When you want to strengthen your immune system and avoid getting sick, you might consider using supplements like Airborne and Emergen-C. These well-known products claim to give you extra vitamin C and other nutrients to help you stay healthy. But what makes Airborne different from Emergen-C? And which one should you choose?
What is Airborne?
Airborne is a supplement for the immune system. It was created by a teacher named Victoria Knight-McDowell. It contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other ingredients that are said to help the immune system work better and make colds shorter and less severe.
The supplement contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, the B vitamin riboflavin (vitamin B2), minerals such as zinc, and herbs such as Japanese honeysuckle, forsythia, Schizonepeta (Japanese catnip), ginger, Chinese vitex, isatis root, and echinacea.
You can get them as tablets, gummies, or powders. You can take Airborne when you first feel like you’re getting sick to help your immune system fight off the cold or flu. You can also take Airborne every day, especially during the cold and flu seasons.
What is Emergen-C?
Emergen-C is a supplement that helps your immune system. It can be taken as powder, gummies, or chewable. Like Airborne, it contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients.
The supplement includes antioxidant vitamin C, B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12), and minerals such as zinc.
You can take Emergen-C every day as a supplement, or you can take it when you feel like you’re getting sick to help boost your immune system. Also. It is generally safe to use Emergen-C while pregnant, but always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Emergen C and Airborne Side Effects
Airborne is usually safe, and the manufacturer doesn’t list any side effects.
However, if you consume too much, you may encounter negative effects due to the high vitamin C level. Each serving contains 1,000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. It’s recommended not to exceed 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day.
Taking too much vitamin C can lead to:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Heartburn
On the other hand, Emerge C is generally safe, but taking too much can cause issues. A single serving contains 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 25 micrograms of B12.
High doses of these vitamins can lead to:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
Also, vitamin C might reduce the amount of vitamin B12 in your body, so it’s best to take them separately. The supplement also contains 10 milligrams of vitamin B6. High amounts of B6 can harm nerves, causing tingling in your hands and feet.
Airborne vs. Emergen C: The Comparison
Airborne and Emergen-C are popular supplements for boosting the immune system. They are used to support health, particularly during the cold and flu seasons. However, some differences can help you choose the right one for you.
Key Ingredients
- Airborne comprises antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), the B vitamin riboflavin (vitamin B2), minerals including zinc, and herbs such as Japanese honeysuckle, forsythia, Schizonepeta (Japanese catnip), ginger, Chinese vitex, isatis root, and echinacea.
- Emergen-C provides vitamin C for antioxidants, B vitamins (thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12)), and zinc for minerals.
Intended Use
- Airborne is frequently taken at the first symptoms of a cold or flu to boost immune function.
- Emergen-C is marketed as both a daily dietary supplement and an immune booster, to be taken regularly or when feeling under the weather.
Additional Benefits
- Airborne’s herbal blend sets it apart, offering potential additional benefits beyond immune support.
Emergen-C includes electrolytes, which may be beneficial for hydration and overall health.
Taste
- Airborne and Emergen-C come in different flavors, so taste preference can also be a factor in choosing between them.
Cost
- The website for the company that makes Airborne Immune Support Powder Packets lists the price as $14 for 20 packets, which is less than $1.50 per dose.
- The Emergen-C Immune+ Super Orange costs, depending on the store, around $6 for 10 packets, which is about $0.60 per serving.
Emergen C vs. Airborne: Which supplement should you use?
Airborne and Emergen-C are both well-known vitamins that help the immune system. Airborne comes in various forms and contains a mix of ingredients, while Emergen-C is a supplement with a simpler blend. What you choose might depend on what you want and how much money you have. Before taking a new supplement, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.