New ChapterElderberry Supplement, Elderberry Force, with Black Elderberry + Black Currant for Immune Support - 30 ct Vegetarian Capsule

Just got these and love this company but so disappointed to see that they added maltodextrin to it. I was looking for a simple elderberry supplement.

I took one capsule of this product. Within 45 minutes, the room was spinning so badly that it was too dangerous for me to walk. I phoned the customer service number (it was a Sunday) and there IS a number that you can call if you are having an adverse reaction. The woman on the telephone gave me an incident number and spoke with their toxicologist. I told her that this was the only thing I had done differently that day. I also told her that each year during flu season I take Sambucol Syrup with no difficulty. (As an aside, I do not drink alcohol or take psychotropic drugs - illegal or prescribed - so that would not be a part of the picture) The toxicologist recommended that I do not take this again, since it appeared to be an adverse reaction. After five hours, a lot of water and Gatorade, apparently it cleared my system and I was fine. The woman with whom I spoke gave me a phone number for reimbursement because I told her that I was going to throw the bottle away. She indicated that they have a reimbursement department. I just got off the phone with them and they were of no help. After being routed to three different departments I was told that because it was purchased through Amazon, there is nothing that they would do. They said this despite having an "unconditional money back guarantee" stated on the box. Since then, I have had significant GI difficulties requiring doctor's visits and testing. The blackcurrant contained in these capsules is a high FODMAP food, known for increasing GI inflammation. Given my adverse reaction to the product and the company's lack of concern and customer service when someone has clearly had an adverse reaction to their product, I would not recommend this.

I am familiar with adaptogens and believe they serve a purpose independent of western medicine and in conjunction with more traditional methods. I will continue to utilize best practices in both arenas...to be transparent.I typically buy Gaia products at Whole Foods and try to stay away from buying ANY supplements online. Due to the current pandemic, I purchased this online here at Amazon.Prior to my purchase I read the Consumer Reports article endorsing this product. I chose the capsules simply because they are easier to take than a liquid.My teenage (healthy, athletic) son had a reaction that was so severe last night at 3am...he was begging to go to the ER. I was able to get him stabilized after an hour. The ONLY difference in his vitamin regimen yesterday was the addition of ONE of these capsules.This morning I took this capsule with morning coffee and I am having a similar reaction as I type this. Chest is tight, heart is beating rapidly, and my stomach feels compressed. Feel nauseated and dizzy. Never felt this way before.I read another review here that echoes mine.Buyer beware. Adaptogens are no joke. They are effective...tumeric, olive leaf, oregano...my daily go-tos...but this is beyond.For the record, my son and I have taken elderberry syrup by Gaia and Sambuca with no incident. More is not always better. I am thinking this is off the hook too strong or I wasn't given a legitimate product.Lesson learned. I DO NOT typically purchase supplements online and will not make this mistake again.

New Chapter Elderberry Supplement has saved me from catching colds and flu when I've been exposed many times and shortened the duration of colds when I didn't have any available and caught a cold. I am happy that it is available from Amazon.

I took these all winter (one a day) and remained virus free. I work with the public, handle dirty money all day long and have sickly co-workers. Maybe it was just a coincidence...or just maybe it was the Elderberry. My vote is on the Elderberry and I will be taking them again starting in the fall for the next cold and flu season. Recommended