Berocca New Formula Comparison Review 12-2020 by JimRode

I use Berocca daily...especially during the pandemic. Having that vitamin C and zinc is important (in my opinion) for good immunity health.

Note: I am not a doctor or scientist or vitamin expert by any means. I am a fan of Berocca, but consult your own doctor for proper advice.

I've been having a little trouble getting the Berocca tablets recently...and I assumed it was because of the covid pandemic.

Last week, I found a source on the Internet for Berocca "New Formula" and jumped to secure it. It is Berocca, it is a new formula, and I have a comparison.

New Packaging:

My stash of Berocca came in a plastic tube of 10 daily doses wrapped in foil. The new supply "new formula" comes in a 15 count tube without foil. The tube cap does seem to have an air secure cap.

New Expiration:

My old stash of Berocca is good through April of 2023. The new formula seems to be good through May of 2022 - nearly a year shorter. Is this due to Bayer's (product source) early buildup for the supply chain? Personally, I doubt that much time lag. I'm making an amateur guess that the lack of foil in the packaging makes for a manufacturing expense savings but in turn, diminishes the product potency over time. Thus, the shortening of the "Best Use" date.

Formula Change: (in comparing box labels, please note that the Old Box uses "% of daily value" while New Box uses % NRV (Nutrient Reference Value)

Aspartame has been removed according to the Berocca website.

Vitamin C     Old Formula 1000mg (1111% of daily value)   New Formula 500mg (625% of NRV)

B6               Old Formula 10mg (588% of daily value)         New Formula 8.22mg (587% of NRV)

Folic Acid (folate B9) Old Formula 665mcg (166%)              New formula 400ug (200% of NRV)

Magnesium   Old Formula 50mg (12%)                               New formula 100mg (27% of NRV)

Calcium        Old Formula 50mg (4%)                                 New formula 100mg (13% of NRV)

Additionally, beetroot juice is used as a coloring agent...that's natural and good. Each tablet is 7 calories.

My humble conclusion: 

1. Diet is more important than vitamins, but vitamins taken in a reasonable, safe amount are okay too.

2. Magnesium helps the body regulate nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. The amount in each tablet seems to have been reduced.

3. Vitamin C seems to have been reduced by about half. Vitamin C helps in development and repair of body tissue. It is a part of the formation of collagen, iron absorption and the immune system. It helps hear our wounds. It helps maintain bones, teeth and cartilage. Since the percentage of Vitamin C per tablet is 625% of a daily requirement, I'm sticking with Berocca. Excess C likely exists the body anyway. I make an effort to eat my green veggies and fruit anyway to be sure I get my daily C.

4. Now this part is personal practice. I break each tablet in half and add to ice water in the morning. In the afternoon, I take the other half. It is not recommended to take more than one tablet a day. Stay safe and follow directions! (And during the pandemic, wear your mask!)