Emergen-C

[Lil K]

I think most of you have heard of this product now, called "Emergen-C". It can be a little expensive, but I'd say it is worth the buy. Once you add a cup of water to the powder and drink it up, it's supposed to gives you a HUGE boost in Vitamin C and add a lot of electrolytes into your system. It is used mainly for home-use (ex: the common cold) but I find it is very good on the trail, too, if you are ever feeling stuffed up.

However, my point about this is, what do you think of Emergen-C? There's a big controversy as to whether this is a "hoax product" and doesn't work, or whether it works well and is beneficial to your body. I'd of course say it works very well, as I've used it first-hand many times... it seems to stop a cold right in its tracks! Post what you think, thanks for reading.

[pete lynch]

All I have found it good for is it helps you if you're feeling woozy from working in the heat
Most of that vitamin C gets passed through the system, not into it. Your body will only take so much of it.
I carry Gatorade powder.

[Rick]

Pete is correct. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. No matter how much you take your body will absorb what it needs and you'll excrete the rest in your urine. Your body cannot store Vitamin C.

[redromad]

I would like to add that there are adverse effects of to much Vitamin C. From the Mayo Clinic:

Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause:

•Diarrhea
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Heartburn
•Abdominal bloating and cramps
•Headache
•Insomnia
•Kidney stones

[hunter63]

What they said........
I wouldn't buy it.

[Lil K]

Thanks for posting everyone, I didn't know that about Vitamin C

I'll try and find some other cool powders to put in my bag when I camp (gatorade as mentioned)

[natertot]

I prefer the little packets of Propel, myself.

[1stimestar]

Emergen C is fine for if you need a boost of Vit. C (like when you feel a cold coming on.) It doesn't cure colds but can help your body fight them off. It's just a nice little boost but not a miracle drug. I keep them and we all use them when cold germs are going around. You really don't need them regularly unless you are in a situation where you are fighting off scurvy lol. Your body doesn't store Vit. C so if you get too much, it just passes through in your urine.

[pete lynch]

I like those little Propel tubes, also.

[BENESSE]

This works for me and I've heard other people say it too.
http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Oscillo...scillococcinum

[natertot]

I like those little Propel tubes, also.

My favorite backpacking bed time drink recipe.

6oz hot water (think "coffee temperature")
1 packet of lemonade propel
1-2oz Jack Daniels

A hot totty of sorts, but man, is it delicious!