Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 23 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

9
Zinc shortens cold duration variability
We explored how zinc lozenges affect the duration of the common cold through a detailed analysis of multiple trials. In particular, we focused on the Mossad (1996) trial involving zinc gluconate lozenges, which revealed an average reduction of cold duration by about 4.0 days. While that sounds promising, our findings through a quantile treatment effect (QTE) analysis tell a more nuanced story.

Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.

Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.

Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Read More
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.

Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.

This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
We assessed the longstanding debate about vitamin C’s effectiveness in treating the common cold. This exploration reveals that evidence has consistently indicated that vitamin C can indeed help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in certain circumstances.

However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.

Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Excellent immune support
8 people found this helpful
This elderberry supplement is great for maintaining immunity! It’s known for its benefits with colds and respiratory issues. The taste is pleasant and not overly sweet, which my daughter and I enjoyed. It was a bargain as a trial product and I hope it helps us avoid getting sick!
Read More
9
Improves immunity quickly
1 people found this helpful
Living with a chronic cold, I sought elderberry for its immunity benefits. Despite struggling with my health, I found this product to be a good option. Its pleasant taste makes it easier to consume.
Read More
9
Critical for sickness
1 people found this helpful
This brand tastes great, unlike some others. I appreciate that it is organic and packed with essential vitamins for supporting the immune system during common colds or flu. The quality ingredients are easy to take and beneficial, making this supplement critical when sickness strikes.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C aids common cold recovery
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin C as a supplementary treatment for relieving common cold symptoms. By analyzing data from 10 randomized controlled trials, all focused on patients in China, we sought to understand how combining vitamin C with antiviral therapy might enhance recovery.

Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.

While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Read More
We explored the effectiveness of zinc in combination with herbal polyphenols against respiratory RNA viruses, including the common cold. In this study, the researchers combined zinc picolinate with various flavonoids to see if it could reduce viral replication and load without harming healthy cells.

The results were quite promising, showing a significant reduction of 50-95% in the genome replication levels of viruses like the human coronavirus OC43, influenza A virus, and human metapneumovirus. This suggests that zinc, when paired with appropriate compounds, may play a beneficial role in treating infections that lead to the common cold.

However, it's important to note that while the study shows a notable decrease in viral activity, it did not specifically isolate the effects of zinc alone. Thus, we cannot definitively state that zinc by itself is effective against the common cold without considering the contributions of the other substances involved.

Overall, this research opens the door for developing a potential treatment that is not toxic and sourced from natural ingredients, which could be effective against various RNA viruses with the hope of remaining effective even amidst mutating strains.
Read More
9
Zinc shortens cold duration variability
We explored how zinc lozenges affect the duration of the common cold through a detailed analysis of multiple trials. In particular, we focused on the Mossad (1996) trial involving zinc gluconate lozenges, which revealed an average reduction of cold duration by about 4.0 days. While that sounds promising, our findings through a quantile treatment effect (QTE) analysis tell a more nuanced story.

Interestingly, the QTE analysis showed that for individuals suffering from lengthy colds lasting 15 to 17 days, the zinc lozenges could shorten their illness by as much as 8 days. On the flip side, those with shorter, 2-day colds only experienced a 1-day reduction in sickness. This suggests that while zinc may help, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the initial duration of the cold, making the overall average effect less informative than we might think.

Our examination extended to three trials that used zinc acetate lozenges, yielding a similar average reduction of around 2.7 days. However, again, those averages concealed varying effects for short and long colds, highlighting the importance of looking beyond simple averages in treatment studies.

Overall, we observed that zinc lozenges can indeed help with cold duration, but the extent of that help is very much dependent on how long a person has been suffering. This approach to understanding treatment effects through QTE analysis could have important implications not just for cold treatment but also for analyzing other health outcomes.
Read More
9
Elderberry effectively reduces cold symptoms
We explored the effects of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) on upper respiratory symptoms, particularly in the context of common colds and flu. This analysis included 180 participants and looked at various factors, including vaccination status and the nature of the symptoms experienced.

Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation was effective in significantly reducing upper respiratory symptoms. The results showed a substantial average effect, suggesting that this natural remedy could provide an alternative to the overuse of antibiotics and prescription medications for viral infections.

With concerns about safety and efficacy of traditional treatments, elderberry presents a promising option for those seeking relief from cold and flu symptoms without relying on conventional drugs.
Read More
9
Elderberry may reduce cold symptoms
This study implemented a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to explore whether elderberry supplements could improve respiratory health for air travelers. We observed 312 economy class passengers traveling from Australia to an overseas destination, aiming to see if a standardized elderberry extract could lessen the duration and severity of cold episodes.

Participants recorded their cold symptoms in daily diaries and completed surveys measuring their upper respiratory conditions and overall quality of life at various points before and after travel. While both groups experienced cold episodes, it was notable that those taking the placebo had a longer duration of symptoms and reported feeling worse overall. Specifically, the placebo group faced cold symptoms for an average of 117 days, compared to just 57 days for those receiving elderberry, and their average symptom scores were substantially higher.

Our analysis points to the potential benefits of elderberry in reducing both the duration and severity of cold symptoms for people traveling by air. However, additional research is necessary to confirm these findings and delve deeper into the possible effects of elderberry on both physical and mental health.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 23 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Excellent immune support
8 people found this helpful
This elderberry supplement is great for maintaining immunity! It’s known for its benefits with colds and respiratory issues. The taste is pleasant and not overly sweet, which my daughter and I enjoyed. It was a bargain as a trial product and I hope it helps us avoid getting sick!
Read More
9
Improves immunity quickly
1 people found this helpful
Living with a chronic cold, I sought elderberry for its immunity benefits. Despite struggling with my health, I found this product to be a good option. Its pleasant taste makes it easier to consume.
Read More
9
Critical for sickness
1 people found this helpful
This brand tastes great, unlike some others. I appreciate that it is organic and packed with essential vitamins for supporting the immune system during common colds or flu. The quality ingredients are easy to take and beneficial, making this supplement critical when sickness strikes.
Read More
9
Quick results
I was pleased with the results! I gave it to my children to strengthen their immunity. The effects were quick; we managed the first signs of a common cold very effectively!
Read More
9
Great product
It looks and tastes like blueberries and is easy to consume. However, the aftertaste isn’t great, likely due to the zinc. Despite this, I find it suitable for all ages and helpful at the first signs of a common cold.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Quick results
I was pleased with the results! I gave it to my children to strengthen their immunity. The effects were quick; we managed the first signs of a common cold very effectively!
9
Always useful
I always keep products with elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc in my medicine cabinet. At the first sign of a common cold, I start taking them instead of other medications.
2
No improvement noted
1 people found this helpful
I enjoyed the taste of these sweet gummies, but they stuck together in the jar. I took them during a common cold but didn't notice any improvement; I was ill for the usual five days.
9
Excellent immune support
8 people found this helpful
This elderberry supplement is great for maintaining immunity! It’s known for its benefits with colds and respiratory issues. The taste is pleasant and not overly sweet, which my daughter and I enjoyed. It was a bargain as a trial product and I hope it helps us avoid getting sick!
9
Critical for sickness
1 people found this helpful
This brand tastes great, unlike some others. I appreciate that it is organic and packed with essential vitamins for supporting the immune system during common colds or flu. The quality ingredients are easy to take and beneficial, making this supplement critical when sickness strikes.
2
Did not help
Delicious marmalades with a pleasant taste. The quality is okay. However, at the first sign of a common cold, it didn’t help at all.
7.5
Powerful cold remedy
1 people found this helpful
This supplement contains black elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc, offering strong antioxidant properties and probiotics. It’s a fantastic addition for tackling the common cold. Tasty and healthy too.
We investigated how vitamin C affects the common cold, focusing on its potential for prevention and treatment. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population when taken at doses over 1 g/day, it has been beneficial for individuals engaging in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds.

Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.

Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.

Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.

This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.

In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.

Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.

Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
9
Elderberry may reduce cold symptoms
This study implemented a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to explore whether elderberry supplements could improve respiratory health for air travelers. We observed 312 economy class passengers traveling from Australia to an overseas destination, aiming to see if a standardized elderberry extract could lessen the duration and severity of cold episodes.

Participants recorded their cold symptoms in daily diaries and completed surveys measuring their upper respiratory conditions and overall quality of life at various points before and after travel. While both groups experienced cold episodes, it was notable that those taking the placebo had a longer duration of symptoms and reported feeling worse overall. Specifically, the placebo group faced cold symptoms for an average of 117 days, compared to just 57 days for those receiving elderberry, and their average symptom scores were substantially higher.

Our analysis points to the potential benefits of elderberry in reducing both the duration and severity of cold symptoms for people traveling by air. However, additional research is necessary to confirm these findings and delve deeper into the possible effects of elderberry on both physical and mental health.
8
Elderberry shows mixed effectiveness
We explored the potential benefits of elderberry in treating the common cold. Research indicates that elderberry may shorten the duration of symptoms, offering some hope for those suffering from this pesky illness. However, it is important to note that while there was one encouraging study regarding elderberry's use for flu, the overall evidence supporting its effectiveness for the common cold isn't robust and lacks extensive research details.

This leaves us with a mixed outlook on elderberry's capabilities. More thorough and repeat studies are necessary to establish clear benefits to ensure a solid understanding of how well it works for common cold symptoms. It’s clear that elderberry shows promise, but we need more compelling data to feel confident in recommending it as a go-to remedy for colds.
We examined the potential benefits of elderberry in reducing symptoms associated with acute respiratory viral infections, particularly the common cold and influenza. Our review looked at five clinical studies involving 936 adults, focusing on the effects of elderberry when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

The findings suggest that elderberry, particularly in mono-herbal preparations such as extracts or lozenges, may help alleviate various symptoms. Participants reported a notable reduction in fever, headache, nasal congestion, and mucus discharge within just a few days of treatment—averaging a remarkable 50% improvement.

However, we found that the evidence regarding elderberry's effectiveness for symptoms like cough and the need for additional medications remains unclear and inconsistent. Overall, while the results are promising, there's no evidence to support elderberry's use for preventing or treating COVID-19 specifically. Adverse effects were generally rare, occurring more commonly with placebo treatments, and there's insufficient information regarding safety during pregnancy or lactation.

References

  1. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. doi:10.20452/pamw.16926
  2. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2023;23:2468. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8
  3. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections. Life (Basel). 2022;12. doi:10.3390/life12010062
  4. Murni IK, Prawirohartono EP, Triasih R. Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19. Glob Pediatr Health. 2021;8:2333794X211021739. doi:10.1177/2333794X211021739
  5. Ran L, Zhao W, Wang H, Zhao Y, Bu H. Vitamin C as a Supplementary Therapy in Relieving Symptoms of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:8573742. doi:10.1155/2020/8573742
  6. Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review. Adv Integr Med. 2020;7:187. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008
  7. Kim TK, Lim HR, Byun JS. Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial. BMJ Mil Health. 2022;168:117. doi:10.1136/bmjmilitary-2019-001384
  8. Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, Antiporta DA, Hamel C, et al. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5:CD014914. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD014914.pub2
  9. Kreiser T, Zaguri D, Sachdeva S, Zamostiano R, Mograbi J, et al. Inhibition of Respiratory RNA Viruses by a Composition of Ionophoric Polyphenols with Metal Ions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15. doi:10.3390/ph15030377
  10. Hemilä H, Chalker E, Tukiainen J. Quantile Treatment Effect of Zinc Lozenges on Common Cold Duration: A Novel Approach to Analyze the Effect of Treatment on Illness Duration. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:817522. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.817522
  11. Wang MX, Win SS, Pang J. Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020;103:86. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.19-0718
  12. DeGeorge KC, Ring DJ, Dalrymple SN. Treatment of the Common Cold. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100:281.
  13. 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. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.001
  14. 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. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
  15. 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. doi:10.3390/nu8040182
  16. Jaber R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care. 2002;29:231.
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