Is Sambucus Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Nature's Way
This page reviews Sambucus by Nature's Way as a food. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Syrup.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes medicinal ingredients like elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and zinc citrate, which are beneficial but also includes sugar and syrup, raising quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup, which are processed sweeteners that may raise concerns about excessive sugar intake.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is known for its potential benefits in supporting immune health.
- Zinc citrate is included, which may contribute to overall health and immune function.
Concerns
- Contains cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup, which are processed sweeteners that may raise concerns about excessive sugar intake.
- Presence of natural flavors and pectin indicates some level of processing, which may affect overall ingredient quality.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this food and why it matters.
-
Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this food?
Good
Ascorbic Acid is used here as natural_extract. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is included for its antioxidant properties and potential immune support. It is a natural compound that is generally well-tolerated.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Vitamine C (acide ascorbique)
-
Is Sambucus Nigra safe in this food?
Good
Sambucus Nigra is used here as natural_extract. Elderberry is used for its potential health benefits, particularly in supporting immune function. Its natural origin contributes positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Sureau noir (Sambucus nigra ssp. nigra, fruit)
-
Is Zinc Citrate safe in this food?
Medium
Zinc Citrate is used here as natural_extract. Zinc citrate is a mineral that may support immune health. While beneficial, it is a processed form of zinc that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Zinc (citrate de zinc dihydraté)
-
Is Cane Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Cane sugar is a refined sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake, raising concerns about its impact on health when consumed in larger quantities.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sucre de canne
-
Is Organic Tapioca Syrup safe in this food?
Bad
Organic Tapioca Syrup is used here as sweetener. Organic tapioca syrup is a processed sweetener that can lead to increased sugar consumption, which may not be ideal for health-conscious consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sirop de tapioca biologique
-
Is Pectin safe in this food?
Medium
Pectin is used here as thickener. Pectin is a natural thickening agent derived from fruits. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: pectine
-
Is Natural Raspberry Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Raspberry Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural raspberry flavor is used to enhance taste but may involve processing, which can affect ingredient quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: arôme naturel de framboise
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Raspberry Flavor
-
Is Sodium Citrate safe in this food?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as buffer. Sodium citrate is used to regulate acidity in the product. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: citrate de sodium dihydraté
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. Its presence indicates some processing, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acide citrique
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is used to enhance taste but can be derived from various sources, raising questions about its specific composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: arôme naturel
-
Is Coconut Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Coconut Oil is used here as base. Coconut oil is included for its texture and potential health benefits. However, it is a processed ingredient that may raise some concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: huile de noix de coco
-
Is Beeswax safe in this food?
Medium
Beeswax is used here as emulsifier. Beeswax is used for texture and stability. While natural, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: cire d'abeille
-
Is Purified Water safe in this food?
Good
Purified Water is used here as base. Purified water serves as a solvent in the product, ensuring a clean and safe base for the other ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: eau purifiée
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2421774
More from this brand: Nature's Way products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
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