Elderberry extract and the common cold

So we’re well into the common cold season and I thought I’d share a recap on a study that looked at how elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract can help you fight it. See below for more info:

In this study, the researchers recruited 312 adults who would be flying overseas. (Note: Long-distance flights have been reported to cause immunity impairment and respiratory infections.) They split the subjects into two, evenly-sized groups. One group received 600mg of elderberry extract for 10 days before their trip and 900mg for 4 days after they landed. The other subjects received a placebo.

What they found was that more people in the placebo group got colds. However, it was not statistically significant. They also found that those who took elderberry extract recovered faster and their symptoms were less severe than those who took a placebo. That said, in both these cases, the results were statistically significant.

Therefore, if you’re going on a long flight or start noticing that the people around you have a cold, then you might want to try elderberry extract. And for those of you who have never tried it – it’s quite sweet and tasty.

And now you know. :-)

-Coach Nate

For more information:
Tiralongo, et al. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016. 8(4)182.