jenniferkateab's Full Review: Northwest Natural Products Vitafusion Power C Gumm...
I'm a Vitamin C evangelist, always recommending Vitamin C to my friends and family to ward off colds and possibly even influenza (flu). With H1N1 taking the country by storm this fall, even my son got the bug a few weeks ago. After my son's Flu was confirmed at the Drs. office, I stocked up on Vitamin C drinks and gummy vitamins. I chose vitafusion Power C Immune Boost Gummy Vitamins for Adults because I am convinced Gummy vitamins are the easiest and most pleasant way of consuming supplements.
My bottle of vitafusion Power C Gummy Vitamins contains 70 soft, moist, and squishy orange vitamins. The vitamins are shaped like mini-orange slices about 1/2 " long. They are so easy to chew and swallow and release a bold orange flavor into your mouth. Unlike some gummy candy, these vitamins don't stick to my teeth or gums, and they don't have a sugary coating like some gummy vitamins do. A serving size of two gummy C vitamins contains 240 milligrams of Vitamin C, which provides "more immune-boosting vitamin C than three oranges". The orange taste leaves a slightly acidic aftertaste in my mouth which lingers for several minutes. I don't mind the aftertaste, but I notice it more if I drink coffee right away. So, I wait a few minutes before drinking my coffee or eating breakfast.
Vitafusion Power C gummy vitamins contain two types of Vitamin C: ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate. They also contain 20 micrograms of Rose Hips, which is another source of Vitamin C. Unlike most candies, these gummies are completely natural, which means no artificial colors or flavors. They are colored with annatto extract, which is derived from the Achiote seed native to the Phillipines. Since my kids are each over age 10, I gave them one vitafusion Power C Gummy Vitamin each day. For awhile, my daughter did resist getting the Flu from her brother, but when I stopped giving her a daily Vitamin C boost, she came down with a cold about a week later. There is no evidence to say that the two events are related, however.
According to some internet sources, the evidence that Vitamin C really helps ward off colds and flu is not conclusive. About.com says:
"There is no current scientific evidence to support the idea that taking large doses of vitamin C will prevent or reduce the symptoms of colds or flu."
Then again, on the "pro" side of the argument, health guru Gary Null is convinced that Vitamin C, well known as an anti-oxidant, is practically a miracle worker. He says on his website, garynull.com:
"In the 65 years since its discovery, vitamin C has come to be known as a "wonder worker." It's easy to see why: In addition to its role in collagen formation and other life-sustaining functions, vitamin C serves as a key immune system nutrient and a potent free-radical fighter. This double-duty nutrient has been shown to prevent many illnesses, from everyday ailments such as the common cold to devastating diseases such as cancer."
I will leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusion about the efficacy of Vitamin C during the cold and flu season (which, thanks to H1N1 is now year-round). Personally, I have taken vitafusion Power C Gummy Vitamins almost daily since my son got the flu and, so far, I have managed to ward off a cold or flu (knock on wood and spit against the evil-eye, as my grandma would say). If nothing else, taking these very pleasant tasting, practically candy-flavored vitamins is a pleasant way to get a daily boost of Vitamin C, which is important in daily nutrition.
Just be sure to keep these away from small kids who might ingest them, thinking they are candy. Luckily, a safety lid may help prevent young children from obtaining them. The recommended dose is only two per day, and even though they taste great, there is a warning not to exceed that dosage!
Just in case you're wondering, the ingredients in vitafusion Power C Gummy Vitamins are: glucose syrup, sucrose, gelatin, natural flavor, fractionated coconut oil, citric acid, color (annatto extract), lactic acid and beeswax. Safe for folks with wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, peanuts or soy allergies.
Power C Gummy Vitamins, Absolutely Orange, 70 Gummies Find a wide variety of Vitamins at drugstore.com, where you get 5% back and free shipping!More at drugstore.com
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.