Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ah Chews! Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Rhythm

Lozenge Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Ah Chews! is a dietary supplement by Natural Rhythm with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis, correcting vitamin d deficiency, immune system support.Based on those ingredients, 1,025 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin D3, Stevia leaf extract, Elderberry Fruit Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Ah Chews! contains five active ingredients: vitamin D3, stevia leaf extract, zinc, elderberry fruit powder, and elderberry fruit extract. Vitamin D3 supports bone health and calcium absorption.

Stevia is a natural sweetener. Zinc supports immune function and wound healing.

Both forms of elderberry are included for their antioxidant properties. The lozenges also contain inactive ingredients like xylitol, honey powder, citric acid, and natural lemon flavor for taste and texture.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Immune support with antioxidants.
  • We looked for evidence on: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Cold and flu symptoms, Upper respiratory infection, Respiratory health.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin D is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Zinc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Vitamin D3 is effective for treating rickets, osteomalacia (soft bones), renal bone disease, and certain types of low phosphate disorders. For stevia, zinc, and elderberry, the evidence in our data doesn't establish whether they work for conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, weight, hay fever, heart health, or respiratory infections — the data shows insufficient reliable evidence for those uses.

Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and acne.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Stevia Zinc Elderberry

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin D3 is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, but very high doses over time can cause toxicity with symptoms of high calcium levels. It's often used during pregnancy at recommended amounts under doctor guidance.

Stevia in food amounts is generally recognized as safe; whole-leaf or supplement doses are less studied. Zinc is safe in recommended amounts but avoid high doses without medical advice.

Elderberry extracts prepared from ripe fruit are generally well tolerated, but raw or unripe berries and other plant parts can be toxic. The safety data advises against elderberry supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Stevia Zinc Elderberry

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Elderberry, Stevia, Vitamin D, Zinc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,026 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Ah Chews!, double-check if you're on thiazide diuretics (water pills), verapamil or diltiazem (heart drugs), digoxin, atorvastatin, quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, cephalexin, penicillamine, ritonavir or integrase inhibitors for HIV, lithium, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, or pazopanib. Antibiotic interactions are particularly important — you may need to space out doses.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with vitamin D support if you're deficient, but you need to check your exact medications first — especially if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, antibiotics, or HIV treatments. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, take immunosuppressants, or have high calcium levels.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 21, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Ah Chews!, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Rhythm
Barcode (UPC) 764804317480
Net contents 60 Chewable Lozenge(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 271224
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Lozenge
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Qualified Health, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Chewable Lozenge(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Chewable Lozenge(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
764804317480
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates2 Gram(s)1%
Vitamin D325 mcg125%
Stevia leaf extract4 mg--
Zinc23 mg209%
Elderberry Fruit Powder100 mg--
Elderberry Fruit Extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Xylitol, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Citric Acid, Honey powder, Silica, natural Lemon flavor

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

No Ah Chews! does not contain gluten, soy, milk, or preservatives, and it's made with non-GMO ingredients! Yahooo!! Restore your natural rhythm!

Activate your body's natural immune defense Deliciously helpful

Made in the USA

Pure. Max absorption. Easy on stomach.

Advanced strength

To support and promote a healthy immune system

Vegetarian

Gluten free

Color, flavor, and sweetness of this product may vary due to variations of the natural ingredients.

Formula

Immune Support Ah Chews! is a delicious chewable lozenge that combines Elderberry, Zinc, and D3 to help strengthen the body's defense to keep you protected year round with extra immunity support. Promote Antioxidants Ah Chews! lozenges are rich in antioxidants which help to keep the immune system strong and resilient, whether during winter, travel, school or any season of life. These antioxidants support the body's natural resilience and immune functions.

Zinc + elderberry + D3

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Quality Product

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 lozenge daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Let dissolve in mouth.

Precautions

Warning: If pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Chewable Lozenge(s) Dosage formLozenge Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin D3

Interacts with
715 drugs
25 mcg per serving Form: Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and is important for healthy bones, muscles, and immune function. Many people,...

Vitamin D3 monograph & interactions

Stevia leaf extract

Interacts with
259 drugs
4 mg per serving

Stevia is a plant-based, calorie-free sweetener that is widely used as a sugar alternative and is considered safe in normal food amounts by major regu...

Stevia leaf extract monograph & interactions

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
23 mg per serving Form: Zinc Citrate, Zinc Gluconate

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Elderberry Fruit Powder

Interacts with
121 drugs
100 mg per serving

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...

Elderberry Fruit Powder monograph & interactions

Elderberry Fruit Extract

Interacts with
121 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Sambucus nigra

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...

Elderberry Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Xylitol, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Citric Acid, Honey powder, Silica, Natural Lemon flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ah Chews!?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,025Drugs
263 Moderate 762 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Zinc 67

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ah Chews! with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin D38 drug types · 715 drugs

Aluminum

Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption. This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change. Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Thiazide Diuretics

Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently. This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found. A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced. While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Stevia leaf extract3 drug types · 259 drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, stevia might decrease clearance and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stevia extracts might have diuretic activity. Theoretically, increased reabsorption of lithium along with sodium might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stevia might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that taking a single dose of stevia extract 1000 mg reduces postprandial blood glucose levels when taken with a meal. However, other clinical research in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes suggests that taking stevioside 250 mg three times daily does not significantly affect blood glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after three months of treatment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining stevia or stevia constituents with antihypertensive agents might increase the risk of hypotension.
Stevia extract and stevioside might lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, other clinical research suggests that stevioside does not significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Elderberry Fruit Powder2 drug types · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 4 weeks for soft-tissue sarcoma developed severe nausea, loose stools, and elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels and was diagnosed with grade 3 liver injury. The patient reported taking elderberry supplements for 2 years, dose unspecified, and was also taking a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. The patient's symptoms and liver enzyme levels improved upon discontinuation of pazopanib and all supplements. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated, at a lower dose, with no further evidence of liver injury. It was unclear in this case report if the elderberry supplements were derived from the berry, the flower, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ah Chews!, from the product label.

Natural Rhythm

See all Natural Rhythm products
Name
Natural Rhythm
Street Address
1540 Keller Parkway Suite 108 #119
City
Keller
State
Texas
ZipCode
76248
Web Address
NaturalRhythm.co
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm: Common Questions

Does Ah Chews! by Natural Rhythm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ah Chews! has a known interaction with 1,025 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ah Chews! contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Ah Chews! if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin D3 is often used during pregnancy at recommended doses under a doctor's guidance. However, elderberry supplements lack enough safety data in pregnancy, so the evidence advises against them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy, since it contains both ingredients.
Can I take Ah Chews! while breastfeeding?
Vitamin D3 and zinc are considered likely safe at recommended doses during breastfeeding. However, elderberry supplements lack enough safety data while breastfeeding, and the evidence advises against them. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're nursing.
What side effects might I get from Ah Chews!?
Most people tolerate the ingredients well. Stevia may cause abdominal bloating, dizziness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, or numbness, though these usually resolve after the first week. Zinc at high doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, or a metallic taste. Very high vitamin D doses can lead to toxicity with high calcium symptoms.
Does this product actually work?
Vitamin D3 is proven effective for rickets, soft bone disease, and certain phosphate disorders. For the other ingredients' claimed uses — like immune support or respiratory health — the evidence in our data doesn't establish whether they work.
What's stevia doing in here?
Stevia is a natural sweetener that keeps the lozenge tasting good without sugar. At food amounts like this, purified stevia is generally recognized as safe.
Why both elderberry powder and extract?
Both forms provide the same active compounds from elderberry fruit. Using both simply gives you more of the ingredient in each lozenge.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Ah Chews! is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Ah Chews! label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ah Chews!'s label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 130 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin D 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  3. Koutkia P, Chen TC, Holick MF. Vitamin D intoxication associated with an over-the-counter supplement. N Engl J Med 2001;345:66-7. PubMed
  4. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  5. Demontis R, Leflon A, Fournier A, et al. 1 alpha(OH) vitamin D3 increases plasma aluminum in hemodialyzed patients taking AI(OH)3. Clin Nephrol 1986;26:146-9.
  6. Crowe M, Wollner L, Griffiths RA. Hypercalcemia following vitamin D and thiazide therapy in the elderly. Practitioner 1984;228:312-3.
  7. Parfitt AM. Thiazide-induced hypercalcemia in vitamin D-treated hypoparathyroidism. Ann Intern Med 1972;77:557-63. PubMed
  8. Thiazide diuretics and the risk of osteoporosis. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2003;19(11):191105.
  9. Moon J. The role of vitamin D in toxic metal absorption. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:559-64.
  10. Demontis R, Reissi D, Noel C, et al. Indirect clinical evidence that 1alphaOH vitamin D<SUB>3</SUB> increases the intestinal absorption of aluminum. Clin Nephrol 1989;31:123-7.
  11. Adler AJ, Berlyne GM. Duodenal aluminum absorption in the rat: effect of vitamin D. Am J Physiol 1985;249:G209-13. PubMed
  12. Schwartz JB. Effects of vitamin D supplementation in atorvastatin-treated patients: A new drug interaction with an unexpected consequence. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2009;85:198-203. PubMed
  13. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
  14. Cox KA, Dunn MA. Aluminum toxicity alters the regulation of calbindin-D28k protein and mRNA expression in chick intestine. J Nutr 2001;131:2007-13. PubMed
  15. Escribano, J., Balaguer, A., Pagone, F., Feliu, A., and Roque, I. Figuls. Pharmacological interventions for preventing complications in idiopathic hypercalciuria. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2009;(1):CD004754. PubMed
  16. Carlton, S., Clopton, D., and Cappuzzo, K. A. Vitamin D deficiency: appropriate replenishment therapies and the effects of vitamin D toxicity. Consult Pharm 2010;25(3):171-177. PubMed
  17. Wang, H., Xia, N., Yang, Y., and Peng, D. Q. Influence of vitamin D supplementation on plasma lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:42. PubMed
  18. Turner AN, Carr Reese P, Fields KS, Anderson J, Ervin M, Davis JA, Fichorova RN, Roberts MW, Klebanoff MA, Jackson RD. A blinded, randomized controlled trial of high-dose vitamin D supplementation to reduce recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Am J Obstet G PubMed
  19. Weiner M, Epstein FH. Signs and symptoms of electrolyte disorders. Yale J Biol Med. 1970;43(2):76-109.
  20. Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
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  22. Murai IH, Fernandes AL, Sales LP, et al. Effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on hospital length of stay in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021.
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Stevia 10 references
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Elderberry 6 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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