Does Emergen-C Really Work? Vitamin C Supplements

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%.

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.

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

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.