In the winter season in which most people flu peaks occur are prepared to prevent influenza or its symptoms. Many times people are willing to try everything to achieve it. In most of the time not used more effective natural supplements according to Search Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Vitamin C has been found, may be effective against the common cold, but not the flu. According to a national survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, noted that: more than one third of consumers of supplements are planning to get vaccinated against the flu and 62 percent of non-users of natural products intend to get vaccinated against the flu. Only 13 percent said it plans to use supplements and none of the above mentioned conventional medical treatments. Natural supplements with the best evidence of effectiveness in the fight against flu are the elder Berry and the acetyl-cysteine-n, which are not in the mind of most of the consumers of supplements.

Vitamin C and multivitamin supplements were cited by 40 percent of Americans, along with the most popular zinc (22 per cent), combination of herbs (17 per cent), garlic (17 percent), and homeopathic remedies against influenza (13 percent). Women use more supplements to combat the flu than men and people 45 to 64 years of age are more likely than children to take supplements to protect against the flu. Only 9 percent planned to try elderberry or n-acetyl cysteine this winter, two supplements that, as of November 2010, were classified as possibly effective against the symptoms of flu. Both Berry elder and n-acetyl cysteine are available as supplements of a single ingredient or as part of the formulations of multiple ingredients. Clinical investigations indicate that some extracts of elderberry Berry could help to alleviate the symptoms of flu within 2-4 days of treatment for most patients. Supplements of n-acetyl cysteine, an amino acid derivative that is also available as a prescription drug for lung problems due to pneumonia and other causes, could also help reduce the symptoms of the flu.

Other supplements used as remedies against the flu, such as vitamin C and zinc, have found that they are possibly effective against the common cold, but not the flu. Vitamin D supplements are possibly effective for reducing the probability of getting the flu, and probably safe when used properly. Supplements have side effects and may interact with prescription medications and over-the-counter.It is important that you first check with your doctor before starting to consume any natural product. Original author and source of the article.