First Defense By ChildLife Essentials Overview & Drug Interactions

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is involved in many important physiological processes, including immune system function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Zinc is found in a variety of foods, including meat, seafood, and whole grains, and it is also available as a dietary supplement. Zinc supplements may be used to treat or prevent zinc deficiency, which can occur due to certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Zinc supplements may also be used for other purposes, such as to boost the immune system, improve acne, and reduce the severity and duration of colds. There are several different forms of zinc supplements available, including zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and zinc sulfate. The most common form of zinc supplements is zinc gluconate, which is well absorbed and is less likely to cause stomach-related side effects than other forms of zinc.

Olive contains compounds like polyphenols, particularly hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which have antioxidant properties that can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Olive supplements may support heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Additionally, they may have anti-inflammatory effects and potentially aid in weight management.

Elderberry (Sambucus) is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The Elderberry plant has distinctive dark purple or black berries, which are often used in different types of food, including jams, jellies, and syrups. In traditional medicine, elderberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements due to its purported immune-stimulating effects and is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may have antiviral and immune-boosting properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. It is important to note that there are several different species of elderberry, including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and black elder (Sambucus nigra). Black elder is more commonly used in dietary supplements.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant native to Europe and is known for its medicinal properties. St. John's wort has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is one of the most extensively used and researched natural medicines in the world, and is thought to work similarly to certain conventional antidepressants by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Arabinogalactans are long, densely branched, high-molecular weight polysaccharides found in many plants, with the highest concentrations in larch trees. Larch arabinogalactan, specifically obtained from the western larch (Larix occidentalis) and eastern larch (Larix laricina), is approximately 98% arabinogalactan. This polysaccharide has a range of potential health benefits, including serving as a soluble, non-viscous fiber that ferments in the gut, potentially increasing beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus. Additionally, larch arabinogalactan has been investigated for its possible role in drug delivery systems due to its water solubility and numerous hydroxyl groups, which may enhance the bioavailability of drugs like ibuprofen. Moreover, preliminary research suggests immunostimulatory effects, such as increased natural killer cell activity and enhanced immune response to certain vaccines.