Side Effects of Emergen-C
Taking vitamin supplements can be very beneficial. Supplements like Emergen-C can be very helpful; since it is time to brave the winter months. Take Emergen-C in a healthy, not harmful way by understanding the side effects of this supplement.
What is Emergen-C?
Emergen-C is a dissolvable vitamin supplement with 1,000 mg of vitamin C and other vitamins. Emergen-C has 25 calories per package with 6 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of sugar. This sugar is in the form of fructose (fruit sugar). Other vitamins in Emergen-C are vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium and magnesium. Emergen-C is most commonly taken as an immune booster, mainly to combat the common cold.
Since Emergen-C has this abundant amount of vitamin C, the side effects would come from taking in too much vitamin C at once. Most of the side effects of taking in too much vitamin C are not permanent or adverse.
The C in Emergen-C
Emergen-C is abundant in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid and is a water-soluble vitamin. For this reason, any buildup of vitamin C can be dispelled through urination. The most common effects from too much vitamin C are gastrointestinal or stomach problems. It may take up to 25,000 mg per day of vitamin C before any discomfort is noticed. In some cases these problems will be noticed at 600 to 1,000 mg in a day.
The Common Side Effects
The common side effects of too much Emergen-C include nausea, vomiting, irritation of the esophagus, heartburn, intestinal cramps, fatigue, red eyes, headache, insomnia, drowsiness and diarrhea. These side effects are usually not dangerous and are just a sign that the body is taking in too much of the vitamin C in Emergen-C.
The More Serious Side Effects
The vitamin C in Emergen-C is meant to be a helpful supplement; like anything, however, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Serious side effects can result from having an unhealthy amount of vitamin C in the body. Blood clots of the leg can develop from too much intake of vitamin C. Kidney stones may develop. If sickle cell disease is present in the body, too much vitamin C can multiply the symptoms of this disease. Hemolysis (a destruction of red blood cells) can occur if a person has glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (a blood disorder). Taking too much vitamin C can result in increased aluminum absorption. This side effect is very harmful to those with kidney disease.
Allergic Reaction
If you are taking Emergen-C and you experience an unexplained rash, itching, hives, swelling in the mouth and throat, wheezing or have a hard time breathing, you could be having an allergic reaction to Emergen-C. If this occurs, or if you experience any of the other serious side effects discussed previously, contact a medical provider immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.
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