Emergen C Information

Emergen-C is a brand of powdered drink mixes based upon high amounts of vitamin C complemented by a variety of other vitamins, minerals and botanicals. The various formulations of Emergen-C are marketed as dietary supplements and are sold in 9.4g packets. The effervescent powder is typically mixed in water, creating a fizzy, yet healthy, beverage.

History

The manufacturers of Emergen-C, Alacer Corporation, were influenced by the pioneering vitamin C research of two-time Nobel laureate, Dr. Linus Pauling. Consequently, the company launched Emergen-C powder packets in 1978 as a convenient and effective way to "mega-dose" and absorb vitamin C. All original Emergen-C formulations contain 1,000 mg of vitamin C, although some of the newer, more specialized formulas, contain 500 mg.

Controversy

Mega-dosing vitamins, especially vitamin C, has long been controversial. Pauling believed that all adults should take between 1,000 to 3,000mg of vitamin C daily for optimal health. He believed such high doses were necessary for normal immune system function, connective tissue repair and cardiovascular health.

Alacer Corp makes no direct health claims about its products, although names such as, "Immune Defense" and "Heart Health" are suggestive of specific benefits. Because no health benefits are claimed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated nor endorsed Emergen-C.

Varieties

Alacer Corp now sells 10 flavors of the original Emergen-C formulation, all of which contain 1,000 mg of vitamin C, seven B vitamins and a variety of minerals intended for people aged 15 years and older.

It also sells five flavors of a multi-vitamin line for both children and adults, although the children's variety has 500 mg of vitamin C and lower doses of other vitamins. No Emergen-C formulations are recommended for children younger than two years, while half a pack of the children's formula is recommended for children between the ages of two and four.

Four flavors of specialty formulas are offered that suggest benefits to bone, joint and heart health.

Benefits

The other vitamins and nutrients Emergen-C contains also display tangible benefits. Glucosamine is considered effective for slowing down progression of osteoarthritis, lycopene can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, B vitamins allow the body to produce energy, and potassium and magnesium are essential for muscle and nerve function.

Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions concerning mega-dosing vitamins, especially vitamin C. It has long been assumed that consuming high doses of vitamin C increases the risk of kidney stones, but studies have confirmed this is not so. Indeed, as Orthmolecular.org notes, there is some evidence that mega-dosing vitamin C may prevent or dissolve kidney stones.

Allergic Reaction Alert

Batches of Emergen-C "Joint Health" manufactured prior to March, 2009 contain shellfish-derived glucosamine, although later batches are shellfish-free.