Emergen-C is a powdered vitamin C supplement that is designed to boost your immune system and counteract vitamin deficiencies caused by poor diet, illness, and pregnancy.
Learn about Emergen-C, whether it really works to prevent colds and the side effects of taking it in large doses.
Does Emergen-C prevent colds?
Although many support using Emergen-C to fend off colds, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of supplements to prevent or treat infectious diseases.
One study investigated the effect of vitamin C on the common cold and reported that regular consumption of vitamin C supplements did not prevent the participants from getting a cold.
Other studies produced similar results, though some found that regular zinc consumption may slightly reduce the duration of a cold. However, vitamin C consumption was found to be more effective in people under high levels of physical stress, including:
- Marathon runners
- Skiers
- Soldiers
The risk of getting cold in this population was reduced to 50%.
Does Emergen-C work for other conditions?
Emergen-C contains vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc.
Vitamin C supplements may be beneficial for people with vitamin C deficiency. Individual studies on B vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc have suggested that taking supplements that contain these nutrients may help bolster the immune system and prevent nutrient deficiency.
However, most of these nutrients can be obtained through a healthy diet. Moreover, because most studies were conducted on individual ingredients of Emergen-C and not the product itself, there is no strong conclusion that Emergen-C should be recommended.
Other claims that Emergen-C can alleviate sore throat and fatigue and promote weight loss are not backed by sufficient evidence.
What vitamins are in Emergen-C?
| Nutrients | Quantity | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 1,000 mg or 1,667% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) |
|
| Vitamin B6 | 10 mg or 500% of the RDA |
|
| Vitamin B12 | 25 micrograms or 417% of the RDA |
|
| Vitamin B9 | 100 mcg or 25% of the RDA |
|
| Manganese | 0.5 mcg or 25% of the RDA |
|
| Zinc | 2 mg or 13% of the RDA |
|
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowWhat are different types of Emergen-C?
Emergen-C is available in 12 different flavors, some of which include:
- Super orange
- Blueberry-Acai
- Raspberry
- Citrus
Other Emergen-C varieties available include:
- Immune Plus: Adds vitamin D and extra zinc
- Probiotics Plus: Adds two probiotic strains to support gut health
- Energy Plus: Includes caffeine from green tea
- Hydration Plus and Electrolyte Replenisher: Gives extra electrolytes
- Emergen-zzzz: Includes melatonin to promote sleep
- Emergen-C Kidz: A smaller dose with a fruity flavor for kids
What side effects are associated with Emergen-C?
Emergen-C has a high amount of vitamin C, 10 times over the recommended daily intake. Taking vitamin C in such high amounts for a long period of time can lead to adverse health effects and even vitamin C toxicity.
The upper limit of different nutrients in adults is as follows:
- Vitamin C: 2,000 mg
- Vitamin A: 10,000 mg
- Vitamin B6: 100 mg
- Zinc: 4 mg
Consuming large doses of these nutrients for the short term could be fine but taking them for a longer period can cause side effects.
| Nutrients | Side effects caused due to overdose |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C |
|
| Vitamin A |
|
| Vitamin B6 |
|
| Zinc |
|
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Emergen-C Tablet, Chewable - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-170134/emergen-c-oral/details
Emergen-C For Everyday Nutritional Support. https://www.emergenc.com/products/everyday-products/#view-all
Will Mega-Dosing Vitamins/Minerals Help My Immunity? https://hdhdining.ucsd.edu/_files/Friends-Food-Dec-2018.pdf
Vitamin B12. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
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