Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 99 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Gummies
Serving Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
20
Total Carbohydrate
5 g
2%**
Total Sugars
3 g
†
Includes 3 g Added Sugars
6%**
Vitamin C
45 mg
50%
Zinc
7.5 mg
68%
Sodium
15 mg
<1%
Organic Black Elderberry Concentrate (Sambucus nigra) (fruit) (65:1)
150 mg
†
Organic VitaBerry® Fruit BlendStrawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Elderberry, Cranberry Powders
25 mg
†
Bacillus coagulans (Lactospore®)
10 mg(1 Billion CFU)
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored whether elderberry could help reduce the duration and severity of colds for economy class passengers traveling internationally. In a well-structured randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 312 participants, we looked at how a standardized elderberry extract affected respiratory health during air travel.
Participants tracked their cold episodes, duration, and symptoms in daily diaries, using a scoring method to quantify their experiences. They also completed surveys about their upper respiratory symptoms and quality of life at different points: before traveling and four days post-travel.
While we noted that the group taking the placebo experienced more cold episodes, the difference wasn't statistically significant. However, those taking elderberry had a significantly shorter duration of cold days and a lower average symptom score overall, suggesting that elderberry may significantly lessen the impact of colds during air travel.
Further research is essential to validate our findings and to better understand the broader health benefits of elderberry, both physical and mental.
Participants tracked their cold episodes, duration, and symptoms in daily diaries, using a scoring method to quantify their experiences. They also completed surveys about their upper respiratory symptoms and quality of life at different points: before traveling and four days post-travel.
While we noted that the group taking the placebo experienced more cold episodes, the difference wasn't statistically significant. However, those taking elderberry had a significantly shorter duration of cold days and a lower average symptom score overall, suggesting that elderberry may significantly lessen the impact of colds during air travel.
Further research is essential to validate our findings and to better understand the broader health benefits of elderberry, both physical and mental.
Read More
9
We explored the potential of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a natural remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with colds and flu. In our analysis of the available research, which included 180 participants across various studies, we focused on how elderberry supplementation could provide relief while assessing factors like vaccination status and the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Read More
8
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Quick cold recovery
7 people found this helpful
This product is fantastic for immune health and consistently high quality. I take it preventively when I know my immune system might be compromised, or at the first sign of a cold. In almost every instance, I feel 100% better within two days. The combination of vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry acts as a superfood, and they are also deliciously easy to chew. I trust this brand completely!
Read More
9
Energy boost
7 people found this helpful
These are fantastic! I recently started taking them and appreciate how they make me feel. I began using them when I caught a bad cold from my husband, and I recovered in just three days! Usually, I'm down for a week when ill. I’ve noticed significantly more energy since starting these and my ACV gummies every morning. I highly recommend these and will continue to take them daily.
Read More
10
Cures quickly
Excellent! Organic elderberry gummies are easy to take. Consume them at the onset of a cold, and you’ll be cured within a day.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of zinc-amino acids chelate on cold stress resistance in machine-transplanted early rice. Our investigation included other cold-resistant agents like uniconazole and abscisic acid, but we found zinc to be particularly effective. When applied during the regreening stage, zinc notably enhanced rice growth by promoting tillering and increasing the leaf area, which led to better yields.
We noted that zinc-amino acids chelate improved antioxidant enzyme activities, which are crucial for helping rice withstand cold temperatures. The yield of rice treated with zinc was approximately 9.22% higher than with uniconazole and 7.14% higher than with abscisic acid.
Additionally, we observed that using 750 g/ha of zinc-amino acids chelate during the transplanting and regreening stages yielded the best results. The timing of the application played a critical role, as spraying during these specific phases maximized both yield and cold resistance.
Overall, zinc treatments stand out as a promising option for improving cold stress resilience in early rice, making it a key consideration for farmers dealing with cold climate conditions.
We noted that zinc-amino acids chelate improved antioxidant enzyme activities, which are crucial for helping rice withstand cold temperatures. The yield of rice treated with zinc was approximately 9.22% higher than with uniconazole and 7.14% higher than with abscisic acid.
Additionally, we observed that using 750 g/ha of zinc-amino acids chelate during the transplanting and regreening stages yielded the best results. The timing of the application played a critical role, as spraying during these specific phases maximized both yield and cold resistance.
Overall, zinc treatments stand out as a promising option for improving cold stress resilience in early rice, making it a key consideration for farmers dealing with cold climate conditions.
Read More
9
We explored the potential of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a natural remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with colds and flu. In our analysis of the available research, which included 180 participants across various studies, we focused on how elderberry supplementation could provide relief while assessing factors like vaccination status and the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Read More
8
We explored the impact of regular gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains both cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc on upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 participants were split into two groups; one group just brushed their teeth, while the other group brushed and gargled with the mouthwash twice a day over three months.
Our findings revealed that those using the mouthwash experienced a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This strongly suggests that incorporating zinc, alongside cetylpyridinium chloride, can provide benefits for those suffering from cold-related symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that this study’s design involved multiple components, and we can’t isolate zinc’s effectiveness from the impact of the other ingredients. Still, the results encourage us to view mouthwash with these ingredients as a helpful addition to our daily hygiene routines, especially during cold and flu season.
Ultimately, this research indicates that gargling with a mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride can indeed help alleviate some unpleasant cold symptoms, but we should be mindful of the combination's effects when interpreting these outcomes.
Our findings revealed that those using the mouthwash experienced a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This strongly suggests that incorporating zinc, alongside cetylpyridinium chloride, can provide benefits for those suffering from cold-related symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that this study’s design involved multiple components, and we can’t isolate zinc’s effectiveness from the impact of the other ingredients. Still, the results encourage us to view mouthwash with these ingredients as a helpful addition to our daily hygiene routines, especially during cold and flu season.
Ultimately, this research indicates that gargling with a mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride can indeed help alleviate some unpleasant cold symptoms, but we should be mindful of the combination's effects when interpreting these outcomes.
Read More
8
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 99 Reviews
7.9
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Quick cold recovery
7 people found this helpful
This product is fantastic for immune health and consistently high quality. I take it preventively when I know my immune system might be compromised, or at the first sign of a cold. In almost every instance, I feel 100% better within two days. The combination of vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry acts as a superfood, and they are also deliciously easy to chew. I trust this brand completely!
Read More
9
Energy boost
7 people found this helpful
These are fantastic! I recently started taking them and appreciate how they make me feel. I began using them when I caught a bad cold from my husband, and I recovered in just three days! Usually, I'm down for a week when ill. I’ve noticed significantly more energy since starting these and my ACV gummies every morning. I highly recommend these and will continue to take them daily.
Read More
10
Cures quickly
Excellent! Organic elderberry gummies are easy to take. Consume them at the onset of a cold, and you’ll be cured within a day.
Read More
9
Great for cold symptoms
This product resembles blueberries in appearance and taste, making it easy to consume. Although the aftertaste is a bit earthy due to the zinc, it's gentle for all ages. I find it particularly effective when the initial symptoms of a cold appear. If my child feels unwell, one gummy helps relieve the symptoms overnight. A truly remarkable product that I wholeheartedly recommend!
Read More
9
Essential for colds
Black elderberry is indispensable in our household during cold season. It improves metabolism and strengthens immunity thanks to its high vitamin content. Packed with essential nutrients, it’s a product I highly recommend. Thank you iHerb for this fantastic product.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Cures quickly
Excellent! Organic elderberry gummies are easy to take. Consume them at the onset of a cold, and you’ll be cured within a day.
9
Early intervention
Fantastic for the initial symptoms of a cold. When I feel them coming, I start taking it every 4 hours. If I catch it in time, the cold typically resolves by the second day.
9
Effective for kids
Great product! My children, aged 4-5, take one marmalade a day to prevent colds. They love it! At the first signs of a cold, we up the dosage to three daily, and the symptoms either vanish or the recovery time is reduced to 3-4 days. Good vitamin composition and dosages.
9
Immunity boost
Very good gummies for the initial stage of a cold. Zinc and vitamin C work exceptionally well to increase immunity, enabling the body to combat the infection effectively on its own.
9
Sore throat relief
If you think you have a cold, I bought Vitamin C and Zinc at the beginning of mine, and it was a good choice! When I take it at the onset of a sore throat, I feel as if I've been cured.
9
Boosts energy
I recently tried Sports Research Organic Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc Gummies and was very pleased! The product tastes fantastic – the natural berries make taking vitamins a pleasant experience. Each serving contains essential vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, particularly during the cold months. Since I started taking them, I feel more energetic and less susceptible to colds. The gummies are convenient, easy to chew, and lack the unpleasant aftertaste of some other supplements. My kids even ask for more! I highly recommend them for a tasty and effective health boost.
9
Essential for colds
Black elderberry is indispensable in our household during cold season. It improves metabolism and strengthens immunity thanks to its high vitamin content. Packed with essential nutrients, it’s a product I highly recommend. Thank you iHerb for this fantastic product.
9
Effective for cold
The first suggestion helped me significantly, and the second one is delicious. It worked swiftly at the first sign of a cold, taking only two days in conjunction with other supplements like silver and grapefruit seed extract.
7
Effectiveness of Vitamin C on Colds
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
8
We examined the effectiveness of elderberry in treating symptoms of colds and influenza based on five clinical studies involving 936 adults. The research focused particularly on mono-herbal preparations of elderberry, taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
The studies showed promising results, indicating that these elderberry products might reduce the duration and severity of common cold and influenza symptoms. Participants reported significant symptom relief, experiencing about a 50% improvement on average within just 2 to 4 days of starting treatment.
While the findings were largely positive, there’s still uncertainty about specific symptoms like cough and the need for additional medications. Importantly, elderberry preparations did not show effectiveness for COVID-19, underscoring the need for further research.
Adverse events were rare, and no serious side effects were reported, which adds to the overall safety profile of elderberry use in short-term applications for respiratory infections.
The studies showed promising results, indicating that these elderberry products might reduce the duration and severity of common cold and influenza symptoms. Participants reported significant symptom relief, experiencing about a 50% improvement on average within just 2 to 4 days of starting treatment.
While the findings were largely positive, there’s still uncertainty about specific symptoms like cough and the need for additional medications. Importantly, elderberry preparations did not show effectiveness for COVID-19, underscoring the need for further research.
Adverse events were rare, and no serious side effects were reported, which adds to the overall safety profile of elderberry use in short-term applications for respiratory infections.
9
We explored the potential of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a natural remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with colds and flu. In our analysis of the available research, which included 180 participants across various studies, we focused on how elderberry supplementation could provide relief while assessing factors like vaccination status and the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.
As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
5
We investigated the potential of elderberry as a treatment to help with cold symptoms. In our review, we looked at several clinical trials that specifically examined elderberry's effectiveness in reducing the severity and duration of cold illnesses.
While elderberry might not significantly lower the risk of catching a cold, we found evidence suggesting it could help decrease how long and how severely colds affect us. The data on this was uncertain, though, so we can't say with complete confidence that elderberry is a miracle cure.
Additionally, when comparing elderberry with antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, there are hints that an elderberry product might lead to fewer complications and side effects for individuals dealing with influenza. It's also worth noting that while elderberry may influence some inflammatory markers, it does not seem to spur excessive immune responses that could lead to negative health outcomes like a “cytokine storm.”
In conclusion, elderberry appears to be a safe option for addressing viral respiratory issues, including colds. However, more research is needed to clearly establish its benefits and any potential downsides.
While elderberry might not significantly lower the risk of catching a cold, we found evidence suggesting it could help decrease how long and how severely colds affect us. The data on this was uncertain, though, so we can't say with complete confidence that elderberry is a miracle cure.
Additionally, when comparing elderberry with antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, there are hints that an elderberry product might lead to fewer complications and side effects for individuals dealing with influenza. It's also worth noting that while elderberry may influence some inflammatory markers, it does not seem to spur excessive immune responses that could lead to negative health outcomes like a “cytokine storm.”
In conclusion, elderberry appears to be a safe option for addressing viral respiratory issues, including colds. However, more research is needed to clearly establish its benefits and any potential downsides.
References
- Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. 10.20452/pamw.16926
- Wang X, Ran C, Fu Y, Han L, Yang X, et al. Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms251810093
- Muniz FWMG, Casarin M, Pola NM, Rösing CK, Silveira TMD, et al. Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms. PLoS One. 2025;20:e0316807. 10.1371/journal.pone.0316807
- Wieland LS. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review. Explore (NY). 2025;21:103111. 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103111
- Yuan S, Qin S, Shi Q, Chen P, Tu N, et al. Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice. Front Plant Sci. 2024;15:1422374. 10.3389/fpls.2024.1422374
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:112. 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- Harnett J, Oakes K, Carè J, Leach M, Brown D, et al. The effects of berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies. Adv Integr Med. 2020;7:240. 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.001
- 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. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361. 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8:182. 10.3390/nu8040182
- Jaber R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care. 2002;29:231.
