vitamin water and EmergenC

Hello Larry, EmergenC is an interesting product. It capitolizes on Linus Pauling's work promoting 50,000 mg of vitamin C per day, but neither Linus Pauling nor the company making EmergenC has ever published peer-reviewed scientific data showing that vitamin C in large amounts promotes health or performance. In fact, the lack of benefits of high doses of vitamin C is consistent with the findings of several labs [see Lui R, J Nutr 134 (2004) 34795] showing that large amounts of any one nutrient (whether they be from pommegranate, blueberries, vitamin C, or anything else) quickly saturate their benefits, forcing us to consume as large a variety of DIFFERENT nutrients to gain from all the DIFFERENT things in the body needing assistance in order to optimize health and performance. Also, EmergenC contains salts without sodium, so this product does not satisfy our electrolyte needs (i.e. from perspiration). Basic muscle physiology shows us that potassium (for elevated membrane potential) and magnesium (for chelation by ATP) are, by themselves, not particularly useful supplements (and potassium in large amounts is harmful because it not only reduces a calf cramp but also contractility of muscles in the heart). The manganese levels are high in this product as well, so if you also have manganese in other supplements in your day you may be higher than 2 times the daily RDA, which is crossing over into the "upper tolerable intake level" as defined by the US Dietary Reference Intakes (manganese causes neurological degeneration). My advice is to take no more than 1 serving of this product for the placebo effect it may give you (a boost in emotional energy that comes from taking any given product), but the science does not support its use. Vitamin waters suffer from some of the same problems, in addition to the fact that fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and D) are not absorbed into the body unless consumed with food that has fat in it so that the chylomicrons formed in the intestine can absorb and transport those vitamins into the body. In moderate amounts, these products are fine, so I am not advising against them. But until I see evidence to the contrary, it would be impossible to say that they are of benefit in any way. Nutrients in food provide the best complexity (combination) of the body's needs and the best vehicle for their absorption. Again, in no way am I stating not to consume this or other aqueous (water based) products. You clearly state that you are wanting such a product, and that desire should, in and of itself, constitute enough reason for your using it. Clyde

Hi Dr. Clyde- I have a question about www.emergenc.com I would like a vitamin supplement that I can drink as part of my hydration with 20-22oz of water. Do you think their vitamin supplement is appropriate for this? What is your general opinion of their products? Specifically the vitamin C booster and sports supplements? What would you recommend, if not these? Going to miss your talk with the Olympic club on Nov. 10th, but hope to see you soon. thanks much, -Larry, Berkeley Aquatic Masters and Bay swimmer

Comments

[sourceoutdoor]

I always love taking vitamin water. I feel energetic after taking it. It seems to be full of vitamins and good for diet.

[emu oil]

I agree there water is better i reckon..as for vitamins use a good diet...

[Marcy]

I have not read very good things about vitamin water- although it is perceived as a healthy beverage, it is actually loaded with sugar, with little proven benefit like you said. IMO, I would avoid products like this altogether- you're much better off with a glass of water and a vitamin.