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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections.
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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
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.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9.5
Strong immunity booster
An excellent immunomodulator! It really helps during common colds and supports my immunity. I've used it for years and am very pleased with these vitamins; they taste pleasant, and one packet meets my daily vitamin needs. I highly recommend this quality product!
Read More
9.5
Cold symptom relief
We’ve been taking Immune+ for ages at the first signs of a common cold. It helps tremendously.
Read More
9.5
Family cold prevention
I've used this immunity product for years. While working in a small office with sniffles, I found it effective in staving off the common cold. Recently, I bought it for my grandchildren during a family sickness, and I believe it certainly helped as a few did not fall ill, and others recovered quickly. The flavour is quite nice too.
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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold severity
Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.
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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections.
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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
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.
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.
An excellent immunomodulator! It really helps during common colds and supports my immunity. I've used it for years and am very pleased with these vitamins; they taste pleasant, and one packet meets my daily vitamin needs. I highly recommend this quality product!
Read More
9.5
Cold symptom relief
We’ve been taking Immune+ for ages at the first signs of a common cold. It helps tremendously.
Read More
9.5
Family cold prevention
I've used this immunity product for years. While working in a small office with sniffles, I found it effective in staving off the common cold. Recently, I bought it for my grandchildren during a family sickness, and I believe it certainly helped as a few did not fall ill, and others recovered quickly. The flavour is quite nice too.
Read More
8.8
Effective treatment
To prevent the common cold, I purchased Emergen-C in the US, but this version with Immune+ is definitely superior. If I catch a cold, taking it for 2 to 3 days helps me recover quickly. I will buy it again. I usually opt for mandarin, but raspberry tastes better!
Read More
7
Effective hydration
It's quite sweet, but I felt its effects. While travelling in the US with a common cold, a local gave it to me as a vitamin and electrolyte booster. It helped me stay hydrated and recover quickly, making it excellent for hydration on the hottest summer days.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose and throat. It's caused by a variety of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent. Symptoms generally include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, mild headache, and sometimes a low-grade fever. While the common cold is often mild and resolves on its own within a week or two, it can still be bothersome and impact daily activities.
Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Preventative measures include frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Since there is currently no cure for the common cold, treatment focuses on symptom relief through over-the-counter medications, adequate rest, and hydration. While colds may be uncomfortable, they are generally not serious; however, seeking medical attention may be necessary if symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions. As an essential nutrient, it contributes to the growth and repair of tissues in the body, and it is vital for the production of collagen, an important protein that helps maintain skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to various chronic diseases.
Moreover, Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods, making it a vital component for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. While many people get sufficient Vitamin C from a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers, some individuals might require supplementation. It's generally recommended to stay within the daily intake guidelines, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Overall, Vitamin C is not just a skincare celebrity—it's a fundamental part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Vitamin C has long been touted as a remedy for the common cold, but the evidence supporting its efficacy is mixed. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, particularly in individuals who engage in intense physical activity or have a deficiency in this vitamin. However, for the average person, taking Vitamin C after the onset of cold symptoms is generally not shown to have a significant impact on shortening the cold.
If you're considering using Vitamin C to fend off colds, incorporating it into your daily routine through fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can support overall immune function. Supplements might be beneficial for those who struggle to get enough from their diet, but they are not a guaranteed cure. While Vitamin C isn't a magic bullet against the common cold, maintaining adequate levels can contribute to overall health and may help mitigate some symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimens.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report that they start to feel the benefits of the supplement within a few days of use, particularly when taken at the first signs of a common cold. For instance, one user mentions experiencing rapid recovery within 2 to 3 days of taking the supplement during a cold (Read Review). Another user indicates that they feel revitalized by the next day after taking it at the onset of their symptoms (Read Review).
Additionally, a number of reviewers have stated that they use the product consistently when they sense a cold coming on, which seems to enhance their immunity and speed up recovery times (Read Review). Overall, it appears that users have a positive experience with this supplement regarding its effectiveness in alleviating cold symptoms, often noticing improvements quite quickly.
Vitamin C has garnered attention in scientific research for its potential impact on the common cold, particularly in terms of reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Studies suggest that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population, it can be beneficial for individuals engaged in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds when taken in doses over 1 g/day [1]. Additionally, a comprehensive review revealed that daily supplementation of at least 1 gram can reduce symptom severity by around 15%, making it particularly useful for those experiencing more severe cold symptoms [2].
The research also indicates that while regular vitamin C supplementation may not prevent colds outright, it can shorten symptom duration, particularly when administered at higher doses immediately after symptoms appear [1]. Other studies emphasize the positive role of vitamin C in stressful situations, such as military training, showcasing a 20% reduction in the incidence of colds among soldiers taking high doses of the vitamin [7]. Thus, vitamin C appears to offer a supportive role in managing cold symptoms, particularly for specific populations; however, more high-quality studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety in the broader public context.
Users report a variety of positive improvements in their symptoms when using this supplement, particularly for managing common colds. For many, taking the product at the first signs of a cold has led to quicker recovery times and enhanced immunity. For instance, one user noted that they experience a significant boost in their health, feeling revitalized by the next day after consuming the supplement (Read Review). Another reviewer mentioned that using it has consistently kept them healthy during cold outbreaks in their office (Read Review).
Several reviews highlight how the supplement is effective not just for individuals but also for families. One user shared their experience of giving it to their grandchildren during a family illness, resulting in some children avoiding sickness altogether while others recovered more swiftly (Read Review). Overall, users appreciate the pleasant taste and convenient packaging, which seems to contribute to a positive experience when managing cold symptoms, though individual results may vary.
Users report a favorable experience when combining this supplement with other products for handling common colds. Many have noted that taking the supplement at the onset of symptoms not only enhances their recovery but also works efficiently alongside other immune-boosting vitamins like vitamin C, D, and zinc (Read Review). One user explicitly mentioned that this supplement is superior to another popular product, Emergen-C, especially when it comes to preventing and recovering from colds (Read Review).
Additionally, reviews suggest that mixing this supplement with other healthy hydration methods can be beneficial. For instance, one user found it excellent for hydration while traveling, which indicates versatility in its usage (Read Review). Overall, users appear to appreciate the combination of this supplement with other supplements for enhanced immunity, expressing satisfaction with both taste and effectiveness in managing cold symptoms.
When it comes to using Vitamin C for the common cold, research suggests that the optimal dosing can vary based on the situation. For regular supplementation aimed at reducing the severity of cold symptoms, taking 1 gram of Vitamin C daily is beneficial and can decrease symptom severity by about 15% [1]. This is especially true for individuals battling more severe symptoms rather than mild ones [2].
However, for those who want to address symptoms after they’ve set in, higher doses appear to be effective. Studies indicate that doses between 6 to 8 grams per day can significantly shorten the duration of colds when taken once symptoms begin [1]. While engaging in activities that impose physical or environmental stress, an even higher intake may help in reducing cold incidence, as observed in specific populations like soldiers [7]. In summary, while dosages of 1 gram can aid in managing cold severity, higher intakes shortly after symptoms onset show promise in shortening the illness duration.
8.8
Effective treatment
To prevent the common cold, I purchased Emergen-C in the US, but this version with Immune+ is definitely superior. If I catch a cold, taking it for 2 to 3 days helps me recover quickly. I will buy it again. I usually opt for mandarin, but raspberry tastes better!
7.5
Refreshing drink
I purchased this for my 14-year-old as it's suitable from that age. The taste is not too sweet with a strong raspberry flavour, resembling powdered juice. I mix it gradually with water, and if consumed at the onset of a common cold, I feel revitalised the next day.
8.8
Cold symptom alleviation
An excellent remedy featuring a complete vitamin complex—C, D, and zinc. I take it at the first signs of a common cold. I really like it.
9.5
Family cold prevention
I've used this immunity product for years. While working in a small office with sniffles, I found it effective in staving off the common cold. Recently, I bought it for my grandchildren during a family sickness, and I believe it certainly helped as a few did not fall ill, and others recovered quickly. The flavour is quite nice too.
7
Effective hydration
It's quite sweet, but I felt its effects. While travelling in the US with a common cold, a local gave it to me as a vitamin and electrolyte booster. It helped me stay hydrated and recover quickly, making it excellent for hydration on the hottest summer days.
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.
8
Vitamin C reduces cold severity
Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.
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.
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
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.
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