry?
Is elderberry safe for kids?
How much elderberry is safe for kids?
Elderberry safety for the whole family
Can elderberries keep kids from getting sick?
Elderberry and COVID-19
Are elderberry supplements safe for kids?
What are the side effects of elderberry?
Best-selling elderberry supplements
What are elderberries?
Though small, elderberries are a mighty berry. They range from deep purple or blue to black and can grow on shrubs or small trees.
Out of the many kinds of elderberry, the black elderberry, also known as the American or European elderberry, is the most common.
At this time, American and European elderberries are thought to contain the same amount of nutrients. (1)
If your child is a picky eater, download our free picky eater’s guide to learn strategies to make mealtimes more enjoyable for your family.
What are the different kinds of elderberry?
Elderberries have both culinary and medicinal uses and can be made into many dishes and dietary supplements.
As a food, elderberries are only served cooked and they are versatile. They can be used to make pies and jams.
As a dietary supplement, elderberry comes in a few different forms:
Related: 3 Supplements to Boost Your Kid’s Immune System for Daycare & Preschool
Is elderberry safe for kids?
Elderberries in their raw state are toxic.
The berry should only be consumed when cooked properly. The stems and leaves should not be eaten or served to children.
How much elderberry is safe for kids?
Based on the few studies that have been done in children so far, we do not know how much elderberry is safe to give to children.
Always talk with your child’s qualified healthcare provider before deciding whether it is safe for your child. So far, none of the few studies have shown dangerous side effects in children.
At this time, there are only around two studies that have looked at giving elderberry to children. (2,3)
One of the studies gave children elderberry for six months. It helped many children with chronic ear infections. It is something worth talking to your child’s healthcare provider about.
The study was only six months long though, so it is unknown if there were long-term side effects. (2)
Elderberry safety for the whole family
Elderberry is NOT thought to be safe for people with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and possibly honeysuckle allergies.
At this time, due to a lack of research, it is not known whether it is safe during pregnancy or lactation.
Can elderberries keep kids from getting sick?
There were two studies we found that discussed elderberry and preventing kids from getting sick. One mentioned above showed promising results for low cases of middle ear infection and the other was inconclusive. (2,4)
There has been promising research that suggests that prepared elderberry may reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, influenza and respiratory illnesses. (5,6)
Related: Probiotics for Kids: When to Take Them & How to Pick
Elderberry and COVID-19
We’ve only seen one review paper specifically looking at COVID-19. This paper suggested that elderberry is not thought to be dangerous and may be helpful if given when a person developed COVID-19 symptoms. (4)
Note: We will update this blog as more information becomes available.
Again, always check with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to give elderberry supplements to your child.
Are elderberry supplements safe for kids?
Some companies make elderberry syrups for children as young as six months old. Some of them are mixed with vitamin C or zinc and in smaller amounts.
Since there are only two studies about elderberry and children and those were in children ages two and above, it is unknown whether syrups for young babies are safe. (2)
More research is also needed on elderberry dosage for kids.
Please note, there is little research to support the safety of these supplements and the FDA does not yet regulate them.
Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to give elderberry supplements to your child.
Related: The Most Important Thing to Feed Your Child When They’re Sick
Are there side effects of elderberry for kids and toddlers?
Raw elderberry should NOT be given to children.
Elderberries contain lectin in small amounts. Even though minimal, Some types of lectin has been shown to cause stomach problems when eaten in excess. (7)
Fresh elderberries also contain components that release cyanide. Cyanide in high amounts can cause us to feel sick and can even lead to cyanide poisoning.
When cooked properly cyanide components are removed. Elderberry branches, bark or leaves should never be eaten. Some signs of cyanide poisoning to watch out for are:
If you suspect your child may be experiencing cyanide poisoning, contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
To avoid cyanide poisoning or too much lectin, purchase elderberry supplements from a trusted source and/or properly cook edible components (e.g berries and flower). (8,9)
Some best-selling elderberry supplements
Learn more about children’s nutrition
References