Emergen-C Brand Adding Probiotics to Product Line

Photo from Emergen-C. 

Alacer Corp. (Lake Forest, CA), a subsidiary of drug firm Pfizer, is adding probiotic products to its longstanding range of Emergen-C powdered vitamin drink mixes. A company representative told Nutritional Outlook that Emergen-C Probiotics+, which comprises Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 probiotic strains, provides immune support by feeding good bacteria to the gut microbiome. 

Alpa Shah, director, U.S. medical affairs, Pfizer Consumer, said that today’s consumers are more aware than ever before about the importance of probiotics and gut health for overall wellbeing. Said Shah: “Digestive issues, no matter how big or small, can have an impact on how an individual feels and how they function or perform everyday activities like working, exercising, and even sleeping. In fact, your gut actually makes up 70% of your immune system, so maintaining a healthy gut directly influences your overall immune health.”

He added that the gut is lined with immune cells and bacteria, which interact on a continual basis. Factors like stress, poor diet, and travel, however, can affect the balance of good to bad bacteria in the body. Probiotics can help to add beneficial bacteria back to the gut, and to “create a more favorable internal environment.”  He said that Emergen-C Probiotics+ features two of the “most studied” strains of probiotics to support immune health. Emergen-C Probiotics+ also provides a boost of vitamin C.

Emergen-C is an ideal product for consumers who take a holistic approach to wellness, he said, and who lead a healthy and active lifestyle-whether they are athletes or simply health-conscious individuals.

The drink mix, which comes in orange and raspberry flavors, will be available at Amazon, Target, CVS, and Walmart on April 20.