Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA
Published in Nutrients
Methodology
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of standardised elderberry extract before and during long-haul flights in 312 economy-class travellers.
Key Findings
Cold episode counts did not differ significantly, but among those who became ill the elderberry group reported shorter cold duration and lower symptom scores.
Conclusions
Elderberry did not prevent colds but reduced symptom burden and duration in travellers who fell ill.
Limitations
Self-reported illness; small number of actual cold episodes; single product.
Supplements Studied
Among those who became ill the elderberry group reported shorter cold duration and lower symptom scores.
Outcomes Measured
Most cold episodes occurred in the placebo group (17 vs. 12), however the difference was not significant (p = 0.4).
Cold episode counts did not differ significantly between elderberry and placebo.
Study Details
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