A Review of Emergen-C

As a sufferer of a chronic illness that causes extreme fatigue and pretty intense pain, I have read about and tried many "treatments" and "cures" that promise relief from my illness. While I haven't found anything that would qualify as a cure, I have found several products that do make life a little more bearable.

One of the first products I started using was Emergen-C. Emergen-C is a small packet of powdered vitamins/minerals that you add to water. It comes in a couple of different flavors -I think tangerine orange and maybe fruit punch. It makes a very lightly flavored, fizzy nutritional drink when mixed as directed. I usually add one packet to about 12 ounces of water (this is not as directed), and I end up with a glass of water with just a tiny hint of flavor.

Just how did I come across this product? I saw a small trial size packet of Emergen-C at a local discount/department store when I was waiting for a prescription to be processed. The packet was less than one dollar and looked like it would provide a good dose of all of my needed vitamins, so I decided to try it.

With the exhaustion I had been feeling on a daily basis, I thought, "What do I have to lose?" I purchased the trial package of "Emergen-C" and headed home. The package I purchased was the tangerine-orange flavor. The package described the powder as a "tangerine flavored fizzy drink mix."

The vitamins and minerals included in Emergen-C include 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C as its first ingredient. Also included are: Vitamin B6, B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Zinc, Calcium and several others.

The directions state that you should mix the packet's contents with 4 to 6 ounces of water. Upon doing this, I had a small glass of fizzy, tinted water. I drank it and determined that it did have a light tangerine flavor. As far as drinks that are known for their vitamins and minerals go, this one has a good taste. It really does make the water a little bit fizzy too!

The big question -Did it give me extra energy -or in my case, did it give me any energy at all? The answer --a resounding "YES!!!" I'll admit, I wasn't running, jumping or doing somersaults after drinking the Emergen-C, but I did feel like cleaning the kitchen. To put this in perspective, one has to realize that my illness completely drains me of any energy and just making it through a day at work is an accomplishment. Doing any housework after work just doesn't happen...but with Emergen-C, I did end up with a clean kitchen.

It took about 20 - 30 minutes for the drink to work and its effects lasted for about an hour. The packaging says that you can use the product 2 - 4 times a day. When my energy is really low, I'll use one or two packets a day. I take several other supplements and I don't want to overdo it with a few of them.

As far as the Emergen-C product goes, I will keep using it to gain quick bursts of energy. I also recommend it to others. After using my two packet trial pack, I purchased a box of the packets for less than ten dollars. I think there were 40 - 50 packets in the box.

All in all, the product is good for short bursts of energy. Now if I could just find a way to increase my energy level over the long term.