Elderberry prevents the flu
7.0Moderate
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Many believe that consuming elderberry supplements can prevent the onset of the flu due to its high antioxidant content and traditional use in herbal medicine.
Origin
This belief largely stems from traditional medicine practices and early studies that suggested elderberry might have beneficial effects on flu symptoms.
What Science Says
Research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), has shown that elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms when taken at the onset of illness, but there is no strong evidence that it can prevent the flu altogether. A meta-analysis of multiple studies indicates a moderate effect size in symptom reduction but not in prevention.
Verdict
Partially True