Is Elderberry Safe to Take During Pregnancy? Safety & Research

Examining Elderberry Use During Pregnancy

Elderberry products like syrups, gummies, and capsules have become very popular natural health supplements. But expectant mothers often wonder, is elderberry safe to take during pregnancy?

There are relatively few studies on using elderberry specifically in pregnant women. However, research on its effects and safety profile in other groups can help inform decisions about elderberry use during this special time.

Overview of Elderberry Benefits

First, it helps to understand why so many people use elderberry. The berries and flowers of the elder plant are rich in antioxidants and may provide benefits like:

• Immune system support
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Antiviral activity against cold and flu viruses

Many herbalists and natural health advocates view elderberry as a safe way to potentially reduce illnesses like colds, flu, and sinus infections. The evidence is still emerging, but results are promising so far.

Elderberry's Effects on Pregnancy Health Concerns

Expectant mothers have unique health needs and concerns. Issues like:

• Common infections
• Gestational diabetes risk
• Inflammation

Can potentially impact mom and developing baby. So considering if elderberry interacts with any aspects of pregnancy physiology is important.

Interactions with Pregnancy Hormones

Hormones naturally fluctuate throughout pregnancy to support fetal growth and maternal adaptations. Elderberry does not appear to significantly impact critical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol or insulin in available studies.

Research specifically in pregnant women is still very limited. But current evidence suggests minimal hormonal interactions with moderate, short-term elderberry use.

Effects on Pregnancy Immune Health

Elderberry's best documented benefit is enhancing immune function. Active compounds like anthocyanins seem to activate certain immune cells.

But pregnancy already activates the immune system. Adding high doses of immune-modulating herbs can trigger overstimulation in some cases. More research on appropriate elderberry dosing during pregnancy would be helpful.

Safety Considerations With Gestational Diabetes

Some researchers have speculated that elderberry may help manage blood sugar. However, no studies confirm appropriate doses. And using it as a treatment could potentially interfere with gestational diabetes management.

Mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes should exercise caution with elderberry. Monitor blood sugar closely if opting to use it when pregnant.

Evidence on Elderberry Safety During Pregnancy

Currently, no studies exist showing that moderate consumption of elderberry products is unsafe during pregnancy. However speakers volumes about the lack of research confirming its safety for this group.

Limited Data in Pregnant Women

No clinical trials have evaluated elderberry use at any stage during pregnancy. Much more data in expecting mothers across all three trimesters would be helpful.

Without safety data, manufacturers also do not know what amounts are appropriate for pregnant users. This leads to vagueness around proper dosing.

Components of Concern?

In addition to its beneficial antioxidant compounds, elderberry products contain traces of cyanide producing compounds. These are generally safe at typical dosages.

But pregnancy already strains the body's detoxification pathways. More data is needed to quantify if elderberry supplementation impacts cyanide clearance.

Possible Effects on Labor

Finally, elderberry has natural oxytocic effects. Oxytocin is key hormone for stimulating uterine contractions during labor.

It is possible high doses of elderberry could interact with oxytocin function. However, no research has quantified if regular consumption promotes early labor or stronger contractions.

Recommendations for Elderberry Intake During Pregnancy

General Precautions

In the absence of definitive safety data, many health providers recommend caution with elderberry intake during pregnancy. The main precautions include:

• Avoiding high supplemental doses
• Limiting intake during first and third trimesters
• Watching for unusual contractions later in pregnancy

Benefits May Outweigh Risks in Some Cases

However, some functional medicine doctors and midwives suggest that elderberry benefits may outweigh risks with conservative use.

For healthy pregnant women at normal risk for complications, they may suggest ratios like:

• 1-2 g dried elderberry per day
• 5-8 mL elderberry syrup per day
• Cessation at 36 weeks gestation

But given the limited evidence, their recommendations come with the strong caveat to monitor for issues, and use the lowest effective amount possible.

Check-In With Your Health Provider

Mothers thinking about using elderberry supplements during pregnancy should have an open discussion with their obstetric care provider first. Together, they can weigh pros and cons of elderberry for that patient's unique situation.

Monitoring effects closely also helps build a body of real world knowledge around safety and dosing for pregnant women.

A Cautious, Evidence-Based Approach

At this time, not enough safety data in pregnant women allows a definitive conclusion on appropriate elderberry use during pregnancy.

Occasional use of small amounts may be reasonable. But until more research confirms safe dosing parameters, conservative intake and medical oversight is key.

In time, hopefully more studies quantify if elderberry consumption during pregnancy is helpful or harmful. This will allow expecting mothers to make the best decisions around using this popular herbal product.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.