What are the side effects of sodium ascorbate immunpro?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 50% of supplement users do not report their supplement use to their doctor, which can lead to potential health risks, especially concerning side effects and interactions. Taking Immunpro, which contains sodium ascorbate and zinc, is generally safe when following the recommended dosage, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects, particularly if taken in high doses or by individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Quick Summary

Immunpro, a supplement with sodium ascorbate and zinc, can cause mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, cramps, and diarrhea, particularly with high intake. More serious risks exist with overdose, including kidney stone formation from excessive vitamin C and copper deficiency from too much zinc. Consultation with a doctor is advised, especially for those on a sodium-restricted diet or with kidney conditions.

Key Points

Mild GI Issues: Common side effects of Immunpro include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, cramps, and heartburn, especially with higher dosages.
Risk of Overdose: Taking too much of the supplement can lead to vitamin C-related issues like kidney stones and zinc-related problems like copper deficiency.
Buffered Vitamin C: Sodium ascorbate is less acidic than standard ascorbic acid, making Immunpro easier on the stomach for individuals with digestive sensitivity.
Sodium Content: Individuals on sodium-restricted diets should be cautious, as each tablet contains a small amount of sodium from the sodium ascorbate.
Precautions for Health Conditions: People with pre-existing kidney problems or on certain medications should consult a doctor before use to avoid complications or interactions.
Monitor for Severe Symptoms: Although rare, severe side effects like anaphylaxis are possible. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain, rash, or breathing difficulties occur.
Stay Hydrated: To help prevent complications like kidney stones from high vitamin C intake, maintaining adequate fluid intake is recommended.

Immunpro is a popular nutritional supplement containing sodium ascorbate (a form of vitamin C) and zinc, formulated to support immune function. While generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, its individual components can cause side effects, with the severity increasing at high or prolonged intake. Being aware of these potential effects is crucial for safe supplementation.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects of Immunpro and its components are gastrointestinal. This is particularly true when taking high doses of vitamin C, even in the less acidic sodium ascorbate form.

Gastrointestinal discomfort: Nausea, stomach cramps, heartburn, and diarrhea are common, especially at higher intake levels. Taking the supplement with food can help mitigate these effects.
Fatigue and sleepiness: High doses of vitamin C have been associated with fatigue, flushing, insomnia, and sleepiness in some individuals.
Headaches: Mild headaches are another potential side effect linked to high vitamin C and zinc intake.
Metallic taste: Excessive zinc can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

Risks Associated with High Doses

Exceeding the recommended dosage for extended periods significantly increases the risk of more serious health issues related to both vitamin C and zinc.

Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) Overdose

Prolonged intake of more than 2 grams of vitamin C per day can lead to more severe symptoms.

Kidney stone formation: High doses increase urinary oxalate levels, raising the risk of kidney stones, particularly in susceptible individuals. The risk is elevated in people with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease.
Digestive issues: Doses over 1 gram daily can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Other effects: Rare reports include gastrointestinal obstruction and esophagitis with very high doses.

Zinc Overdose

Acute toxicity from high zinc doses (over 200 mg daily) or long-term supplementation over 50 mg daily presents distinct risks.

Copper and iron deficiency: Long-term, high-dose zinc supplementation can interfere with the absorption of copper and iron, potentially leading to anemia.
Reduced HDL cholesterol: Doses over 150 mg daily have been linked to a reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a marker of good cholesterol.
Gastrointestinal damage: Gastric erosion is another potential side effect of very high daily zinc doses.

Comparison of Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Ascorbate Side Effects

Sodium ascorbate is a buffered form of vitamin C, which is often promoted as being gentler on the stomach than ascorbic acid. The following table highlights the key differences in how these two forms are tolerated.


Feature	Ascorbic Acid (Standard Vitamin C)	Sodium Ascorbate (Buffered Vitamin C)
Acidity Level	Highly acidic	Buffered, less acidic
Stomach Tolerance	May cause irritation, heartburn, and upset stomach, especially on an empty stomach.	Gentle on the stomach; less likely to cause irritation or gastric distress.
Digestive Symptoms	More prone to causing nausea, cramps, and diarrhea with high intake.	Less likely to cause GI discomfort with standard doses, though high doses can still lead to symptoms.
Sodium Content	Contains no sodium.	Contains sodium (Immunpro tablets contain 65 mg).
Best For	People without stomach sensitivity and those needing rapid absorption.	Individuals with sensitive stomachs, GERD, or digestive issues.

Important Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Immunpro, consider several precautions to ensure safe use, especially since it is a combination supplement.

Sodium-restricted diet: Individuals on sodium-restricted diets must consult a doctor, as each Immunpro tablet contains 65 mg of sodium from the sodium ascorbate.
Pre-existing kidney conditions: Those with a history of kidney stones, kidney impairment, or hypercalciuria should use caution and seek medical advice.
Hypersensitivity: Do not use if allergic to any components, including ascorbic acid or zinc compounds.
Medication interactions: Zinc can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines). Always inform a doctor of all current medications, including supplements.
Adhere to dosage: Never exceed the recommended daily dose of one tablet unless directed by a physician.

Rare but Severe Side Effects

In very rare cases, more severe reactions can occur, although these are typically linked to extreme overdose or pre-existing conditions.

Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, is possible, though rare.
Autoimmune issues: Long-term, very high doses of supplements have, in isolated cases, been theorized to affect immune function, though this is not a widespread risk with standard use.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome: An extremely rare but serious skin reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, has been mentioned in connection with some supplement ingredients but is not a common risk.

When to Consult a Doctor

While most side effects are mild and resolve with a dosage reduction, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical consultation.

Persistent or severe gastrointestinal issues.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of zinc overdose, including fever, severe nausea, or metallic taste.
Pain during urination or other symptoms suggestive of kidney stone formation.
Unexpected or severe fatigue, muscle aches, or mood changes.

Conclusion

Sodium ascorbate Immunpro is a safe and effective supplement for many people when taken as directed. Its use of buffered vitamin C makes it a milder alternative for those with sensitive stomachs, but it is not without potential side effects. The majority of adverse reactions are mild and gastrointestinal in nature. However, the risk of more serious issues, such as kidney stones or copper deficiency, increases significantly with prolonged high-dose intake. Adhering to the recommended dosage, being aware of potential risks, and consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, are the best practices for safe supplementation. If adverse effects occur, it is essential to seek medical advice for proper management.

Visit the official Unilab product page for further information

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common side effects of Immunpro are mild gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, stomach cramps, heartburn, and diarrhea, which are more likely to occur with higher doses.

Yes, sodium ascorbate is a buffered form of vitamin C and is generally considered gentler on the stomach than ascorbic acid, making it a better option for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Yes, prolonged intake of high doses of vitamin C (over 2g/day) can increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly in people with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Excessive zinc intake (over 50 mg/day long-term or over 200 mg acutely) can lead to side effects such as copper and iron deficiency, anemia, and reduced HDL cholesterol.

You should consult a doctor before taking Immunpro if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. Each tablet contains 65 mg of sodium from the sodium ascorbate.

Yes, zinc can interact with certain medications. For example, it can decrease the absorption of some antibiotics. It is important to inform your doctor of all supplements and medications you are taking.

You should stop taking Immunpro and consult a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, a rash, difficulty breathing, or any other severe or persistent adverse effects.

Some individuals taking high doses of vitamin C, as found in Immunpro, have reported experiencing fatigue, insomnia, or sleepiness.