We explored the relationship between vitamin C and influenza, delving into various studies conducted from 2000 to June 2021. In our analysis of the research, we found eleven studies that specifically examined the effects of vitamin C on influenza.
While some of these studies reported positive outcomes, we should note that the isolated benefits of vitamin C can be hard to determine. This is primarily because some studies included additional treatments, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about vitamin C alone.
Overall, we observed that while there is some interest and preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing or treating influenza, its stand-alone effectiveness remains somewhat unclear.
Continued research should help clarify how much vitamin C can truly contribute to combating influenza.
Read More
7
Vitamin C impacts respiratory mortality
Serum antioxidant status and mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults.
We examined how serum levels of vitamin C could influence mortality rates from influenza and pneumonia. The study analyzed data from 7,428 participants aged 45 and older, utilizing information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III).
Through our research, we discovered that vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like carotenoids, showed a nonlinear relationship with mortality from these respiratory illnesses. Specifically, those in the third quartile of serum vitamin C displayed a lower risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a hazard ratio of 0.38.
This implies that having a moderately high level of vitamin C may help reduce the risk of mortality from these diseases. However, the protective effect seemed to weaken for those in the highest quartile of vitamin C, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C in the blood, indicating that antioxidant intake may positively influence mortality risk among adults facing influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless, more research is needed in diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their implications further.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's impact on RTIs
Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We systematically reviewed how vitamin C affects respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including influenza. This involved analyzing results from numerous studies to understand how effective vitamin C is in either preventing these infections or alleviating their symptoms.
Our findings reveal that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of RTIs, with a reported risk ratio of 0.96. This means that taking vitamin C may lower the chance of getting an RTI compared to not taking it at all.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 9%, making recovery from a potential influenza infection a bit quicker. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C seemed to be more pronounced among men and in populations from middle-income countries, compared to women and those in higher-income areas.
While the results are promising, it’s essential to note that vitamin C alone might not be a complete solution for preventing influenza. More research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness, particularly in light of other emerging viruses and health challenges.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Cold prevention
I've been taking vitamin C with other supplements for several years and it has helped me stay clear of colds and influenza. The sour taste is not an issue for me.
Read More
9
Influenza symptom relief
This vitamin C is excellent. I no longer need pharmacy powders. It alleviates initial influenza symptoms, provided you don't delay taking it.
Read More
7.5
High-quality treatment
10 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C that I bought for colds and influenza. It’s of good quality and in powdered form, allowing for easy dosage selection. I look forward to its effectiveness.
We investigated the potential of a unique formulation combining vitamin C with a complex of alkaloids to combat the H1N1 influenza virus. Our approach involved creating nanoparticles that encapsulate both the alkaloid-rich fraction and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of these components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's unclear influenza impact
The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review.
We explored the relationship between vitamin C and influenza, delving into various studies conducted from 2000 to June 2021. In our analysis of the research, we found eleven studies that specifically examined the effects of vitamin C on influenza.
While some of these studies reported positive outcomes, we should note that the isolated benefits of vitamin C can be hard to determine. This is primarily because some studies included additional treatments, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about vitamin C alone.
Overall, we observed that while there is some interest and preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing or treating influenza, its stand-alone effectiveness remains somewhat unclear.
Continued research should help clarify how much vitamin C can truly contribute to combating influenza.
Read More
7
Vitamin treatment showed mixed results
[Effect and mechanism of acupoint injection on influenza A virus induced pneumonia in mice].
We investigated how an acupoint injection containing vitamin C and B complex affected pneumonia triggered by the influenza A virus in mice. In our study, we used 60 male mice that were divided into six groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. One group received the vitamin solution through acupoint injections, while others received it through different methods, including intraperitoneally and at non-target points.
Our findings indicated that the acupoint injections helped reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the lung tissue of the mice. We observed improvements in survival rates and longer survival times, despite no significant impact on the viral load in the lungs. This suggests that while vitamin injections can offer some protective benefits, they do not eliminate the virus itself.
Overall, while we found some positive effects of using the V+VCo solution, the results highlight the complexity of treating viral infections like influenza. It seems that vitamin C, combined with other vitamins, can be beneficial for managing symptoms, but it doesn't directly attack the virus.
Read More
7
Vitamin C impacts respiratory mortality
Serum antioxidant status and mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults.
We examined how serum levels of vitamin C could influence mortality rates from influenza and pneumonia. The study analyzed data from 7,428 participants aged 45 and older, utilizing information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III).
Through our research, we discovered that vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like carotenoids, showed a nonlinear relationship with mortality from these respiratory illnesses. Specifically, those in the third quartile of serum vitamin C displayed a lower risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a hazard ratio of 0.38.
This implies that having a moderately high level of vitamin C may help reduce the risk of mortality from these diseases. However, the protective effect seemed to weaken for those in the highest quartile of vitamin C, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C in the blood, indicating that antioxidant intake may positively influence mortality risk among adults facing influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless, more research is needed in diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their implications further.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's impact on RTIs
Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We systematically reviewed how vitamin C affects respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including influenza. This involved analyzing results from numerous studies to understand how effective vitamin C is in either preventing these infections or alleviating their symptoms.
Our findings reveal that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of RTIs, with a reported risk ratio of 0.96. This means that taking vitamin C may lower the chance of getting an RTI compared to not taking it at all.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 9%, making recovery from a potential influenza infection a bit quicker. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C seemed to be more pronounced among men and in populations from middle-income countries, compared to women and those in higher-income areas.
While the results are promising, it’s essential to note that vitamin C alone might not be a complete solution for preventing influenza. More research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness, particularly in light of other emerging viruses and health challenges.
I've been taking vitamin C with other supplements for several years and it has helped me stay clear of colds and influenza. The sour taste is not an issue for me.
Read More
9
Influenza symptom relief
This vitamin C is excellent. I no longer need pharmacy powders. It alleviates initial influenza symptoms, provided you don't delay taking it.
Read More
7.5
High-quality treatment
10 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C that I bought for colds and influenza. It’s of good quality and in powdered form, allowing for easy dosage selection. I look forward to its effectiveness.
Read More
7.5
Effective during influenza
This vitamin C saved me during a prolonged influenza season. I mixed it with fresh orange juice and found it effective.
Read More
7.5
Immunity booster
Vitamin C strengthens immunity and protects against viruses, especially during influenza and ARVI seasons. The taste is initially sour but becomes pleasant.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. Caused by influenza viruses, it can lead to mild to severe illness and can result in hospitalization or even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with certain health conditions. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. It's important to note that while many people refer to common colds as the flu, the flu is generally more severe and lasts longer.
Preventing influenza is possible through vaccination, which is recommended annually as the viruses can change from year to year. Other preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. If someone does contract the flu, antiviral medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider, particularly if the treatment begins within the first few days of illness. Understanding the nature of influenza and the importance of preventive measures can help individuals protect themselves and their communities during flu season.
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, is often touted for its immune-boosting properties and is a popular choice during cold and flu season. While some studies suggest that Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of colds, evidence regarding its effectiveness specifically for influenza is more limited. The World Health Organization states that, while Vitamin C is essential for overall health, it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for influenza.
It's important to note that while taking Ascorbic Acid can support your immune system, it shouldn't replace standard flu prevention measures like vaccination or antiviral medications where appropriate. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which naturally provide Vitamin C, coupled with proper hygiene and vaccination, will have a more substantial impact on flu prevention. If you suspect you're experiencing influenza symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
Based on user reviews, the timeframe for experiencing results from taking vitamin C for influenza can vary. Many users have noted that it helps alleviate initial influenza symptoms, especially if taken promptly at the onset of symptoms Read Review. Several users also mentioned that consistent use over time has helped them maintain better overall immunity, which may contribute to faster recovery when illness strikes Read Review.
In general, while specific timelines aren't always detailed, individuals report feeling more resilient to influenza when they incorporate vitamin C early during flu seasons or when symptoms first appear Read Review. A user even shared their successful experience of using it during a prolonged influenza season, indicating its effectiveness when mixed with other healthy options like fresh orange juice Read Review. Therefore, many suggest that taking it at the first sign of symptoms could lead to quicker relief.
When evaluating the role of vitamin C as a supplement for combating influenza, scientific research presents a mixed picture. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may assist in reducing the severity and duration of respiratory infections, including influenza. For instance, a systematic review indicates that vitamin C supplementation can lead to a 9% reduction in symptom duration and a lower risk of respiratory tract infections overall [5]. However, the isolated effectiveness of vitamin C in treating or preventing influenza remains challenging to determine, as many studies have included other treatments alongside vitamin C [1].
Research also indicates that although vitamin C can offer some protective benefits, it does not directly eliminate the influenza virus. For example, a study on acupoint injections in mice found that while vitamin C has positive effects in managing symptoms, it does not significantly reduce viral load [2]. Moreover, while there is evidence that adequate serum levels of vitamin C may lower mortality risk from influenza and pneumonia [4], its discriminatory effectiveness remains modest when compared to specific antiviral drugs [6]. Overall, while vitamin C may contribute to supportive care in influenza, more conclusive studies are needed to establish its role as a standalone treatment.
Users report various improvements in symptoms associated with colds and influenza after taking vitamin C. One common theme highlighted in their reviews is the alleviation of initial influenza symptoms when the vitamin is taken promptly at the onset of symptoms. For instance, a user mentions that this vitamin C formulation eliminated their need for pharmacy powders, demonstrating its effectiveness when taken early Read Review. Others have reported significant benefits when combining it with other healthy options, such as fresh orange juice, which helped them navigate through a prolonged influenza season Read Review.
Additionally, long-term users have noted an improvement in their overall immunity, which contributes to fewer colds and instances of influenza Read Review. Another reviewer pointed out the general strengthening of immunity during flu seasons, indicating that the vitamin serves as a protective measure against viruses Read Review. Overall, while individual results can vary, many users report feeling more resilient and quickly recovering from symptoms after incorporating vitamin C into their wellness routines.
Users report positive experiences when combining vitamin C with other supplements to handle influenza symptoms. One user mentioned that taking vitamin C alongside various other supplements has helped them stay free of colds and influenza for years, indicating its long-term efficacy when integrated into a broader health regimen Read Review. Additionally, another reviewer found substantial benefits by mixing vitamin C with fresh orange juice during a prolonged influenza season, which further highlights the effectiveness of this combination Read Review.
Moreover, users commonly report that the vitamin aids in alleviating influenza symptoms, especially when taken promptly and potentially alongside other healthy supplements Read Review. The convenience of its powdered form also allows for easy dosage adjustments when combined with other nutrients, which users appreciate Read Review. Overall, anecdotal evidence from user reviews suggests that the combination of vitamin C with other supplements can enhance immunity and effectively combat influenza symptoms.
Users report a generally positive experience with Ascorbic Acid for treating influenza, particularly highlighting its ability to alleviate symptoms when taken promptly. For instance, one user emphasized the importance of not delaying the intake of vitamin C, noting that it effectively alleviated initial influenza symptoms for them Read Review. Another user mentioned mixing the powder with fresh orange juice, which not only made it palatable but also claimed it saved them during a prolonged influenza season Read Review.
Furthermore, customers appreciate the powdered form of vitamin C as it allows for easy dosage selection, which can be essential during illness. One user mentioned that the quality of the vitamin C contributed to their expectations for its effectiveness against colds and influenza Read Review. Overall, while specific dosage recommendations aren't detailed in the reviews, the consistent positive feedback suggests that Ascorbic Acid can be a beneficial supplement during flu season when taken in a timely manner.
9
Influenza symptom relief
This vitamin C is excellent. I no longer need pharmacy powders. It alleviates initial influenza symptoms, provided you don't delay taking it.
9
Cold prevention
I've been taking vitamin C with other supplements for several years and it has helped me stay clear of colds and influenza. The sour taste is not an issue for me.
7.5
Immunity booster
Vitamin C strengthens immunity and protects against viruses, especially during influenza and ARVI seasons. The taste is initially sour but becomes pleasant.
7.5
Effective during influenza
This vitamin C saved me during a prolonged influenza season. I mixed it with fresh orange juice and found it effective.
7.5
High-quality treatment
10 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C that I bought for colds and influenza. It’s of good quality and in powdered form, allowing for easy dosage selection. I look forward to its effectiveness.
7
Vitamin C's impact on RTIs
Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We systematically reviewed how vitamin C affects respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including influenza. This involved analyzing results from numerous studies to understand how effective vitamin C is in either preventing these infections or alleviating their symptoms.
Our findings reveal that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of RTIs, with a reported risk ratio of 0.96. This means that taking vitamin C may lower the chance of getting an RTI compared to not taking it at all.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 9%, making recovery from a potential influenza infection a bit quicker. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C seemed to be more pronounced among men and in populations from middle-income countries, compared to women and those in higher-income areas.
While the results are promising, it’s essential to note that vitamin C alone might not be a complete solution for preventing influenza. More research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness, particularly in light of other emerging viruses and health challenges.
7
Vitamin C's unclear influenza impact
The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review.
We explored the relationship between vitamin C and influenza, delving into various studies conducted from 2000 to June 2021. In our analysis of the research, we found eleven studies that specifically examined the effects of vitamin C on influenza.
While some of these studies reported positive outcomes, we should note that the isolated benefits of vitamin C can be hard to determine. This is primarily because some studies included additional treatments, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about vitamin C alone.
Overall, we observed that while there is some interest and preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing or treating influenza, its stand-alone effectiveness remains somewhat unclear.
Continued research should help clarify how much vitamin C can truly contribute to combating influenza.
7
Vitamin treatment showed mixed results
[Effect and mechanism of acupoint injection on influenza A virus induced pneumonia in mice].
We investigated how an acupoint injection containing vitamin C and B complex affected pneumonia triggered by the influenza A virus in mice. In our study, we used 60 male mice that were divided into six groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. One group received the vitamin solution through acupoint injections, while others received it through different methods, including intraperitoneally and at non-target points.
Our findings indicated that the acupoint injections helped reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the lung tissue of the mice. We observed improvements in survival rates and longer survival times, despite no significant impact on the viral load in the lungs. This suggests that while vitamin injections can offer some protective benefits, they do not eliminate the virus itself.
Overall, while we found some positive effects of using the V+VCo solution, the results highlight the complexity of treating viral infections like influenza. It seems that vitamin C, combined with other vitamins, can be beneficial for managing symptoms, but it doesn't directly attack the virus.
7
Vitamin C impacts respiratory mortality
Serum antioxidant status and mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults.
We examined how serum levels of vitamin C could influence mortality rates from influenza and pneumonia. The study analyzed data from 7,428 participants aged 45 and older, utilizing information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III).
Through our research, we discovered that vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like carotenoids, showed a nonlinear relationship with mortality from these respiratory illnesses. Specifically, those in the third quartile of serum vitamin C displayed a lower risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a hazard ratio of 0.38.
This implies that having a moderately high level of vitamin C may help reduce the risk of mortality from these diseases. However, the protective effect seemed to weaken for those in the highest quartile of vitamin C, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C in the blood, indicating that antioxidant intake may positively influence mortality risk among adults facing influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless, more research is needed in diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their implications further.
7
Vitamin C's moderate influenza inhibition
Five Novel Non-Sialic Acid-Like Scaffolds Inhibit In Vitro H1N1 and H5N2 Neuraminidase Activity of Influenza a Virus.
We explored the effectiveness of various compounds, including vitamin C, in inhibiting neuraminidase (NA) activity, which is crucial for the influenza virus's life cycle. The study aimed to identify new therapeutic agents that could prevent the virus from releasing newly formed particles from infected cells.
Five different scaffolds were tested for their ability to inhibit NA from two strains of influenza: H1N1 and H5N2. Among these compounds, vitamin C was one of the candidates evaluated. We observed that all five compounds demonstrated inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC) ranging from 6.4 to 73 mM.
While vitamin C showed potential, it did not stand out significantly compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The results suggest that although vitamin C may contribute to NA inhibition, its effectiveness is moderate and not as pronounced as other tested compounds.
Thus, while vitamin C is often celebrated for its health benefits, our findings indicate that its role in combating influenza is limited when compared to other targeted drugs.
References
Park JH, Lee Y, Choi M, Park E. The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review. Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12:77. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.1.77
Liu MJ, Han ZY, Wang HW, Yu CL, Xu XL, et al. [Effect and mechanism of acupoint injection on influenza A virus induced pneumonia in mice]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2022;42:1017. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210713-k0002
Fahmy SA, Mahdy NK, Al Mulla H, ElMeshad AN, Issa MY, et al. PLGA/PEG Nanoparticles Loaded with Cyclodextrin- Alkaloid Complex and Ascorbic Acid with Promising Antimicrobial Activities. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14010142
Kang H, Hu H, Park SK. Serum antioxidant status and mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults. Public Health Nutr. 2022;25:1. doi:10.1017/S1368980022000027
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. doi: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. doi:10.3390/molecules25184248