Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1538 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
<5
 
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%**
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
 
0%**
Xylitol
<1 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
100 mg
111%
Zinc (elemental) (from 15 mg Zinc Bisglycinate) (TRAACS™)
3 mg
27%
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate)(Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
150 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Elderberry reduces cold duration
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.
Read More
9
Elderberry aids cold symptom relief
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.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
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.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Immunity boost proven
574 people found this helpful
I always keep a jar of these lozenges in reserve, as they are crucial at the first sign of a cold. They contain only herbal ingredients and have a pleasant elderberry flavour that dissolves quickly. With zinc and vitamin C, my immunity increases. I recommend purchasing these.
Read More
10
Effective immune support
431 people found this helpful
This product has really helped my children recover faster! Miraculously, viruses seem to no longer settle in their throats! Thanks to ingredients like elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, we found an excellent immune complex for the entire family during seasonal colds. As soon as a sore throat hits, I indulge in this delightful pill. It's pleasantly slightly sour and elderberry is renowned for its medicinal properties. Be healthy!
Read More
10
First choice drug
220 people found this helpful
This product in my medicine cabinet is my go-to assistant in fighting colds and viruses. It performs its duties exceptionally well.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
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.
Read More
9
Zinc enhances rice cold resistance
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.
Read More
9
Elderberry aids cold symptom relief
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
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.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1538 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Immunity boost proven
574 people found this helpful
I always keep a jar of these lozenges in reserve, as they are crucial at the first sign of a cold. They contain only herbal ingredients and have a pleasant elderberry flavour that dissolves quickly. With zinc and vitamin C, my immunity increases. I recommend purchasing these.
Read More
10
Effective immune support
431 people found this helpful
This product has really helped my children recover faster! Miraculously, viruses seem to no longer settle in their throats! Thanks to ingredients like elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, we found an excellent immune complex for the entire family during seasonal colds. As soon as a sore throat hits, I indulge in this delightful pill. It's pleasantly slightly sour and elderberry is renowned for its medicinal properties. Be healthy!
Read More
10
First choice drug
220 people found this helpful
This product in my medicine cabinet is my go-to assistant in fighting colds and viruses. It performs its duties exceptionally well.
Read More
9
Essential remedy
108 people found this helpful
Black elderberry significantly strengthens our immunity. When combined with vitamin C and zinc, it works exceptionally well! I recommend this supplement as a top remedy for colds and other ailments. Plus, I enjoy the taste of the lozenges.
Read More
9
Lozenges for children
65 people found this helpful
I really like these lozenges, which we use at the first sign of a cold to help prevent getting sick. They're suitable for children from 4 years old, and my child enjoys the taste. The composition includes Elderberry, Vitamin C, and Zinc, which are essential for supporting immunity. It's unfortunate they are not always in stock.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Eases malaise
7 people found this helpful
I have faith in the miraculous effects of elderberry and zinc for colds and acute respiratory infections. When I feel unwell, I immediately take two tablets several times a day. It helps me get through the malaise much easier and faster. If taken at the onset of symptoms, I can often manage with just one day of treatment.
9
Convenient cold remedy
8 people found this helpful
Immediate results! When I first catch a cold, I take a tablet, and it's effective straight away. Tablets are much more convenient and economical than liquids. A dosage of 100mg of Vitamin C is just right. If you find my comment helpful, please like it!
9
Shorter recovery time
58 people found this helpful
I take this as ARVI approaches. Dietary supplements have changed how I experience colds; instead of three days of misery, I now only feel slightly unwell for one day. Most importantly, I no longer suffer from bacterial complications like sinusitis. I also plan to give it to my children.
9
Effective throat remedy
4 people found this helpful
Works remarkably! The simple composition yields excellent results, with my children recovering much faster! Miracles occur for the throat, and viruses have virtually ceased to settle there! Thanks to ingredients like elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, I am genuinely pleased with the outcome! This immune complex is ideal for the entire family. Whenever my throat begins to feel uncomfortable, I suck on this delightful pill. Elderberry is well-known for its properties, and zinc combined with vitamin C is a must for support!
8
Recommended for children
2 people found this helpful
A great supplement for colds! I really liked the lozenges. For colds, they provide exactly what you need: zinc, vitamin C, and elderberry. They are suitable for children from four years old, taste pleasantly sour. I recommend them.
10
Effective immune support
431 people found this helpful
This product has really helped my children recover faster! Miraculously, viruses seem to no longer settle in their throats! Thanks to ingredients like elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, we found an excellent immune complex for the entire family during seasonal colds. As soon as a sore throat hits, I indulge in this delightful pill. It's pleasantly slightly sour and elderberry is renowned for its medicinal properties. Be healthy!
9
Powerful immune booster
15 people found this helpful
This SUPER COMPLEX for adult and child immunity has saved me on many occasions! I often take different supplements for my immune system, and one favourite is Now Foods' Zinc with Vitamin C and Elderberry. Suitable for adults and children, its effectiveness against colds is remarkable. When I feel a cold coming on, I increase my intake to 3 tablets daily. The very next day, there's rarely a sign of illness left. I also ensure my parents take it during autumn, as it’s convenient for the elderly. I take one tablet daily for prevention; a jar lasts two months. It simplifies things wonderfully.
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.
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.
7
Elderberry shows potential against colds
We looked into the effects of elderberry on cold symptoms to see how helpful it might be during those pesky winter months. The research we observed indicated that there is some promise when combining elderberry with other herbs for individuals battling a cold. However, the isolated effects of elderberry were not fully determined, which leaves us wanting more clarity.

While the studies we've reviewed show encouraging results regarding the use of elderberry in combination with other herbs, it’s important to note that the specific benefits of elderberry alone haven't been established through rigorous testing. This means we should be cautious while considering elderberry solely as a remedy for colds.

In short, while elderberry may provide some benefits for cold symptoms when mixed with other ingredients, further research is needed to fully understand its standalone effectiveness. For those interested in alternative treatments, it's a topic well worth exploring, but it’s best approached with an open mind and a critical eye.
9
Elderberry aids cold symptom relief
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.
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.

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. 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. doi:10.3390/ijms251810093
  3. 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. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0316807
  4. Wieland LS. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review. Explore (NY). 2025;21:103111. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2025.103111
  5. 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. doi:10.3389/fpls.2024.1422374
  6. 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. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Jaber R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care. 2002;29:231.
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