12/15/2025
Is Emergen-C really healthy for you? ๐ค
This should tell you all you need to know: ๐
Emergen-C is made by Haleon, a consumer "health" company that was spun off from GSK and Pfizer.
Whatโs Wrong with Ascorbic Acid?
Contrary to popular belief, ascorbic acid and vitamin C are NOT the same thing. Ascorbic acid is only ONE component of a whole vitamin C and ALL of the components work together. โจ
Nearly all vitamin C in dietary supplements is synthetic. ๐งช
How Emergen C is made: โ ๏ธ
They start with corn: Genetically modified (GMO) corn is often used to create corn starch, which is then converted to glucose (corn syrup). ๐น๐ฝ
Fermentation: This glucose is fermented using engineered bacteria or yeast to produce L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). ๐
Synthetic vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, kills beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut. ๐
Ascorbic acid may impair mitochondrial function and exercise intolerance. ๐
Increases risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. ๐ซ
Shown to cause an increased risk of kidney stones. ๐ชจ
Reacts with iron in โenrichedโ foods, causing neurological conditions. ๐ง
Adverse reactions to synthetic vitamin C, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea can occur. ๐คฎ
Other side effects: insomnia, decrease in progesterone, headache, vomiting, heartburn, throat irritation, gluten reactions, poor drug interactions and allergic reactions. โ ๏ธ
Choose organic foods rich in Vitamin C OR WHOLE FOOD Vitamin C supplements!
Citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C. ๐๐๐โ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐
Sometimes eating enough fruits and vegetables daily to maintain good health isnโt easy.
For an extra immune boost, a whole food vitamin C supplement maybe an ideal addition. I would consider Acerola cherry powder, Camu camu, or a liposomal form.