We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses.
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Quick recovery noted
227 people found this helpful
Vitamin C in crystals is a godsend during cold season. I dilute it with raspberry juice and sugar for my children and drink it myself. It tastes lovely! With vitamins D, K-2, and zinc, I now recover in just 3-4 days, compared to the previous 7-10 days. The Vitamin C powder lasts a long time.
Read More
7.5
Gentle on stomach
11 people found this helpful
Good stuff. I purchased the Now fine ascorbic acid powder a few weeks ago. It’s much easier on my stomach compared to the Nutri Biotic crystalline powder. If I ever feel a cold coming on, I take a teaspoon mixed with orange juice. I plan to take one level teaspoon every day, even in summer. I’ve looked into Linus Pauling, who took 14 grams of vitamin C powder every day and lived to 93.
Read More
9
Health improvement noted
10 people found this helpful
Super! After giving birth four months ago, my immunity was low. I drink this vitamin C every morning, and my health has improved, along with the quality of my skin! My children take it at the first sign of a cold, and within 2-3 days, they feel cheerful again. However, be mindful of allergic reactions, as my husband developed some after starting the supplement.
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 441 Reviews
8.2
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Quick recovery noted
227 people found this helpful
Vitamin C in crystals is a godsend during cold season. I dilute it with raspberry juice and sugar for my children and drink it myself. It tastes lovely! With vitamins D, K-2, and zinc, I now recover in just 3-4 days, compared to the previous 7-10 days. The Vitamin C powder lasts a long time.
Read More
7.5
Gentle on stomach
11 people found this helpful
Good stuff. I purchased the Now fine ascorbic acid powder a few weeks ago. It’s much easier on my stomach compared to the Nutri Biotic crystalline powder. If I ever feel a cold coming on, I take a teaspoon mixed with orange juice. I plan to take one level teaspoon every day, even in summer. I’ve looked into Linus Pauling, who took 14 grams of vitamin C powder every day and lived to 93.
Read More
9
Health improvement noted
10 people found this helpful
Super! After giving birth four months ago, my immunity was low. I drink this vitamin C every morning, and my health has improved, along with the quality of my skin! My children take it at the first sign of a cold, and within 2-3 days, they feel cheerful again. However, be mindful of allergic reactions, as my husband developed some after starting the supplement.
Read More
9
Prevents cold
4 people found this helpful
An essential remedy for winter! Each morning, I add a teaspoon to my water and drink it. Remarkably, I haven't caught a single cold, even though I've often felt the onset coming.
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9
Fast cold relief
4 people found this helpful
Ascorbic Acid Powder is taken daily by both my husband and me. It effectively clears runny or stuffy noses and significantly shortens a cold. It's easy to ingest and gets into our systems much faster than tablets. We learned about this from Dr. Michael Savage, who highly endorses it.
Cold is a term that refers to a state of low temperature, often associated with a perceptibly chilly environment or the sensation of being cool to the touch. Scientifically, cold is relative to the presence and movement of heat, which is a measure of energy within matter. In everyday terms, we experience cold through weather changes, such as during winter months, and it can also be described in the context of specific temperature ranges – for example, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) generally signify freezing conditions, which can impact outdoor activities, personal comfort, and various ecological systems.
Moreover, the sensation of cold is not solely dependent on temperature; factors like humidity and wind chill can enhance the feeling of coldness. When discussing cold in terms of human health, prolonged exposure to cold conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite if body heat is not effectively maintained. Hence, it's crucial to dress appropriately and take necessary precautions during colder months to prevent adverse effects. Understanding the concept of cold can help individuals better prepare for seasonal changes and ensure their comfort and safety.
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, it serves as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Given that the human body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
In addition to its fundamental role in supporting overall health, ascorbic acid has garnered interest for its potential benefits in skincare and wound healing. Topical applications of vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, making it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the body's ability to repair tissues and produce important neurotransmitters. For those looking to boost their vitamin C intake, incorporating a variety of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or considering a supplement can be effective strategies.
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has long been touted as a remedy for the common cold. While many people believe that taking vitamin C can either prevent a cold or reduce its duration and severity, clinical research offers mixed conclusions. Some studies suggest that regular supplementation of vitamin C can slightly reduce the duration of colds, especially in individuals exposed to extreme physical stress or cold environments, but it is less effective in the general population.
For those who are already experiencing cold symptoms, higher doses of vitamin C may provide minimal benefits. It's important to note that taking large amounts of ascorbic acid can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects. Instead of relying solely on vitamin C supplements, incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables—such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli—can help support your immune system. Ultimately, while vitamin C can contribute to overall health, it shouldn't be seen as a cure-all for the common cold.
Based on user reviews, the timeline for seeing results from taking this vitamin C supplement for cold varies, but many users report significant improvements within 1 to 3 days. For instance, one user mentioned that after taking vitamin C at the first sign of a cold, they felt no symptoms the very next day Read Review. Another user claimed that their children feel "cheerful again" within 2 to 3 days of starting the supplement Read Review. Additionally, there are accounts of individuals experiencing rapid symptom relief, suggesting the quick onset of effects when the supplement is taken promptly at the beginning of cold symptoms Read Review.
Users emphasize the importance of taking vitamin C at the onset of cold symptoms, and those who follow this advice tend to report faster recovery. Some indicate that combining vitamin C with zinc could enhance its effectiveness, further aiding in a quicker return to health Read Review. Overall, while individual experiences may vary, many find that starting the supplement early leads to noticeable results in just a short span.
Scientific research shows a mixed but generally supportive view of vitamin C as a supplement for managing colds. While large doses of vitamin C, around 6-8 grams per day, have been shown to shorten the duration of colds in some studies, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily has been associated with a 15% decrease in cold severity. Moreover, individuals engaged in heavy physical activities experienced their cold incidence reduced by half when supplementing with vitamin C [1]. However, the general population may not see significant benefits from taking more than 1 gram a day for cold prevention.
The evidence suggests that while vitamin C doesn't necessarily prevent colds for everyone, it can alleviate symptoms and may shorten the duration when taken in larger doses after symptoms arise. The importance of vitamin C's role in overall immune support and its affordability makes it a supplement worth considering for those looking to mitigate the impact of colds [1]. As with any supplement, it's essential to evaluate its incorporation into your routine based on personal health needs and consult with a healthcare professional.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report notable improvements in their cold symptoms and overall health after incorporating this vitamin C supplement into their routines. For instance, users like the one with review ID Read Review have experienced reduced recovery times from 7-10 days to just 3-4 days when combining it with other vitamins. Several parents noted that their children felt "cheerful again" within 2-3 days of taking the supplement at the first hint of a cold Read Review. Additionally, others reported immediate symptom relief, with one user asserting their cold symptoms vanished by the next day after taking a shock dose Read Review.
Furthermore, regular use of vitamin C appears to help mitigate the frequency of colds altogether, with users like the one in review ID Read Review stating they have not experienced a cold in two years. Many users attribute boosts in energy levels and improvements in immune function to this vitamin, emphasizing that it effectively supports their health during the cold season Read Review. While individual results can vary, the general trend suggests that timely and consistent intake of vitamin C can lead to substantial symptom improvement and enhanced overall wellness.
Based on user reviews, many individuals reported positive experiences when combining this vitamin C supplement with other vitamins and minerals to effectively manage cold symptoms. Users commonly highlighted the benefits of pairing vitamin C with zinc, noting that this combination often led to quicker symptom alleviation and enhanced immune support. For instance, one reviewer stated that taking vitamin C alongside zinc helped them avoid colds and contributed to symptom resolution within just a couple of days Read Review. Another user echoed this sentiment, sharing that they felt splendid after consuming zinc with vitamin C and experienced a complete recovery from their cold Read Review.
Additionally, the combination of vitamin C with other vitamins like D and K2 proved beneficial as well. A parent noted that their family's recovery time decreased significantly when integrating these supplements into their diet, reducing cold recovery periods from 7-10 days down to 3-4 days Read Review. Overall, users suggest that stacking vitamin C with zinc and other supportive nutrients can maximize its efficacy in cold prevention and symptom relief, reinforcing the idea that a coordinated approach to supplementation can yield better health outcomes during the cold season.
When it comes to treating the common cold, research suggests that the optimal daily dose of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, can vary depending on the individual and their level of physical activity. For the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day did not show substantial benefits in preventing colds. However, in individuals engaging in heavy physical activities, consistent supplementation of 1 gram or more daily resulted in a noticeable 15% reduction in cold severity [1].
If you're looking to alleviate cold symptoms or potentially shorten the duration of the illness, a higher dosage may be beneficial. Research indicates that larger doses, between 6 to 8 grams per day, could effectively shorten the duration of colds when compared to lower doses, although results can be inconsistent when taken after cold symptoms have begun [1]. Given that vitamin C is safe and inexpensive, trying a higher dose during a cold might be a simple yet effective approach to managing and reducing the cold's impact.
10
Immediate cold relief
3 people found this helpful
The finest vitamin C! At the first sign of a cold, a shock dose, and the very next day, not a whisper of illness. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
9
Health improvement noted
10 people found this helpful
Super! After giving birth four months ago, my immunity was low. I drink this vitamin C every morning, and my health has improved, along with the quality of my skin! My children take it at the first sign of a cold, and within 2-3 days, they feel cheerful again. However, be mindful of allergic reactions, as my husband developed some after starting the supplement.
9
Cold relief achieved
1 people found this helpful
At the onset of a cold, I take vitamin C, often combined with Zinc. They work exceptionally well together; I’ve avoided colds this season. Within a day or two, I find no signs of illness. I wholeheartedly recommend this combination!
9
Strengthened immunity
1 people found this helpful
Great Vitamin C has helped me immensely. After giving birth, I was often ill due to a weakened immune system. I ordered vitamin C crystals for easy dosage control. After four months of taking it, I've noticed fewer colds, more energy, and reduced drowsiness.
9
Quick recovery noted
227 people found this helpful
Vitamin C in crystals is a godsend during cold season. I dilute it with raspberry juice and sugar for my children and drink it myself. It tastes lovely! With vitamins D, K-2, and zinc, I now recover in just 3-4 days, compared to the previous 7-10 days. The Vitamin C powder lasts a long time.
9
Cold prevention success
2 people found this helpful
An excellent product! I've used Vitamin C Megadose for two years. I observe its impact; I haven't had a cold in that time, and my persistent fatigue has improved. Quality and ingredients seem sound.
10
Cold-free for years
Thanks to Vitamin C and a complex of other vitamins, I haven’t had a cold in two years.
10
Cold elimination
2 people found this helpful
I add powdered vitamin C to juice, taking it alongside zinc. The cold is gone, and I feel splendid!
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
References
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. 10.20452/pamw.16926
Wang X, Ran C, Fu Y, Han L, Yang X, et al. Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms251810093