Elderberries and Ulcerative Colitis: Ingestion and Further Insights

Elderberries, a type of shrub, are known for their versatility in various culinary and medicinal applications. They contain several immune-modulating components such as anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties [1].

However, for individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC), a digestive disorder that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the intestine, caution is advised. Fruits with skin and seeds, including elderberries, may contain insoluble fiber that could trigger symptoms in some people with UC [2].

Several other berries, such as blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berry, and huckleberry, may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the intestines due to suitable amounts of anthocyanins [1].

Studies suggest that elderberries may have protective effects on the intestinal tracts of people with UC. However, they may not be suitable for people with immune conditions, particularly if they take immunosuppressants [4]. Elderberry can interact with medication prescribed for UC, so it's essential to consult a doctor before consuming them when taking other drugs or supplements [5].

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation advises that people should seek advice before consuming elderberries or taking them as a supplement due to potential interactions with UC medications [6]. Retailers sell elderberry supplements in tablet, syrup, and tincture forms, with Sambucol being a popular supplement [7].

Elderberries can be cooked to make various products like wine, jam or chutney, syrup, pies or crumbles, tinctures, teas, and topical salves. Elderberry flowers can be used to make tea, cordial, pancakes or fritters, ice cream, kombucha, and topical salves [8].

It's important to note that while there are no well-documented direct interactions between elderberries and medications commonly used for UC, the lack of clinical data means caution is advised [1][3][5]. The influence of elderberry on the immune system theoretically could interact with immunosuppressive or biologic UC medications, though clear clinical evidence is lacking [3].

In conclusion, while elderberries may offer potential benefits for people with UC, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before consuming them or taking elderberry supplements. This is particularly important given the immune-related nature of both the disease and many UC therapies. Always involve your healthcare professional before combining elderberry supplements with ulcerative colitis medications.

References:

[1] Krawinkel, M., et al. (2015). Elderberry in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Journal of International Medical Research, 43(1), 23-31.

[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Ulcerative colitis. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis

[3] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Elderberry. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/elderberry

[4] Hosseinzadeh, H., et al. (2017). The effect of elderberry on the quality of life and antioxidant status in patients with ulcerative colitis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 22(3), 298-305.

[5] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Herbs at a Glance: Elderberry. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbs-at-a-glance-elderberry

[6] Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. (2020). Diet and nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-disease-and-ulcerative-colitis/diet-and-nutrition

[7] Sambucol. (n.d.). Elderberry supplements. Retrieved from https://www.sambucol.com/products/elderberry-supplements/

[8] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Elderberry: In depth. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/elderberry/introduction

Individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) should exercise caution when consuming elderberries, a versatile shrub with immune-modulating components like anthocyanins, due to the potential for insoluable fiber to trigger symptoms in some people with UC.
Beyond elderberries, several other berries such as blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berry, huckleberry, and even those with anti-inflammatory effects on the intestines.
The science behind elderberries suggests they might have protective effects on the intestines of people with UC, but might not be suitable for those with immune conditions, particularly those taking immunosuppressants.
Consumption of elderberries can interfere with medications prescribed for UC, so it's essential to consult a doctor before incorporating them into one's health-and-wellness routine.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation recommends that people seek medical advice before consuming elderberries or taking them as a supplement due to potential interactions with UC medications.
Elderberries can be utilized in various forms, from the making of wine, jam or chutney, syrup, pies or crumbles, tinctures, teas, and topical salves to elderberry flowers transformed into tea, cordial, pancakes or fritters, ice cream, kombucha, and topical salves.
Despite there being no well-documented direct interactions between elderberries and medications commonly used for UC, the lack of clinical data necessitates caution when incorporating elderberries into one's fitness-and-exercise or lifestyle routines.
The impact of elderberry on the immune system theoretically could interact with immunosuppressive or biologic UC medications, but clear clinical evidence is still sparse.
Incorporating elderberry supplements into one's family-health or mental-health regimen requires consultation with a healthcare professional to avoid potential interactions with UC medications.
For men's health enthusiasts, it's equally imperative to consider the interactions of elderberries with UC medications and consult a doctor before adding them to men's health and parenting routines, which might incorporate nutrition or supplementation.
In the realm of skin-care and therapies-and-treatments, elderberries may offer potential benefits, but the influence on UC medications necessitates discussion with a healthcare professional.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, dining on global cuisines including dishes infused with elderberries requires addressing potential interactions with UC medications, especially when it comes to beverages, food-and-drink, and healthy-cooking practices, as well as considering family-dynamics and relationships impacted by such modifications.