Poking around after writing my earlier post comparing the vitamin C supplements Airborne and Emergen-C, I saw that quite a few posters were claiming that Airborne’s claims are hogwash and that an article from Scientific American proves it. Well, go read the article. It’s not very “sciency”, as Steven Colbert might say.

The author’s conclusions:

1. Airborne’s own study is suspect!
2. An Air Force lady says chicken soup is better for you!
3. With Airborne’s recommended dose, you could end up with a Vitamin A overdose.

The first two claims are not proof of anything. Can you say “anecdotal?” The third claim would hold water, IFF what he says about Vitamin A is true. However, the science is still not quite there. There’s a growing body of evidence that ties excessive Vitamin A consumption to osteoporosis, birth defects, and liver problems, but studies are in conflict, including those from respected institutions like the CDC.

I suppose that if you are that worried about Vitamin A, you could take Emergen-C instead (or nothing at all, for that matter). But don’t let a poorly written, poorly researched article like the one above be the reason why. Do your own due diligence.