First Defense
by ChildLife Essentials · liquid · 4 fluid ounces
- On the market (NIH)
- UPC 6 08274 10150 0
- DSLD label 299252
- Serving 2.5 to 5 ml (1/2 tsp-1 tsp); amounts per 2.5 ml
- 24 servings
First Defense by ChildLife Essentials lists 6 ingredients, 6 with an amount per serving of 2.5 ml, such as 1.5 mg of zinc, 40 mg of olive, 40 mg of elderberry and 40 mg of grindelia robusta, beside 1 Nutrition Facts row (calories, fat and the like). Its current label entered the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database on November 22, 2023.
What is in First Defense?
Each row as the label prints it, per serving of 2.5 ml. The capsule beside an amount places it among every product in the NIH database that lists the same ingredient: the bar is the middle half of their amounts, the line in it the median, the whiskers the 10th and 90th percentiles; the green tick is the FDA Daily Value and the red dashed tick the adult upper limit (IOM).
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV | Among products listing it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 Calories | ||
| Total Carbohydrates | less than 1 g | 1% | |
| Zincas Zinc Gluconate | 1.5 mg | 50% | 94% of 13,186 products listing zinc give more (median 11 mg). Per day at the most servings: 4.5 mg. |
| Olive | 40 mg | 70% of 822 products listing olive give more (median 100 mg). Per day at the most servings: 120 mg. | |
| Elderberryas Sambucus nigra | 40 mg | 87% of 159 products listing elderberry give more (median 129 mg). Per day at the most servings: 120 mg. | |
| Grindelia robusta | 40 mg | ||
| St. John's Wortas St. John's Wort, St. John's Wort | 10 mg | over 99% of 338 products listing St. John's wort give more (median 300 mg). Per day at the most servings: 30 mg. | |
| Larch Arabinogalactanas Larix laricina Bark Extract | 7.5 mg | over 99% of 242 products listing arabinogalactan give more (median 250 mg). Per day at the most servings: 22.5 mg. |
Source: NIH ODS Dietary Supplement Label Database, label 299252 (entered November 22, 2023), version 9.4.0. See the label on DSLD or its label image (PDF). Amounts are what the maker printed; DSLD does not test products. Daily Values: the FDA's Daily Value page.
Is that a lot?
The rows in the top or bottom tenth of the products that list the same ingredient, and any above the adult upper limit at the most servings a day the directions give:
- 94% of the 13,186 products that print an amount of zinc list more than its 1.5 mg of zinc (median 11 mg).
- over 99% of the 338 products that print an amount of St. John's wort list more than its 10 mg of St. John's wort (median 300 mg).
- over 99% of the 242 products that print an amount of arabinogalactan list more than its 7.5 mg of larch arabinogalactan (filed by NIH under arabinogalactan) (median 250 mg).
The NIH database records 3 servings a day from the label's directions; its % Daily Values are for adults and children 4 or more years of age. The directions as printed are further down this page.
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the most of a nutrient per day, from food, water and supplements together, that is likely to pose no risk for almost all adults (Institute of Medicine, 2011). It does not apply under medical supervision. This page compares labels; it is not medical advice.
Sources: amounts from the DSLD label; Daily Values from 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv); adult upper limits from the Institute of Medicine's DRI summary tables (2011). How positions are computed.
Which products have the closest formulas?
The products whose ingredient lists overlap most with First Defense's, rare ingredients counting for more.
- Liquid Immune Blend for Children Orange FlavorVitables · off the market 4 shared, 45% alike
- Liquid Immune Blend for Children Orange FlavoredVitables 4 shared, 45% alike
- Immune Support 410 mgEclectic Herb 3 shared, 40% alike
Source: ingredient lists of every product's current label in DSLD (version 9.4.0); similarity weights each shared ingredient by how rare it is.
What does the label say about taking it?
Quoted from the label as DSLD transcribed it: the maker's words, including any claim about what the product does, which the FDA has not evaluated and PlainVitamins does not endorse.
- Directions
- Suggested Use: Infants 6-12 mos: 1/2 tsp 3x daily Children 1-3 yrs: 1 tsp 3x daily Children 4+ yrs: 1 tsp 3x daily Health Tip: For stimulating natural immune responses and defending the body. When needed for immune support, use daily at the recommended dosages. For ongoing maintenance, use once daily.
- Shake well before using Give directly or mix with your child's favorite drink.
- Warnings
- Keep out of reach of children. Consult physician prior to use if child is on chemotherapy.
- Tamper resistant: Do not use if outer safety seal is broken or missing.
- Allergens and what it does not contain
- Gluten free, alcohol free, casein free. Contains no milk, eggs, soy, wheat, yeast, or corn. No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
- Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Source: label statements in DSLD label 299252.
What else is on the label?
Other ingredients: Water, Purified, Glycerin, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Gum Arabic, Steviol Glycosides, Potassium Sorbate.
How many labels does First Defense have?
3 labels are on file under this name since July 25, 2018: other sizes, label designs and reformulations. The current one leads this page.
- Label 299252 (current) Entered November 22, 2023 · on the market · 4 fluid ounces · UPC 6 08274 10150 0
- Label 241518 Entered December 26, 2020 · off the market September 6, 2022 · 4 fluid ounces · UPC 6 08274 10150 0
- Label 178916 Entered July 25, 2018 · off the market November 20, 2020 · 4 fl. Oz. · UPC 6 08274 10150 0
Source: DSLD label entry and market events, version 9.4.0 (labels entered through September 25, 2025).
Who makes it?
The label names ChildLife (distributor), Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.. All ChildLife Essentials products.