Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.4
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 25 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
1,000 mg
1,111%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
We assessed the longstanding debate about vitamin C’s effectiveness in treating the common cold. This exploration reveals that evidence has consistently indicated that vitamin C can indeed help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in certain circumstances.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
8
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
Most Useful Reviews
9
Symptoms vanish quickly
5 people found this helpful
This vitamin C is fantastic for adults! At the first signs of a common cold, I take one pill and feel completely fine by morning. I also take it with collagen for better absorption. I don't take it regularly for prevention, as it doesn’t accumulate in the body.
9
Key health micronutrient
5 people found this helpful
I will certainly repurchase these vitamins. Vitamin C is crucial as it cannot be synthesised by our bodies and plays a vital role in various biochemical reactions and defence mechanisms. As it's highly unstable, I prefer dietary supplements. They significantly aid in preventing the common cold and are excellent overall!
9
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
I purchased these vitamins for when I experienced hypothermia or someone at work showed signs of a common cold. Following my doctor's advice, I took 2 capsules initially, then 1 capsule daily for about a week. I didn’t experience any side effects, and my health improved!
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.4
- All Researches
9
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin C as a supplementary treatment for relieving common cold symptoms. By analyzing data from 10 randomized controlled trials, all focused on patients in China, we sought to understand how combining vitamin C with antiviral therapy might enhance recovery.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.
While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.
While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
8
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
We assessed the longstanding debate about vitamin C’s effectiveness in treating the common cold. This exploration reveals that evidence has consistently indicated that vitamin C can indeed help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in certain circumstances.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
8
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
7
We investigated how vitamin C affects the common cold, focusing on its potential for prevention and treatment. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population when taken at doses over 1 g/day, it has been beneficial for individuals engaging in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 25 Reviews
7.9
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Symptoms vanish quickly
5 people found this helpful
This vitamin C is fantastic for adults! At the first signs of a common cold, I take one pill and feel completely fine by morning. I also take it with collagen for better absorption. I don't take it regularly for prevention, as it doesn’t accumulate in the body.
9
Key health micronutrient
5 people found this helpful
I will certainly repurchase these vitamins. Vitamin C is crucial as it cannot be synthesised by our bodies and plays a vital role in various biochemical reactions and defence mechanisms. As it's highly unstable, I prefer dietary supplements. They significantly aid in preventing the common cold and are excellent overall!
9
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
I purchased these vitamins for when I experienced hypothermia or someone at work showed signs of a common cold. Following my doctor's advice, I took 2 capsules initially, then 1 capsule daily for about a week. I didn’t experience any side effects, and my health improved!
8
Great for daily use
3 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is an excellent supplement for warding off common colds. I prefer the time-released version as it prevents the body from excreting excess. At ages 83, 73, and myself at 69, we all need good Vitamin C daily, and these are a fantastic value and easy to take.
9
Excellent for colds
1 people found this helpful
I highly recommend this! The effect is remarkable; as soon as I notice cold symptoms, I begin taking these tablets, and ultimately, I don't fall ill. I regularly take them during the cold season.
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Symptoms vanish quickly
5 people found this helpful
This vitamin C is fantastic for adults! At the first signs of a common cold, I take one pill and feel completely fine by morning. I also take it with collagen for better absorption. I don't take it regularly for prevention, as it doesn’t accumulate in the body.
9
Quick recovery
1 people found this helpful
At the first sign of a cold, I take this vitamin C. It works wonders; within a couple of days, there are no traces of the cold left. I also take it if I’m consuming gelatin.
7.5
Effective during illness
2 people found this helpful
This is not the first time I’ve bought this vitamin C. I take it once daily for prevention, and when I feel unwell, I increase it to 2-3 times a day. It’s crucial to start with a loading dose without delay. I’ve consistently noticed that early use can help alleviate the onset of a common cold with symptoms like nasal congestion and chills. The price is also quite reasonable.
10
Infallible protection
I take one daily and have never caught a cold. It’s the best.
6
Immunity booster
1 people found this helpful
The quality of these vitamins is good, with a decent dosage of 500 mg for the whole family. I’ve noticed stronger immunity and fewer common colds, and I don't experience heartburn after taking them. The packaging is convenient as well.
9
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
I purchased these vitamins for when I experienced hypothermia or someone at work showed signs of a common cold. Following my doctor's advice, I took 2 capsules initially, then 1 capsule daily for about a week. I didn’t experience any side effects, and my health improved!
8
Great for daily use
3 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is an excellent supplement for warding off common colds. I prefer the time-released version as it prevents the body from excreting excess. At ages 83, 73, and myself at 69, we all need good Vitamin C daily, and these are a fantastic value and easy to take.
7.5
Effective, cheap option
1 people found this helpful
I switched to time-released vitamin C after using a liposome system; I wasn't sure of its effectiveness. I normally take 1 tablet in the morning, and I believe that if I had taken it morning and evening during a common cold, it would have been more effective. The cost is low, and it’s easy to swallow.
6
Cold prevention noted
2 people found this helpful
Shipping was incredibly fast. This is my second purchase. I take it alongside glutathione, and I find it effective. I’ve noticed that when I take it, I don’t catch colds or feel unwell during the winter months. As long as the ingredient quality remains high, I will continue purchasing this product.
0
Not effective for colds
2 people found this helpful
Vitamin C does not suppress colds. In the past, I purchased vitamin C supplements, but after discovering more nutritional options, I won't consider buying it again. For improving immunity or treating colds, I find that aerobic exercise is far more effective. Honey helps with inflammation, whereas vitamin C seems virtually useless due to its water-soluble properties.
7
We investigated how vitamin C affects the common cold, focusing on its potential for prevention and treatment. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population when taken at doses over 1 g/day, it has been beneficial for individuals engaging in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
8
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
8
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
7
We explored the effects of vitamin C on common cold symptoms, particularly focusing on how it may assist in alleviating those pesky issues that come with viral respiratory infections. The research indicates that taking vitamin C, especially at the onset of symptoms, might help reduce the duration of discomfort, such as fever, chills, and chest pain.
Additionally, we noted that vitamin C could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms related to common cold-induced asthma and might decrease the need for hospital admissions in some cases. While the overall evidence about vitamin C's effectiveness isn’t exhaustive, oral consumption may provide relief for many experiencing early stages of viral infections.
However, we must emphasize that there is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of vitamin C specifically for preventing or treating COVID-19, which shares similar symptoms with typical respiratory infections. Therefore, while vitamin C appears beneficial for common cold symptoms, further high-quality research is essential to validate its efficacy and safety unequivocally.
Additionally, we noted that vitamin C could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms related to common cold-induced asthma and might decrease the need for hospital admissions in some cases. While the overall evidence about vitamin C's effectiveness isn’t exhaustive, oral consumption may provide relief for many experiencing early stages of viral infections.
However, we must emphasize that there is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of vitamin C specifically for preventing or treating COVID-19, which shares similar symptoms with typical respiratory infections. Therefore, while vitamin C appears beneficial for common cold symptoms, further high-quality research is essential to validate its efficacy and safety unequivocally.
9
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin C as a supplementary treatment for relieving common cold symptoms. By analyzing data from 10 randomized controlled trials, all focused on patients in China, we sought to understand how combining vitamin C with antiviral therapy might enhance recovery.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.
While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.
While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
5
We explored the role of Vitamin C in managing common cold symptoms through a review of existing studies. The focus was to understand whether this popular vitamin could help in reducing the incidence of the common cold or its severity.
Our findings revealed that Vitamins C, D, and E did not notably lower the incidence of the common cold in the general population. However, we did discover something interesting: Vitamin C appeared to be beneficial in individuals experiencing physical or environmental stress, reducing the incidence of the cold by half in those specific circumstances.
Moreover, while Vitamin C did not prevent colds, it did play a role in shortening their duration and minimizing the severity of symptoms. On the other hand, large doses of Vitamin A showed no effects on pneumonia recovery, and Zinc had some benefits for children under five, particularly in improving clinical deterioration.
Despite the inconclusive results regarding Vitamin C and overall cold prevention, it seems that taking this vitamin during stressful periods may still offer some advantages. Overall, while the results are mixed, there's potential for Vitamin C to be a helpful component in managing colds for specific groups.
Our findings revealed that Vitamins C, D, and E did not notably lower the incidence of the common cold in the general population. However, we did discover something interesting: Vitamin C appeared to be beneficial in individuals experiencing physical or environmental stress, reducing the incidence of the cold by half in those specific circumstances.
Moreover, while Vitamin C did not prevent colds, it did play a role in shortening their duration and minimizing the severity of symptoms. On the other hand, large doses of Vitamin A showed no effects on pneumonia recovery, and Zinc had some benefits for children under five, particularly in improving clinical deterioration.
Despite the inconclusive results regarding Vitamin C and overall cold prevention, it seems that taking this vitamin during stressful periods may still offer some advantages. Overall, while the results are mixed, there's potential for Vitamin C to be a helpful component in managing colds for specific groups.
References
- Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. doi:10.20452/pamw.16926
- Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2023;23:2468. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8
- Hemilä H, Chalker E. Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections. Life (Basel). 2022;12. doi:10.3390/life12010062
- Murni IK, Prawirohartono EP, Triasih R. Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19. Glob Pediatr Health. 2021;8:2333794X211021739. doi:10.1177/2333794X211021739
- Ran L, Zhao W, Wang H, Zhao Y, Bu H. Vitamin C as a Supplementary Therapy in Relieving Symptoms of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:8573742. doi:10.1155/2020/8573742
- Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review. Adv Integr Med. 2020;7:187. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008
- Kim TK, Lim HR, Byun JS. Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial. BMJ Mil Health. 2022;168:117. doi:10.1136/bmjmilitary-2019-001384
