We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among military recruits during their training. This observation spanned across different seasons and included over 1,600 recruits. Our aim was to understand how achieving sufficient vitamin D levels could potentially impact the frequency and severity of colds among physically active individuals.
In an additional phase of the research, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 250 male recruits. They received either a placebo, simulated sunlight exposure, or oral vitamin D3 supplements during winter. This comparison allowed us to see if these methods effectively increased vitamin D levels to a sufficient status of 25(OH)D at 50 nmol/L or higher.
Notably, our findings showed that only 21% of recruits had adequate vitamin D during winter, yet those who did were 40% less likely to suffer from URTIs. Furthermore, both vitamin D supplementation strategies similarly helped nearly all participants achieve sufficient levels. Vitamin D supplementation notably reduced the severity of URTI symptoms by 15% and the number of days with URTIs by 36% compared to placebo.
While the supplementation strategies did not significantly alter other immune factors, such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, the overall reduction in respiratory infections indicates a beneficial effect of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency during military training.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review.
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
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
Most Useful Reviews
9
Excellent vitamins
3 people found this helpful
Received vitamins promptly, excellent remedies for colds. I give my child two per day; I thoroughly appreciate them. I believe "Garden of Life" products are the best for my children! 👍👍👍
Read More
9
Fewer colds
2 people found this helpful
I can say these have been beneficial for my boys. Before using them, my little one caught colds every week at school. Now they rarely get a cold, and when they do, it's brief. Kids love the taste, and we have a monthly subscription.
Read More
9
Yummy immune support
1 people found this helpful
This is one of the few immune support formulations that contains Vitamin D and is palatable for my children. While Vitamin C products are common, few that include Vitamin D taste good. This cherry flavour is delightful, and the texture is easy to digest. It has become our go-to product for the cold season.
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
9
Zinc enhances rice cold resistance
Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice.
We explored the impact of zinc-amino acids chelate on cold stress resistance in machine-transplanted early rice. Our investigation included other cold-resistant agents like uniconazole and abscisic acid, but we found zinc to be particularly effective. When applied during the regreening stage, zinc notably enhanced rice growth by promoting tillering and increasing the leaf area, which led to better yields.
We noted that zinc-amino acids chelate improved antioxidant enzyme activities, which are crucial for helping rice withstand cold temperatures. The yield of rice treated with zinc was approximately 9.22% higher than with uniconazole and 7.14% higher than with abscisic acid.
Additionally, we observed that using 750 g/ha of zinc-amino acids chelate during the transplanting and regreening stages yielded the best results. The timing of the application played a critical role, as spraying during these specific phases maximized both yield and cold resistance.
Overall, zinc treatments stand out as a promising option for improving cold stress resilience in early rice, making it a key consideration for farmers dealing with cold climate conditions.
Read More
8
Vitamin D reduces cold severity
Influence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training.
We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among military recruits during their training. This observation spanned across different seasons and included over 1,600 recruits. Our aim was to understand how achieving sufficient vitamin D levels could potentially impact the frequency and severity of colds among physically active individuals.
In an additional phase of the research, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 250 male recruits. They received either a placebo, simulated sunlight exposure, or oral vitamin D3 supplements during winter. This comparison allowed us to see if these methods effectively increased vitamin D levels to a sufficient status of 25(OH)D at 50 nmol/L or higher.
Notably, our findings showed that only 21% of recruits had adequate vitamin D during winter, yet those who did were 40% less likely to suffer from URTIs. Furthermore, both vitamin D supplementation strategies similarly helped nearly all participants achieve sufficient levels. Vitamin D supplementation notably reduced the severity of URTI symptoms by 15% and the number of days with URTIs by 36% compared to placebo.
While the supplementation strategies did not significantly alter other immune factors, such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, the overall reduction in respiratory infections indicates a beneficial effect of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency during military training.
Read More
8
Zinc mouthwash reduces cold symptoms
Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms.
We explored the impact of regular gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains both cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc on upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 participants were split into two groups; one group just brushed their teeth, while the other group brushed and gargled with the mouthwash twice a day over three months.
Our findings revealed that those using the mouthwash experienced a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This strongly suggests that incorporating zinc, alongside cetylpyridinium chloride, can provide benefits for those suffering from cold-related symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that this study’s design involved multiple components, and we can’t isolate zinc’s effectiveness from the impact of the other ingredients. Still, the results encourage us to view mouthwash with these ingredients as a helpful addition to our daily hygiene routines, especially during cold and flu season.
Ultimately, this research indicates that gargling with a mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride can indeed help alleviate some unpleasant cold symptoms, but we should be mindful of the combination's effects when interpreting these outcomes.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review.
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
Received vitamins promptly, excellent remedies for colds. I give my child two per day; I thoroughly appreciate them. I believe "Garden of Life" products are the best for my children! 👍👍👍
Read More
9
Fewer colds
2 people found this helpful
I can say these have been beneficial for my boys. Before using them, my little one caught colds every week at school. Now they rarely get a cold, and when they do, it's brief. Kids love the taste, and we have a monthly subscription.
Read More
9
Yummy immune support
1 people found this helpful
This is one of the few immune support formulations that contains Vitamin D and is palatable for my children. While Vitamin C products are common, few that include Vitamin D taste good. This cherry flavour is delightful, and the texture is easy to digest. It has become our go-to product for the cold season.
Read More
9
Less sickness noted
Since introducing these chewable vitamins to my child, we've noticed she gets sick less often. Particularly during the cold season, these vitamins have become our saviour. The cherry flavour is a hit, making it easier for her to take.
Read More
9
Effective for colds
Excellent vitamins! As the cold season has started, I give these vitamins to my daughter, and they work well—far better than those we had previously! I highly recommend them.
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.
Children's Vitamin D is a dietary supplement specifically formulated to support the health and development of children. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and it plays an essential role in the functioning of the immune system. Young children, especially those who may have limited sun exposure or dietary intake of vitamin D, are often recommended to take these supplements to ensure they receive adequate levels for optimal growth and development.
Typically, children's vitamin D supplements come in various forms such as chewable tablets, gummies, or liquid drops, making them more palatable for younger audiences. The most common form is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is considered more effective in raising vitamin D levels in the body than D2 (ergocalciferol). It's essential for parents to consult with a pediatrician before starting any supplement to determine the right dosage based on individual health needs and lifestyle factors. Proper intake of vitamin D not only supports bone health but also has been linked to other health benefits, such as improved mood and immune response, making it a valuable addition to children's wellness routines.
While Vitamin D is essential for overall health, including immune function, the direct link between children's Vitamin D supplementation and the prevention or treatment of colds is not definitively established. Some studies suggest that adequate levels of Vitamin D can help bolster the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory infections. However, it's important to note that while Vitamin D may offer some immune support, it is not a cure or treatment for colds themselves.
For parents considering Vitamin D supplements for their children, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician to assess individual needs and ensure appropriate dosages. Vitamin D supplements can be beneficial, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure, but they should be part of a broader strategy that includes a balanced diet and good hygiene practices to fend off colds and other illnesses.
Based on user reviews, many customers typically report seeing results quite quickly, often within days of starting the supplement. For instance, one user mentions that since introducing these chewable vitamins, their child has been getting sick less often, particularly during the cold season, indicating a noticeable improvement shortly after starting the product Read Review. Similarly, another review praises the vitamins as effective during the onset of the cold season, suggesting that they work notably well when needed most Read Review.
Moreover, further observation underscores the idea that consistent use can yield beneficial results, with some users expressing satisfaction in their children's health after regular consumption during colder months Read Review. Overall, while individual experiences may vary, a trend among users indicates that visible improvements in immunity and overall wellness during cold season can manifest within a relatively short time frame.
Vitamin C is a supplement that has garnered interest for its potential benefits in managing cold symptoms. Research indicates that while taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C daily did not show significant preventive effects against colds in the general population, it was found to be beneficial for those engaged in heavy physical activities, reducing the incidence of colds by half. Moreover, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily could decrease cold severity by 15%. Notably, larger doses of 6-8 grams per day have shown promise in shortening the duration of colds, suggesting that vitamin C may help alleviate symptoms when taken appropriately [1].
Another intriguing finding is related to zinc, which, when combined with cetylpyridinium chloride in an antimicrobial mouthwash, has shown to provide a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This suggests that zinc might play a role in alleviating cold-related discomfort, although its effectiveness may not be significant for everyone [8][9]. In conclusion, both vitamin C and zinc demonstrate potential in managing cold symptoms, particularly when taken in higher doses or combined with additional treatments, making them worth considering during cold and flu season.
Many users have reported significant improvements in their children's health, especially concerning cold symptoms. For instance, one parent noted that since introducing these chewable vitamins, their child has been getting sick less often during the cold season, describing the products as a saviour Read Review. Others echo similar sentiments, mentioning the effectiveness of these vitamins in preventing illnesses; one user enthusiastically stated their effectiveness was far better than previous options Read Review.
Additionally, the enjoyable taste and easy-to-digest texture have made these vitamins a popular choice among parents, contributing to consistent usage and prompting positive outcomes. A user shared their experience of giving these gummies to their child both for prevention and during specific cold cases, emphasizing their role in supporting immunity Read Review. While anecdotal experiences vary, a consistent theme among reviewers is that these vitamins provide meaningful support during the cold season, reinforcing the notion that they may enhance children's immunity.
Based on user reviews, many customers report positive experiences when combining these vitamins with other supplements for handling colds. Users have noted that during cold periods, these chewable vitamins provide essential support for health and immunity, particularly with their inclusion of Vitamins C and D as well as zinc Read Review. One parent emphasizes that they use these vitamins for both prevention and during specific cold cases, showcasing their versatility and effectiveness in diverse situations Read Review.
Furthermore, several users advocate the product as their go-to for the cold season, often highlighting the importance of combining it with other immune-boosting strategies. For example, one review mentions the unique benefit of including Vitamin D alongside Vitamin C, noting the pleasant taste that makes it more likely for children to consume regularly. This unique combination stands out as a favorable choice among parents looking for immune support during the colder months Read Review. Overall, while individual experiences may vary, a common theme suggests that these vitamins work effectively as part of a broader immune-boosting regimen.
According to user reviews, the consensus on the appropriate dosage for Children's Vitamin D to aid in treating colds is generally two gummies per day. Several parents report giving this amount to their children with positive outcomes. For instance, one user notes, "I give my child two per day; I thoroughly appreciate them" Read Review. Others echo this sentiment, indicating that two gummies seem to be effective during cold seasons. One review mentions that these vitamins have "become our saviour" during the cold season, suggesting that regular use of the recommended dose correlates with a notable decrease in illness Read Review.
Furthermore, parents appreciate that these gummies are not only effective but also palatable for children. One user highlighted the importance of the pleasant flavour, noting that the "cherry flavour is delightful" which makes their child more inclined to take the supplement Read Review. The gummies are marketed as suitable for children aged four and above, and their positive attributes are consistently reiterated across customer feedback, making them a popular choice for boosting immunity during the cold season Read Review.
9
Less sickness noted
Since introducing these chewable vitamins to my child, we've noticed she gets sick less often. Particularly during the cold season, these vitamins have become our saviour. The cherry flavour is a hit, making it easier for her to take.
9
Effective for colds
Excellent vitamins! As the cold season has started, I give these vitamins to my daughter, and they work well—far better than those we had previously! I highly recommend them.
7.5
Multiple orders placed
I have ordered these several times, hoping they assist; luckily, my children did not fall ill during the cold season.
7.5
Highly recommended gummies
We have purchased these gummies multiple times. My child truly enjoys them. We use them for both prevention and specific cold cases to support immunity. I definitely recommend them!
7.5
Fussy eater solution
High-quality gummies for children who dislike swallowing pills. During cold periods, they provide essential support for health and immunity with Vitamins C and D, and zinc. The conveniently sized gummies have a berry flavour and enhance the child's immune system.
9
Yummy immune support
1 people found this helpful
This is one of the few immune support formulations that contains Vitamin D and is palatable for my children. While Vitamin C products are common, few that include Vitamin D taste good. This cherry flavour is delightful, and the texture is easy to digest. It has become our go-to product for the cold season.
9
Excellent vitamins
3 people found this helpful
Received vitamins promptly, excellent remedies for colds. I give my child two per day; I thoroughly appreciate them. I believe "Garden of Life" products are the best for my children! 👍👍👍
7.5
Improved immunity
I bought these for children to boost immunity. They’re excellent for colds, and my child enjoys the taste. No allergic reactions were encountered. Suitable for children aged four and above, two gummies can be given.
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.
8
Zinc mouthwash reduces cold symptoms
Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms.
We explored the impact of regular gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains both cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc on upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 participants were split into two groups; one group just brushed their teeth, while the other group brushed and gargled with the mouthwash twice a day over three months.
Our findings revealed that those using the mouthwash experienced a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This strongly suggests that incorporating zinc, alongside cetylpyridinium chloride, can provide benefits for those suffering from cold-related symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that this study’s design involved multiple components, and we can’t isolate zinc’s effectiveness from the impact of the other ingredients. Still, the results encourage us to view mouthwash with these ingredients as a helpful addition to our daily hygiene routines, especially during cold and flu season.
Ultimately, this research indicates that gargling with a mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride can indeed help alleviate some unpleasant cold symptoms, but we should be mindful of the combination's effects when interpreting these outcomes.
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review.
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.
The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.
This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
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
Marusca LM, Reddy G, Blaj M, Prathipati R, Rosca O, et al. The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Respiratory Infections in Children under 6 Years Old: A Systematic Review. Diseases. 2023;11. 10.3390/diseases11030104
Carboo JA, Dolman-Macleod RC, Malan L, Lombard MJ. High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024;82:579. 10.1093/nutrit/nuad082
Kisla Ekinci RM, Taskin Karacay IE, Celik U. Serum vitamin B12 and D levels in children with Primary Raynaud Phenomenon: a retrospective cohort study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76:1615. 10.1038/s41430-022-01151-0
Harrison SE, Oliver SJ, Kashi DS, Carswell AT, Edwards JP, et al. Influence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021;53:1505. 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002604
Shimizu Y, Ito Y, Uotsu N, Yui K. Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D May Reduce the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study. Nutrients. 2020;12. 10.3390/nu12123769
Muniz FWMG, Casarin M, Pola NM, Rösing CK, Silveira TMD, et al. Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms. PLoS One. 2025;20:e0316807. 10.1371/journal.pone.0316807
Wieland LS. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review. Explore (NY). 2025;21:103111. 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103111
Yuan S, Qin S, Shi Q, Chen P, Tu N, et al. Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice. Front Plant Sci. 2024;15:1422374. 10.3389/fpls.2024.1422374