Emergen-C is an effervescent, powdered drink mix vitamin supplement manufactured by Alacer Corp. The Emergen-C product line was introduced in 1978.[1] Alacer was established as a private company in 1972, focusing on vitamin supplements containing vitamin C. The company was acquired by Pfizer in 2012. In 2019, Pfizer consumer healthcare entered a joint venture with GSK.[2] [3] The brand is owned by Haleon since 18 July 2022.
It contains, depending on the variety, 16 times the vitamin C, 4 times the vitamin B12, and 5 times the vitamin B6 of the USDA Reference Daily Intake based on a 2000-calorie diet. Some versions include calcium, glucosamine, quercetin or lycopene.
Pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) moved forward on plans to close its manufacturing plant in Carlisle, Pennsylvania by mid-2021, several regional news organizations reported in 2012. Production of Emergen-C powdered vitamin C supplement drink mix products at the site was to be shifted to a facility in Puerto Rico.[4]
GMO ingredients are used. The Alacer website states: "We have chosen to source materials that are non-GMO whenever possible. That being said, we cannot guarantee that all of our raw materials are sourced from non-GMO ingredients and do not currently have this requirement in place for our vendors". Most products do not contain animal-derived ingredients, but certain products contain chondroitin from cows, honey, and vitamin D3 from wool.[5]
In December 2013, a superior court judge preliminarily approved a $6.45 million settlement to a class action filed against Alacer Corp. for allegedly deceptively marketing the supplement Emergen-C. The complaint, which was filed earlier in the year, alleges that the company misleadingly represents that the supplement provides health benefits – including reducing the risk of or preventing colds and flu – without scientific evidence to support such claims. According to the settlement terms, class members may receive a refund of up to $36 with proof of purchase. (Wong et al v. Alacer Corp., Case No. CGC-12-519221, Superior Court of California County of San Francisco.) A superior court judge gave final approval of the settlement to this lawsuit in June 2014.[6]
In 1997, Alacer established The Emergen-C Fund, which has raised more than $650,000.This fund provides support to Vitamin Angels, Surfrider Foundation, Keep A Breast Foundation, Young Survival Coalition, and Whole Foods' Whole Planet Foundation.[7]
Alacer sponsors Operation Gratitude, a volunteer organization that has sent care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.[1]
In 2008 Emergen-C teamed up with surf artist Jay Alders to create art for the packaging of their new product/flavor, Emergen-C Blue, with 25 cents donated to Surfrider Foundation for each box sold.[8] [9]