First Defense
ChildLife Essentials
First Defense
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5244 ratings)
St. John's Wort 20 mg
Score 15.0
First Defense is poorly aligned with its stated goals of mood, stress, and sleep support due to an extremely low dosage of St. John's Wort (40mg) and the inclusion of predominantly immune-focused ingredients. Its effectiveness for the stated goals is questionable.
Quantity: 4 Fluid Ounce(s)Servings size: 3 mL (24 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mood Support
Stress Relief
Sleep Support
leaderboard Score 15.0
First Defense is poorly aligned with its stated goals of mood, stress, and sleep support due to an extremely low dosage of St. John's Wort (40mg) and the inclusion of predominantly immune-focused ingredients. Its effectiveness for the stated goals is questionable.
insights Analysis
The product "First Defense" by ChildLife Essentials, despite its name suggesting immune support, is specified to target Mood Support, Stress Relief, and Sleep Support. Its formulation, however, primarily includes ingredients recognized for immune function, such as Larch Arabinogalactan, Elderberry, and Zinc. The sole ingredient relevant to the stated goals, St. John's Wort, is present in a significantly low dosage of 40mg per serving. This is far below the generally accepted therapeutic doses (typically 300mg three times daily or higher) for adults, and even for children, it's unlikely to provide a noticeable effect for mood, stress, or sleep, making it largely ineffective for its purported goals when compared to specialized alternatives.
- Contains ingredients known for general immune support (Larch Arabinogalactan, Elderberry, Zinc), which could be beneficial for overall well-being in children if that were the explicit goal.
- Liquid form, which is often preferred for children.
- Severely underdosed St. John's Wort: The 40mg dosage is vastly insufficient for therapeutic effects on mood, stress, or sleep, especially when compared to alternative products.
- Mismatch with stated goals: The majority of ingredients (Larch Arabinogalactan, Grindelia robusta, Elderberry, Olive, Zinc) are primarily associated with immune or respiratory support, not mood, stress, or sleep.
- Potential for consumer confusion: The product name and ingredient profile suggest immune support, while the stated goals are for mood/stress/sleep, leading to misalignment of expectations.
- Consumers seeking effective mood, stress, or sleep support, especially through St. John's Wort, will likely find this product ineffective due to its low dosage.
- St. John's Wort can interact with numerous medications, although the extremely low dose in this product makes significant interactions less likely, it's still a general caution for the ingredient.
- The product is from a children's brand; while St. John's Wort can be used in children under medical supervision, this specific formulation and dosage are unlikely to provide meaningful benefits for the stated goals.
$17.56($0.73 per serving)
 Pure Formulas | $ 17.56 | |
 iHerb | $ 17.96 | |
 Vitacost | $ 17.96 | |
 Amazon | $ 17.96 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Some research suggests St. John's Wort may be effective for mild to moderate depression. Its use for severe depression is not well-supported by evidence. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable before considering use.
For mild to moderate depression, some studies suggest St. John's Wort can be similarly effective to certain conventional antidepressants. However, it may have a different side effect profile and significant drug interactions. This comparison does not extend to all types or severities of depression.
Scientific research indicates that St. John's Wort extracts can be effective for treating mild to moderate depression, often showing comparable efficacy to some standard antidepressants. However, results can vary depending on the extract used and the specific study design. Research on its effectiveness for other conditions is less conclusive.
For mild to moderate depression, some studies suggest St. John's Wort may be as effective as certain prescription antidepressants. However, results can vary, and it is not generally recommended as a substitute for standard care for severe depression.
Clinical studies indicate that St. John's Wort can be effective for relieving symptoms of mild depression. Its efficacy in this context has been compared to that of some conventional antidepressants. However, individual responses may vary.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Common dosages of St. John's Wort extract often range from 300 mg to 900 mg per day. These dosages typically provide standardized amounts of active compounds like hypericin or hyperforin. It's important to check the product label for specific recommendations.
The effects of St. John's Wort are generally not immediate and may take several weeks to become noticeable. Individuals typically report feeling benefits after two to four weeks of consistent daily use. It's important to continue taking it as directed for the recommended duration.
The effects of St. John's Wort are typically not immediate and may take several weeks to become noticeable. Individuals often report initial changes within 2 to 4 weeks, with more pronounced benefits potentially appearing after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. This gradual onset is common for many herbal supplements.
Common dosages for St. John's Wort extracts, often standardized to hypericin or hyperforin, typically range from 300 mg to 900 mg per day. These doses are usually divided into two or three administrations throughout the day. The specific dosage can vary based on the extract's standardization and the product's concentration.
St. John's Wort is typically taken two to three times per day. Dividing the daily dose helps maintain consistent levels of its active compounds in the body. Always follow the specific instructions provided on the supplement's label or by a qualified healthcare professional.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
No, St. John's Wort should not be taken with antidepressant medications, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Combining them can lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which involves symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, and high fever. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining St. John's Wort with any prescription drugs.
Yes, St. John's Wort can interact significantly with many antidepressant medications. This interaction may lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which involves symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before combining St. John's Wort with any antidepressant.
St. John's Wort can interact significantly with many medications, reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Common side effects may include photosensitivity, upset stomach, fatigue, and restlessness. It is important to discuss its use with a healthcare provider.
Yes, St. John's Wort significantly interacts with medications used for HIV/AIDS (e.g., protease inhibitors, NNRTIs) and immunosuppressants used after organ transplantation (e.g., cyclosporine). It can dramatically reduce the levels and effectiveness of these critical drugs. Such combinations are generally contraindicated and should be strictly avoided.
Yes, St. John's Wort is known to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills. This interaction can potentially lead to unintended pregnancy. It is recommended to use an alternative or additional method of contraception while taking St. John's Wort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 5 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) |
Zinc | 3 mg |
Olive | 80 mg |
Elderberry | 80 mg |
Grindelia robusta | 80 mg |
St. John's Wort | 20 mg |
Larch Arabinogalactan | 15 mg |
Categories
St. John's Wort 10.0
While St. John's Wort is present, its dosage of 40mg is negligible when compared to other St. John's Wort products on the market, which typically offer 300mg to 900mg per serving. This product does not provide a therapeutically relevant amount of the herb for its traditional uses.
Goals
The product's effectiveness for mood, stress, and sleep support is severely hampered by the extremely low concentration of St. John's Wort (40mg). Scientific evidence supports St. John's Wort for these purposes at much higher dosages (e.g., 300mg 3x daily), making this formulation largely ineffective for its stated goals in comparison to more potent alternatives available.
Recommended Alternatives
90 Value 
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3444 ratings)
Provides an incredibly high-quality, standardized St. John's Wort extract at a significantly lower price per serving, representing unparalleled value for dedicated mood support.
92 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4042 ratings)
Offers superior potency and standardization in a pure St. John's Wort form, at a fraction of the cost per serving, delivering vastly better therapeutic value.
78 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract
Swanson Superior Herbs
4.7
★★★★★
(344 ratings)
A very cost-effective and standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing a significant upgrade in focused quality and consistent potency for a much better price per serving.
92 Performance
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4042 ratings)
A vastly superior and dedicated St. John's Wort supplement, offering high potency and standardization for effective mood and stress support, unlike a multi-ingredient blend with negligible SJW.
90 Performance
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3444 ratings)
A reliable, high-quality standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing focused and consistent benefits for mood, which is the primary goal of St. John's Wort supplementation.
90 Performance 
St. John's Wort Extended Release
NaturesPlus Herbal Actives
4.6
★★★★★
(394 ratings)
An excellent pure St. John's Wort supplement featuring a high-dose, extended-release standardized extract, specifically designed for sustained mood and stress relief.
78 Budget
St. John's Wort Extract
Swanson Superior Herbs
4.7
★★★★★
(344 ratings)
Provides a dedicated, standardized St. John's Wort extract at a significantly lower price per serving, offering focused mood support.
90 Budget
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3444 ratings)
A high-quality standardized St. John's Wort extract available at a substantially more affordable price per serving, ideal for targeted mood and stress relief.
92 Budget
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4042 ratings)
Offers a potent, standardized St. John's Wort extract at an exceptionally competitive price point, providing superior quality focused on mood support.
90 Value
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3444 ratings)
Provides an incredibly high-quality, standardized St. John's Wort extract at a significantly lower price per serving, representing unparalleled value for dedicated mood support.
92 Value
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4042 ratings)
Offers superior potency and standardization in a pure St. John's Wort form, at a fraction of the cost per serving, delivering vastly better therapeutic value.
78 Value
St. John's Wort Extract
Swanson Superior Herbs
4.7
★★★★★
(344 ratings)
A very cost-effective and standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing a significant upgrade in focused quality and consistent potency for a much better price per serving.
92 Performance
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4042 ratings)
A vastly superior and dedicated St. John's Wort supplement, offering high potency and standardization for effective mood and stress support, unlike a multi-ingredient blend with negligible SJW.
90 Performance
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3444 ratings)
A reliable, high-quality standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing focused and consistent benefits for mood, which is the primary goal of St. John's Wort supplementation.
90 Performance
St. John's Wort Extended Release
NaturesPlus Herbal Actives
4.6
★★★★★
(394 ratings)
An excellent pure St. John's Wort supplement featuring a high-dose, extended-release standardized extract, specifically designed for sustained mood and stress relief.