Activate-C vs. Airborne vs. Emergen-C: what's in each serving

All three orange drink mixes promise immune support, and each starts with a big dose of vitamin C that you stir or drop into a glass of water. They differ in form, zinc and sugar content, extra vitamins, and where you can buy them.

What each drink contains

	Activate-C	Airborne Zesty Orange	Emergen-C Super Orange
Form	Powder packet	Effervescent tablet	Powder packet
Servings per box	20 packets (5 g each)	10, 20, or 30 tablets	30 packets
Vitamin C per serving	1,200 mg	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
Zinc per serving	15 mg	11 mg	2 mg
Other notable ingredients	7 mg vitamin E, 50 mg astragalus root, 25 mg aronia extract	38 mcg (1,500 IU) vitamin D, vitamins A and E, selenium, manganese, 35.5 mg herbal blend (echinacea and ginger), 230 mg sodium	20 mcg vitamin D3, 9.5 mg vitamin B6, 25 mcg vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium
Calories per serving	15	5	30
Sugars per serving	2 g	Not listed	6 g
Price	$19.00 regular, $12.99 for members (20 packets)	Not listed	Not listed
How you buy it	Through Melaleuca's online store, with member pricing	On the Schiff Vitamins site	On the Emergen-C site

Prices change, so check each maker's site for the current number.

What's in Activate-C?

Melaleuca describes Activate-C as "A blast of orange flavor with an exclusive blend of vitamins and natural extracts," made to "support, rejuvenate, and refresh your immune system." Each packet has 1,200 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of zinc, 7 mg of vitamin E, 50 mg of astragalus root extract, and 25 mg of aronia (black chokeberry) extract.

The zinc comes as zinc amino acid oligofructose complex, which Melaleuca calls its Oligo form. Mix one packet into 6 to 8 fl oz of water. The label says it can also be mixed with hot water and states that the drink is gluten-free.

Each box holds 20 packets of 5 g each. The regular price is $19.00, and members pay $12.99. The label advises anyone who is pregnant or nursing, takes medication, or is under 18 to consult a physician.

What's in Airborne Zesty Orange?

Schiff Vitamins calls its Zesty Orange effervescent tablets its "most complete immune support formula yet," with "seven key ingredients all with a daily value of 20% or higher: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Manganese." Each daily serving also contains 35.5 mg of the brand's herbal blend, including echinacea and ginger.

One tablet has 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 11 mg of zinc, and 38 mcg (1,500 IU) of vitamin D, the most of the three. It also has just 5 calories, the lowest count of the three. Airborne's listed sweeteners are sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and each tablet has 230 mg of sodium.

Adults and children 9 years and up should drop one tablet in 4 to 6 oz of water. Let it dissolve for about a minute, then drink. It is not for younger children.

What Emergen-C Super Orange contains

Emergen-C Super Orange delivers 1,000 mg of vitamin C per packet, the same dose as Airborne. Its B vitamins set it apart. The label lists 9.5 mg of vitamin B6 and 25 mcg of vitamin B12 per packet. It also has 20 mcg of vitamin D3, plus magnesium and potassium. The brand says those B vitamins are for "natural energy support."

Each packet has 6 g of sugars, all listed as added sugars, and 30 calories, the most of the three. Other ingredients include fructose and the acids citric and malic. The label also lists natural flavors and, for color, less than 2% beta-carotene. Each box holds 30 packets.

People ages 14 and up should stir one packet daily into 4 to 6 oz of water. The label says not to exceed the suggested use, and the mix is not formulated for children under 14. Emergen-C's site notes that the mix is caffeine-free. People who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication should ask a healthcare provider before using it.

Which one fits your household?

Activate-C has 1,200 mg of vitamin C per packet, more than either competitor. Its 15 mg of zinc also tops Airborne's 11 mg and Emergen-C's 2 mg. Each serving also has just 15 calories and 2 g of sugar. Melaleuca sells it through its online store, where members pay less. The guide to Melaleuca's vitamins and supplements covers the wider line.

Airborne is the broadest formula of the three, pairing vitamin C and zinc with vitamin D, vitamin A, selenium, and manganese. Its directions cover children as young as 9, which may matter if you keep one bottle for the whole family.

Emergen-C has 9.5 mg of B6 and 25 mcg of B12 per packet. Its 30-count box lasts a month at one packet a day. Each packet has 6 g of sugar, and the directions start at age 14.

All three are dietary supplements. The FDA has not evaluated their statements. These supplements are not intended to prevent or treat disease. Ask your doctor about doses or medication interactions, especially if a child will use one.

Questions parents ask

How do you mix each one? For Activate-C, mix one packet into 6 to 8 fl oz of water, hot or cold. Airborne takes one tablet in 4 to 6 oz of water; let it dissolve for about a minute. Stir one Emergen-C packet into 4 to 6 oz of water. Add more water to any of them for a lighter flavor.

Who can take them? Airborne's directions start at age 9, while Emergen-C's start at age 14. Activate-C's label advises anyone under 18, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing, to check with a physician. Before buying, check the labels against the ages of the people who will use them.

Where do you buy each one? Melaleuca sells Activate-C through its online store, with a lower price for members. You can buy Airborne and Emergen-C on their makers' websites; check the site or the shelf for the current price.

Sources

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Melaleuca Activate-C vs. Airborne vs. Emergen-C: what's in each serving

Activate-C, Airborne and Emergen-C