How Much Vitamin C is in Airborne Immune Support?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the product’s label, a standard serving of Airborne contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C. This is a high-potency dose, significantly exceeding the recommended daily intake for most adults. The total amount can vary slightly depending on the specific Airborne formulation, such as chewables versus effervescent tablets, but the 1,000 mg dose is a consistent feature across many core products.

Quick Summary

An Airborne serving provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C, which is a significant dose that far surpasses typical daily requirements. Different product forms, like effervescent or chewable, maintain this amount per serving. Consumers can take up to three servings daily, but should be mindful of the 2,000 mg upper limit.

Key Points

1,000 mg per serving: Most Airborne products contain 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C in a single serving.
Serving size varies: The number of tablets constituting a serving differs by product type, such as one effervescent tablet or four chewable tablets.
Well above RDI: A single serving of Airborne provides a dose of vitamin C that is many times greater than the Recommended Dietary Intake for adults.
Combined with other nutrients: In addition to vitamin C, Airborne's formula includes other vitamins, minerals (like zinc), and a proprietary herbal blend.
Not clinically proven: Airborne has not been clinically proven to prevent or cure the common cold, despite its marketing.
Observe upper limits: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day for adults, a figure to be mindful of, especially when considering taking multiple servings.
Potential side effects: High doses of vitamin C can cause side effects like digestive issues in some individuals.

Airborne's Vitamin C Content Explained

For many, Airborne is a go-to supplement during cold season, but understanding its nutritional content, especially how much vitamin C is in Airborne, is key. Most standard Airborne products, such as the effervescent tablets and chewable varieties, are formulated to deliver 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per serving. For effervescent tablets, a single tablet constitutes one serving, while for chewables, a serving often consists of four tablets. This high dosage is a primary selling point, aimed at those looking for a potent immune system boost.

Comparing Airborne's Vitamin C to Daily Needs

To put Airborne's vitamin C content into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to the standard recommended daily intake (RDI). The RDI for adults is typically much lower than what a single Airborne serving provides. For example, the NIH recommends 90 mg for adult men and 75 mg for adult women. A single 1,000 mg serving is more than ten times the RDI, and some products suggest taking up to three servings per day. While vitamin C is water-soluble and excess is typically flushed out by the body, this high dosage can be a consideration for some individuals with specific health conditions. The established Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults is 2,000 mg per day.

Other Immune-Supporting Ingredients in Airborne

Beyond just vitamin C, Airborne includes a blend of other vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts intended to support overall immune function. This synergistic approach is a key differentiator from standalone vitamin C supplements. Some of these additional ingredients include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Manganese. Herbal components like Echinacea and Ginger are also common in the formula. It's the combination of these ingredients, not just the high dose of vitamin C, that Airborne markets for immune health.

Vitamins A and E: These act as powerful antioxidants, working alongside vitamin C to protect cells from free radical damage.
Zinc: A crucial mineral for immune cell function, zinc is an important part of Airborne's blend.
Herbal Blend: The proprietary herbal mixture, including Echinacea and Ginger, is believed to contribute to overall wellness.

Is More Vitamin C Always Better?

While the prospect of boosting your immune system with a large dose of vitamin C might seem appealing, it's important to consider the potential for side effects. Taking excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause digestive upset, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. For those with a history of kidney stones, high doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of recurrence. The body's ability to absorb and utilize vitamin C reaches a saturation point, meaning that doses beyond what the body needs may not provide additional benefits. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially with high-dose products.

The Airborne vs. Emergen-C Comparison

Airborne is often compared to other immune support products, most notably Emergen-C. Both offer a high dose of vitamin C per serving (1,000 mg), but they differ in their additional ingredients and formulations. Airborne contains a proprietary herbal blend, while the original Emergen-C formula relies more heavily on B vitamins. Emergen-C also typically has more added sugar than Airborne. Neither product has been definitively proven effective in clinical trials to prevent or cure the common cold. The choice between them often comes down to individual preference for taste, sweeteners, and specific ingredients.


Feature	Airborne Effervescent Tablet	Emergen-C Original Packet
Vitamin C per serving	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
Zinc	Excellent source	Excellent source (varying amounts by product)
Herbal Blend	Yes (e.g., Echinacea, Ginger)	No (in original formula)
B Vitamins	Lower levels	Higher levels
Sugar	Often sugar-free or low sugar	Can contain more sugar (check label)
Claim Support	Not clinically proven to prevent colds	Not clinically proven to prevent colds

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Airborne's Vitamin C

In conclusion, Airborne provides a high dose of vitamin C, typically 1,000 mg per serving, in combination with other antioxidants, minerals, and herbal extracts. While this is a significant amount that exceeds standard daily requirements, it is generally considered safe for most adults when taken within the recommended limits. However, it's crucial to understand that no supplement, including Airborne, has been clinically proven to cure or prevent the common cold. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C from whole foods, alongside healthy lifestyle habits, remains the most effective strategy for overall immune support. Supplements like Airborne can be used as an additional measure, but consulting a healthcare provider before starting is a smart precaution, especially for those with existing health conditions or who are taking other medications.

Visit AirborneHealth.com for more product information

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard Airborne products, including the popular effervescent and chewable tablets, contain 1,000 mg of vitamin C per serving. However, the serving size itself might differ; for instance, one effervescent tablet is a single serving, whereas a serving of chewables is typically four tablets.

While 1,000 mg is significantly more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C, it is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. The established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 2,000 mg per day, so a single serving is well within this limit.

Some Airborne product directions suggest taking up to three servings per day, but it is important to not exceed the 2,000 mg daily upper limit for vitamin C. Taking multiple high doses could increase the risk of side effects like digestive upset.

There is some evidence that high-dose vitamin C can slightly reduce the duration and severity of a cold, but it has not been proven to prevent them altogether. The Federal Trade Commission has previously fined Airborne for making unsubstantiated claims about preventing colds.

Beyond vitamin C, Airborne products contain a blend of other vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Common ingredients include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, and a proprietary herbal blend with Echinacea and Ginger.

Both Airborne and Emergen-C typically contain 1,000 mg of vitamin C per serving. The main differences lie in their complementary ingredients. Airborne includes herbs like Echinacea, while Emergen-C's original formula features a more extensive array of B vitamins.

While generally safe, high doses of vitamin C can potentially cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches in some individuals. Those with a history of kidney stones should be cautious, as high doses can increase risk.