Emergen-C Immune+ Vitamin C Supplement Powder for Immune Support Raspberry Back to School Essentials - 30 Ct for Adults

Emergen-C
60 Fair
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Summary

This supplement contains a high amount of added sugars, including fructose and maltodextrin, which can contribute to metabolic health issues when consumed excessively. The presence of caramel color and natural flavors raises concerns due to potential harmful byproducts and lack of transparency. Despite these issues, the product does include some natural fruit juice concentrates for flavor and color, which are less concerning than artificial additives.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by Pfizer
Category Immunity

Key ingredients 14

Fructose
Bad

Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to increased blood sugar levels and potential insulin resistance when consumed in excess. It is often used as a sweetener in processed foods, which can lead to overconsumption. High intake of fructose is associated with metabolic health issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption of fructose may lead to insulin resistance and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

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Sugar
Bad

Sugar is a common sweetener that can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities when consumed in large amounts. It is often added to processed foods to enhance flavor, leading to potential overconsumption. High sugar intake is linked to various health issues.

Risks

High sugar intake is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

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Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener or filler in many processed foods. It has a high glycemic index, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Its use in supplements is often to bulk up the product without adding nutritional value.

Risks

May cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels due to its high glycemic index.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in foods and supplements. It is generally recognized as safe and has no significant health concerns when consumed in typical amounts. It can enhance the flavor profile of products without adding calories.

Benefits

May enhance flavor and preserve freshness without adding calories.

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Beet Juice Concentrate
Neutral

Beet juice concentrate is used for natural coloring and may provide some antioxidants. It is a natural alternative to artificial colors, which can be beneficial for those avoiding synthetic additives. However, in small amounts, it does not significantly contribute to nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides natural color and may contain antioxidants.

Caramel Color
Bad

Caramel color is a widely used food coloring that can contain potentially harmful byproducts like 4-MEI, which has been linked to cancer in animal studies. It is often used to give a brown color to foods and beverages. The health concerns are primarily related to its manufacturing process and potential contaminants.

Risks

May contain 4-MEI, a byproduct linked to cancer in animal studies.

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Fruit Juice Concentrates
Neutral

Fruit juice concentrates are used for flavor and color, derived from natural fruit sources like blackberry, raspberry, and cherry. They provide a natural alternative to artificial flavors and colors. However, in concentrated form, they do not offer the same nutritional benefits as whole fruits.

Benefits

Provides natural flavor and color without artificial additives.

Glycine
Neutral

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role in protein synthesis and has potential calming effects. It is naturally found in protein-rich foods and is generally safe when consumed in typical amounts. While it may support certain bodily functions, its impact in supplement form is minimal.

Benefits

May support protein synthesis and have calming effects.

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L-Aspartic Acid
Neutral

L-Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid involved in the synthesis of other amino acids and neurotransmitters. It is naturally present in protein-rich foods and is generally considered safe. Its role in supplements is often to support metabolic processes.

Benefits

Supports amino acid synthesis and metabolic processes.

Malic Acid
Neutral

Malic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in fruits, used to enhance flavor and acidity in foods and supplements. It is generally recognized as safe and can improve the taste profile of products. Its presence in supplements is primarily for flavor enhancement.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acidity without significant health concerns.

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Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources, but their exact composition is often undisclosed. This lack of transparency can be concerning for consumers seeking to avoid certain additives. They are used to enhance flavor without adding nutritional value.

Risks

Lack of transparency in composition may be concerning for some consumers.

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Rebaudioside A
Neutral

Rebaudioside A is a steviol glycoside extracted from the stevia plant, used as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. It is considered safe and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics. Its use in supplements is primarily for sweetness without added calories.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without calories, suitable for diabetics.

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Silicon Dioxide
Neutral

Silicon dioxide is a common anti-caking agent used to prevent clumping in powdered products. It is generally recognized as safe and does not contribute to nutritional value. Its role is purely functional, ensuring product consistency.

Benefits

Ensures product consistency by preventing clumping.

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Tartaric Acid
Neutral

Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grapes, used to enhance flavor and acidity in foods and supplements. It is generally recognized as safe and can improve the taste profile of products. Its presence in supplements is primarily for flavor enhancement.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acidity without significant health concerns.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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