Should You Give Your Kids Elderberry?

There’s nothing worse than a sick kid who’s too young for cold medicine. And if you’re facing that situation, there’s nothing better than an effective home remedy that your little one actually likes.

Elderberry products may fit the bill — at least, as far as taste goes. But is it really the immune booster advocates say it is? More importantly, is elderberry safe for kids to consume?

We asked integrative medicine specialist Naoki Umeda, MD.

Potential benefits of elderberry for children

Properly prepared, elderberries can be a safe and healthy part of a child’s diet. But they don’t have proven health benefits beyond what other fruits offer. They can even be dangerous in some situations. And until there’s better research available, elderberry supplements aren’t recommended for children.

Dr. Umeda reviews the health claims around elderberry benefits for kids.

May combat cold, flu and other respiratory infections

When you hear about medicinal uses of elderberry, the words “cold” and “flu” usually follow. It’s an especially attractive thought for parents of children under 6, who can’t yet take over-the-counter medications. But can elderberry really cut down the length and severity of your kiddo’s cold?

“We can’t say whether it’s effective or not based on what we know now,” Dr. Umeda reports. “There hasn’t been much research on the topic — and the studies that have been done have had inconsistent findings.”

May have antiviral and antibacterial properties

If it’s possible that elderberry can help your kiddo recover from respiratory infections, it must also be possible that it can help combat other viruses and bacteria … right?

The honest answer: We don’t know yet. But there’s reason to be (cautiously) optimistic.

A 2019 lab study found that elderberry “showed potent antiviral activity” against the flu, while a 2021 lab study reported that elderberries contain chemical compounds with antibacterial properties.

“The research is interesting, but test tubes and human bodies are very different. We need a lot more information to say that elderberry can kill viruses or bacteria in people,” Dr. Umeda clarifies.

That’s part of the reason the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reacted so fast to elderberry supplement manufacturers who claimed their products could prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.

“There’s little evidence that elderberry is effective against COVID-19. And there’s also research showing it could be harmful,” Dr. Umeda emphasizes. “Whenever your child comes down with a bad viral or bacterial infection, I strongly advise talking with their pediatrician or family physician.”

May support their immune system

If you’ve heard that elderberries are the best immune booster for kids, you aren’t the only one. But there’s not actually much evidence to back that up.

“It’s true that the antioxidants found in elderberries play an important role in immune health. They fight free radicals that cause cellular damage throughout your body,” Dr. Umeda explains. “But you can get those same nutrients from other fruits.”

He also points out that the food your child eats can only do so much to keep their immune system healthy. And elderberry vitamins for kids may taste great, but they’re no substitute for a healthy diet, physical activity and plenty of sleep.

May help manage diabetes

In 2016, researchers released promising findings from a lab study about elderberry: The results suggest it’s possible (but far from proven) that those little berries can lower insulin resistance and help manage diabetes.

“It’s understandable to be excited about it, especially if you have a kid living with the condition,” Dr. Umeda empathizes. “But elderberries are not a substitute for your child’s treatment plan. Talk with their pediatric endocrinologist before starting them on elderberry supplements.”

May benefit gut health

Elderberries are sometimes used as a home remedy for constipation.

“It makes sense because they provide fiber and antioxidants. They may also have some prebiotic properties,” Dr. Umeda says. “But so do plenty of other fruits. And some of them — like prunes and kiwis — are very effective.”

He recommends talking to your child’s physician if they’re getting backed up on a regular basis.

Safety concerns

Experts generally don’t endorse elderberry supplements for kids due to the health risks associated with supplement use in general and elderberries in particular.

“Elderberries are toxic if you don’t cook them properly,” Dr. Umeda warns. The uncooked berries contain cyanide derivatives that, in small doses, may cause nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. In large quantities, cyanide poisoning can be deadly. The risk of elderberry poisoning is higher for kids because they have smaller bodies.

“As long as you know how to prepare them, it’s fine to give your child food with elderberries in it,” he continues. “But you need to be more cautious about concentrated products, like syrups, capsules or elderberry gummies for kids.”

It’s especially important to avoid elderberry supplements if your little one:

• Is allergic: Obvious? Yes. But this isn’t: People who are allergic to birch, mugwort and certain types of grass pollen may also react to elderberry. If your child has a severe allergy or oral allergy syndrome, check with their provider before letting them try elderberries.
• Takes diuretics: Elderberry is a natural diuretic, meaning it makes you pee more. If your kid takes medications that do the same thing, they could become dehydrated.
• Has a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder: Elderberry can leave anyone with a tender tummy. And if your child already has a GI issue like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), elderberry supplements could make their symptoms worse.
• Is immunocompromised: Kids whose immune systems don’t function well shouldn’t take elderberry supplements, despite the claim that it’s an immune booster. The supplement could overstimulate their immune system, make any medicine they take less effective or even make their symptoms worse.

The other reason providers don’t usually recommend elderberry supplements is more general: These products aren’t regulated by the FDA. That means you can’t be sure the elderberry supplement you give your kid:

• Has been prepared properly
• Contains the ingredients listed on the label … and nothing else (think fillers, allergens or contaminants like mold)
• Comes in a strength and dosage that’s appropriate for a child (keep in mind that there isn’t a standard “safe” dose for elderberry supplements)
• Meets purity, quality and safety standards
• Is safe to use with other medications they may be taking

Should you give your child elderberry?

Whether or not you give your kid elderberry supplements is your call as their parent. But Dr. Umeda strongly recommends talking to your child’s healthcare provider before starting any kind of elderberry regimen, regardless of the product or dose you’re considering.

“It’s important to ask yourself: ‘Why do I think my child needs this supplement?’” Dr. Umeda advises. “If you’re worried about their immune health or worry that they aren’t getting the nutrition they need, you shouldn’t have to figure that out yourself. Bring your questions to the pediatrician and let them help you figure out next steps.”