Emergen-C Sleep Health Ingredients

Emergen-C is a popular line of supplements available in many grocery and drug stores. The Emergen-C supplements have a base of vitamin C for improved immunity and reduction of free radicals that can contribute to fatigue and disease. Different formulations of Emergen-C are available, in addition to assorted flavors of the powdered product. Emergen-C gained popularity for its convenient package, a flavored powder that dissolves in water to produce a fizzy drink. Emergen-C Sleep Health is a specialty formulation designed to promote rest at bedtime while providing essential vitamins and minerals for improved health.

Significance

• The Emergen-C brand of dietary supplements are manufactured by the Alacer Corporation as flavored powders containing vitamin C. These powders contained natural ingredients and when added to water, produced an effervescence (fizziness). The packets are convenient for many people to dissolve in water and the flavors appeal to a range of ages. As a popular and easy preparation, the Emergen-C powders were expanded to include dissolved minerals and specialty formulations such as the Sleep Health product.

Ingredients

• Emergen-C products contain vitamin C, minerals and electrolytes. This combination enhances the body's energy and immunity to combat stress and disease. While most Emergen-C products are in powder form, the Emergen-C Sleep Health formulation is a tablet to be taken at bedtime.

  The nutritional label identifies three tablets as a serving. Each serving contains 1,860 mg of vitamin C, 12 mg of vitamin B6, 105 mg of calcium, 100 mg of magnesium and 1 mg of melatonin. Additional ingredients include fiber (e.g., psyllium husk), cellulose and binders for tablet production.

Effects

• The effects of supplemental vitamin C are to support the immune system and reduce free radicals formed during normal cellular processes. Calcium and magnesium are essential for bone and blood vessel formation. Vitamin B6 is a biologic factor promoting protein metabolism, nervous system function and immunity, in addition to maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in the pineal gland to regulate the body's circadian rhythm of activity and rest. Melatonin supplementation promotes relaxation, helping users relax and go to sleep.

Considerations

• Supplemental vitamins and minerals are valuable for maintaining good health, especially given environmental stresses and diet. Excessive amounts of vitamin C are excreted through the urine, and proper water intake is recommended to flush out toxins and prevent accumulation. Natural sleep substances such as melatonin are not considered addictive; however, care should be taken to avoid psychological dependency on any substance, or taking excessive dosages.

Potential

• Nutritional substances are beneficial at most times of the day. A supplement enhanced with melatonin can help users get to sleep more readily (sleep latency). One mg of melatonin is considered a safe dose to promote sleep within 30 to 60 minutes. As a sleep aid, melatonin does not produce a lethargic effect typically observed with drugs such as antihistamines. Emergen-C Sleep Health can contribute to a healthy habit of taking dietary supplements, drinking water and, as needed, taking natural products to promote rest and regeneration.