Are Elderberry Gummies Safe For Toddlers? Are They A Choking Hazard?

Elderberry gummies

Elderberry is a type of berry that is packed with vitamins and nutrients and acts as an immunity booster. Syrup or gummies are made with elderberry juice or extract. Elderberry gummies are sold by multiple brands.

Now, elderberry gummies can be given to kids 2-3 years old, as supplements and most often as a cure for cold. The exact dosage of these gummies should be consulted by a pediatrician. Ideally, elderberry gummies should be taken by kids only when they are suffering from a cold, flu, or viral infection. These gummies will help boost the kid’s immunity and ease the symptoms of infection. 

Elderberry gummies are safe for toddlers as long as they are being given in a dosage advised by their pediatrician. Usually, 1-2 gummies per day are the recommended dosage. More than that can lead to certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, and troubled breathing. 

What are elderberry gummies good for?

Elderberry gummies are a type of low-calorie nutritious supplement. They are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These gummies are good for boosting the immunity of toddlers, and particularly help their bodies fight against viral infections, common cold, and flu. 

Certain reports claim that consumption of elderberry gummies during cold or flu reduces the length and severity of the viral infection. Also, elderberry gummies reduce inflammation, stress and are good for the heart. 

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What are the side effects of elderberry gummies?

One of the major downsides to elderberry derivatives of any kind (gummies or syrup) is that they are not FDA-approved.

If not made and heated properly, elderberry products can pose some health risks. As elderberries contain cyanide derivatives, there is a risk of cyanide poisoning, if the gummies are not cooked and processed properly. It can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in certain cases even hospitalization or worse. 

It is essential to adequately cook the elderberries to remove the cyanide content. 

One should buy elderberry gummies from well-known companies that follow CGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) as these companies follow certain guidelines for production. 

How old do you have to be to take elderberry gummies?

There is some uncertainty about the ideal age when a child can be given elderberry gummies. Not a lot of research has been done to adequately solve the dilemma. However, most elderberry gummies can be consumed by 2-3 years old toddlers. 

If you are still uncertain, you can always consult your child’s pediatrician to get a doctor’s perspective.

Do black elderberry gummies work?

Again, sufficient research has not been done to check the effectiveness of elderberry gummies. Some test-tube and animal research shows the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects of elderberry gummies. 

A few studies on human subjects suggest that elderberry gummies can decrease cold and flu symptoms.

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Do you take elderberry gummies daily?

Some brands that sell elderberry gummies for toddlers (more than 2 years old) recommend two doses per day. It is advisable to however consult with your child’s pediatrician about the exact dosage.

How much elderberry gummies should a child take?

A 2-year-old can take 1-2 elderberry gummies daily; but again, it’s best to take the advice of his pediatrician. Also, these gummies should be given only if the child is suffering from a cold or flu and his immunity is down as a result. 

Can a child overdose on elderberry gummies?

Yes. An overdose from elderberry gummies will not be life-threatening. But, too many elderberry gummies in one day or continuous consumption of these gummies for more than 5 days at a stretch can lead to certain side effects. This includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and some difficulties in breathing.

Any kind of supplements, like these elderberry gummies, should strictly be taken according to the doctor’s recommended dosage, and if that is followed, no problems should arise.  

Can toddlers choke on elderberry gummies?

Yes. Elderberry gummies are chewable supplements. So kids should chew the gummies properly before swallowing them. If they do not chew and instead swallow the gummies entirely, they might end up choking on the gummies. 

Toddlers may not always follow your instructions to chew, so as parents you can probably tear up a gummy into smaller parts and give them to your child. Alternately, you can administer Elderberry syrup instead.

Can I give my 1 year old elderberry gummies?

No. Babies younger than 2 years of age should not be given elderberry gummies. These are chewable supplements and should not be administered to a one-year-old who has not yet started having solid foods. 

Can I give my 2 year old elderberry gummies?

Yes. A 2-year-old toddler can be given elderberry gummies when she is suffering from a cold, flu, or viral infection. The gummies should not be given for more than 5 days at a stretch. That can lead to certain adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and probably even risk hospitalization.

Do elderberry gummies make you poop?

Yes. Elderberry gummies contain extracts from elderberries which are a rich source of fiber. Any kind of fibrous food acts as a laxative and makes one poop. Elderberry gummies also act as diuretics i.e. they help one pee more. However, one elderberry gummy per day would not particularly lead to a lot of pooping. Too many of them in one day might cause diarrhea. 

Do elderberry gummies make you sleepy?

Yes. Often elderberry gummies are taken before going to bed. It ensures a good night’s sleep. Again, caution must be exercised about the dosage. Too many of these gummies can make your toddler extremely dizzy and nauseous. 

Do elderberry gummies work as well as syrup?

Both elderberry gummies and elderberry syrup can work equally effectively, provided they are not loaded with added sweeteners. So the key point here to remember is to check if your elderberry gummies or syrup have a ton of sugary additives. High sugar intake can lower immunity.

Do elderberry gummies cause diarrhea?

Yes. Consuming more than 2 elderberry gummies a day can cause diarrhea. As elderberries are high fibrous fruits, too many of these supplements can lead to stomach cramps as well.

Do elderberry gummies cause gas?

No information could be found on whether consumption of elderberry gummies causes gas. But if you stick to 1-2 gummies per day, you need not be too concerned about gas. 

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