Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 46 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
1,000 mg (1 g)
1,111%
Calcium (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
110 mg
8%
Citrus Bioflavonoids ComplexCitrus Bioflavonoids (Citrus sinensis) (fruit), Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Lime, Lemon, Acerola, Rutin, Hesperidin Complex (Citrus spp.) (fruit), Naturally Occurring Vitamin C Metabolites
200 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
4
We investigated the effects of various compounds, including vitamin C, on the neuraminidase (NA) activity of influenza viruses, specifically H1N1 and H5N2. Neuraminidase is crucial for the virus as it helps release new viral particles from infected cells, making it a key target for antiviral treatments.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
In my opinion, this is the best remedy! It’s impressive how this allows avoiding flu without excessive medications that merely alleviate symptoms. My husband had a high fever, and after he reluctantly tried it, he was fever-free by the evening and symptom-free by morning. The product truly works; we now take it regularly for prevention, as I genuinely believe it’s worth it for our family's health.
Read More
9
Prevents flu effectively
4 people found this helpful
I want a complete vitamin C of very high quality, so I present to you Ester C. This formula, with bioflavonoids, doesn't cause stomach issues, and since starting it, I haven't experienced flu or cold symptoms. It’s now a staple in my stock. Thank you for enhancing our health; I’ll definitely purchase it again!
Read More
9
Sick free winter
4 people found this helpful
Sick-free winter! I work in human services and come into contact with numerous people daily. I usually get sick 2-3 times each winter. I purchased a store-brand vitamin C before the 'cold season' commenced and thought I was covered. However, I fell ill shortly after in December. A friend recommended this brand of vitamin C, and since then, I have not fallen ill! (It’s now mid-March). Moreover, I suffer from acid reflux, and other vitamin C products typically do not agree with me, but I have never had an issue with Ester-C. A brilliant product—no wonder it's patented!
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.2
- All Researches
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
7
We examined how vitamin C supplementation can impact flu incidence and symptom duration. Our analysis of clinical studies indicated that vitamin C does show promise in reducing the risk of acute respiratory infections, including flu. Specifically, vitamin C reduced the likelihood of catching an acute respiratory infection by approximately 4% (risk ratio of 0.96).
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
Read More
4
We investigated the effects of various compounds, including vitamin C, on the neuraminidase (NA) activity of influenza viruses, specifically H1N1 and H5N2. Neuraminidase is crucial for the virus as it helps release new viral particles from infected cells, making it a key target for antiviral treatments.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 46 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
In my opinion, this is the best remedy! It’s impressive how this allows avoiding flu without excessive medications that merely alleviate symptoms. My husband had a high fever, and after he reluctantly tried it, he was fever-free by the evening and symptom-free by morning. The product truly works; we now take it regularly for prevention, as I genuinely believe it’s worth it for our family's health.
Read More
9
Prevents flu effectively
4 people found this helpful
I want a complete vitamin C of very high quality, so I present to you Ester C. This formula, with bioflavonoids, doesn't cause stomach issues, and since starting it, I haven't experienced flu or cold symptoms. It’s now a staple in my stock. Thank you for enhancing our health; I’ll definitely purchase it again!
Read More
9
Sick free winter
4 people found this helpful
Sick-free winter! I work in human services and come into contact with numerous people daily. I usually get sick 2-3 times each winter. I purchased a store-brand vitamin C before the 'cold season' commenced and thought I was covered. However, I fell ill shortly after in December. A friend recommended this brand of vitamin C, and since then, I have not fallen ill! (It’s now mid-March). Moreover, I suffer from acid reflux, and other vitamin C products typically do not agree with me, but I have never had an issue with Ester-C. A brilliant product—no wonder it's patented!
Read More
9
Family health boost
2 people found this helpful
Great stuff! The whole family took this throughout last winter, and nobody fell ill with the flu! Now, at the first signs of malaise, we take 1 or 2 tablets, and it seems to combat colds effectively! What a lifesaver!
Read More
7.5
Strong immunity
2 people found this helpful
Since starting Ester-C 1000 mg last year, during frequent flu and pneumonia exposures at work, my immune system has remained strong. I have only experienced mild sniffles, and my family has stayed healthy. I plan to continue using it throughout this winter.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Impressive results
Super vitamins! Since November, my family has been taking one 1000 mg tablet daily, with my 11-year-old having 500 mg. They are large but swallowable and importantly do not upset the stomach. If feeling unwell, I increase the dose. I’ve tried up to 5000 mg, and the following day felt incredible. I would recommend it to anyone without citrus allergies.
9
Family improvement noted
We took this as a family during flu and ARVI, and even the children liked it. We saw condition improvement after the first day of taking it.
9
Prevents flu effectively
4 people found this helpful
I want a complete vitamin C of very high quality, so I present to you Ester C. This formula, with bioflavonoids, doesn't cause stomach issues, and since starting it, I haven't experienced flu or cold symptoms. It’s now a staple in my stock. Thank you for enhancing our health; I’ll definitely purchase it again!
9
Family health boost
2 people found this helpful
Great stuff! The whole family took this throughout last winter, and nobody fell ill with the flu! Now, at the first signs of malaise, we take 1 or 2 tablets, and it seems to combat colds effectively! What a lifesaver!
10
Effective against flu
4 people found this helpful
In my opinion, this is the best remedy! It’s impressive how this allows avoiding flu without excessive medications that merely alleviate symptoms. My husband had a high fever, and after he reluctantly tried it, he was fever-free by the evening and symptom-free by morning. The product truly works; we now take it regularly for prevention, as I genuinely believe it’s worth it for our family's health.
9
Essential cold remedy
I always order this vitamin C as it's a staple in my medicine cabinet. It's excellent quality, made from natural ingredients, and it enhances immunity against colds and flu. It even assists with headaches. With regular consumption, I see improved immunity. At the first signs of cold symptoms, I take it three times a day. It doesn't upset my stomach, and we've noticed we get ill less often, with recovery in just 2-3 days!
7.5
Cold symptom relief
Vitamin C is vital as it aids in collagen synthesis necessary for skin, ligaments, and blood vessels. It also effectively addresses the first signs of a cold and flu. Combining with Vitamin D3 enhances absorption. We share it as the ample package suffices for all.
7
We examined how vitamin C supplementation can impact flu incidence and symptom duration. Our analysis of clinical studies indicated that vitamin C does show promise in reducing the risk of acute respiratory infections, including flu. Specifically, vitamin C reduced the likelihood of catching an acute respiratory infection by approximately 4% (risk ratio of 0.96).
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
4
We investigated the effects of various compounds, including vitamin C, on the neuraminidase (NA) activity of influenza viruses, specifically H1N1 and H5N2. Neuraminidase is crucial for the virus as it helps release new viral particles from infected cells, making it a key target for antiviral treatments.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
References
- Abioye AI, Bromage S, Fawzi W. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health. 2021;6. 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176
- Márquez-Domínguez L, Reyes-Leyva J, Herrera-Camacho I, Santos-López G, Scior T. Five Novel Non-Sialic Acid-Like Scaffolds Inhibit In Vitro H1N1 and H5N2 Neuraminidase Activity of Influenza a Virus. Molecules. 2020;25. 10.3390/molecules25184248
- Kim H, Jang M, Kim Y, Choi J, Jeon J, et al. Red ginseng and vitamin C increase immune cell activity and decrease lung inflammation induced by influenza A virus/H1N1 infection. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2016;68:406. 10.1111/jphp.12529
- Wang H, Xu R, Shi Y, Si L, Jiao P, et al. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives as potential influenza virus entry inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem. 2016;110:376. 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.01.005
- Cai Y, Li YF, Tang LP, Tsoi B, Chen M, et al. A new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:675149. 10.1155/2015/675149
