Study finds supplement that could speed up recovery from virus that is ‘real worry’ – Express

Dr Hilary believes flu is 'more of a risk' than Covid this winter

While Covid seems to be getting all the spotlight, Dr Hilary Jones warned that flu is the real worry this winter.

Speaking on ITVs show Lorraine, the TV doctor shared he thinks that flu is "more of a risk" than Covid this winter.

While the respiratory illness can spell life-threatening complications for some, most people who get flu will recover in a few days.

However, that doesnt make the condition that causes high fever, sore throat, and aching body any more pleasant.

The good news is that an effective supplement could speed up your recovery from the culprit.

Packed with antioxidants with immunostimulant qualities, elderberry, sometimes known as Sambucus, is a flowering plant in the Adoxaceae family.

Supplements made out of this plant could help lessen the duration and severity of the symptoms brought on by the influenza virus, according to research, published in the journal Nutrients.

The research team decided to put the effects of the potent berries to a test by looking at 312 air traveller participants.

The study explained that theres an added risk of spreading respiratory diseases, like the flu, aboard commercial flights.

The study participants were instructed to take either 300-milligram elderberry extract capsules or a placebo.

The elderberry supplements also contained several minerals, trace elements and vitamins including relatively high levels of magnesium.

The travellers started taking the elderberry supplements or placebo from 10 days before travel and continued for four to five days after arriving at their destination.

Interestingly, the findings revealed that the participants on the supplement who got sick only experienced mild symptoms and recovered from their illness sooner than expected.

Travellers who took the elderberry pills 10 days before travel and until four to five days after arriving overseas on average experienced a two-day shorter duration of their illness.

Furthermore, the incidence of adverse side events was low with no adverse effects being directly attributed to the supplement.

However, its important to note that the study was funded by a company that produces elderberry supplements.

Plus, the researchers added that while physical health may stabilise during air travel due to elderberry, further studies are needed to confirm this.

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Study finds supplement that could speed up recovery from virus that is 'real worry' - Express