Last update
3/19/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 60 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (from culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
500 mg
556%
Raw Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend
720 mg
+
Raw Probiotic & Enzyme Blend
60 mg
+
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
We examined how megadose Vitamin C affects cold and flu symptoms in a controlled study with students.
In this research, 252 students received hourly doses of 1000 mg mostly at the onset of symptoms, while 463 students served as a control group, treated with standard pain relievers.
Despite some positive outcomes observed, the study results indicate that Vitamin C did not significantly affect the prevention or relief of these symptoms overall, raising questions about its effectiveness in combatting the flu.
In this research, 252 students received hourly doses of 1000 mg mostly at the onset of symptoms, while 463 students served as a control group, treated with standard pain relievers.
Despite some positive outcomes observed, the study results indicate that Vitamin C did not significantly affect the prevention or relief of these symptoms overall, raising questions about its effectiveness in combatting the flu.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Instant flu relief
9 people found this helpful
They work quickly! I felt immediate relief from flu symptoms as soon as I took the first cap. I had been feeling unwell, weak, and mentally confused due to a virus. With each cap I took, I regained strength and clarity. I highly recommend these and have ordered additional products from this brand, including Madre Labs C. However, I believe GOL raw C is superior. It's wise to stock up during colder weather as these are raw and could be compromised in hot conditions.
Read More
10
Effective post-flu
2 people found this helpful
These vitamins work 100% after I got sick with the flu.
Read More
9
Mild flu symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I see the effect! I ordered these vitamins in the autumn and took them for a month. After that, I fell ill with the flu but surprisingly suffered a very mild illness. In the early days of the illness, I took 1g each – four capsules. My husband, who doesn’t take vitamins, experienced a much harsher illness and was unwell for about a week and a half, but with vitamin C, it was considerably easier for me.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.5
- All Researches
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
We explored the effectiveness of various drugs on swine flu, focusing on the role of vitamin C. Using advanced modeling techniques, we assessed how well vitamin C interacts with key proteins of the H1N1 virus. The results show that vitamin C forms strong bonds with the virus proteins, suggesting it may be a beneficial treatment option. Other remedies were also tested but didn’t show the same level of interaction. This points to vitamin C as a potential player in fighting H1N1 infections.
Read More
8
We explored the effect of high-dose vitamin C on blood flow reactivity during inflammation. In a study with 36 men, we utilized a placebo-controlled design to administer endotoxin, which triggered flu-like symptoms and decreased vitamin C levels. Following this, we tested how vitamin C improved blood flow responses.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C significantly restored blood flow responses in the forearm after endotoxin administration. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits of vitamin C during inflammatory episodes, inviting further clinical research.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C significantly restored blood flow responses in the forearm after endotoxin administration. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits of vitamin C during inflammatory episodes, inviting further clinical research.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 60 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Instant flu relief
9 people found this helpful
They work quickly! I felt immediate relief from flu symptoms as soon as I took the first cap. I had been feeling unwell, weak, and mentally confused due to a virus. With each cap I took, I regained strength and clarity. I highly recommend these and have ordered additional products from this brand, including Madre Labs C. However, I believe GOL raw C is superior. It's wise to stock up during colder weather as these are raw and could be compromised in hot conditions.
Read More
10
Effective post-flu
2 people found this helpful
These vitamins work 100% after I got sick with the flu.
Read More
9
Mild flu symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I see the effect! I ordered these vitamins in the autumn and took them for a month. After that, I fell ill with the flu but surprisingly suffered a very mild illness. In the early days of the illness, I took 1g each – four capsules. My husband, who doesn’t take vitamins, experienced a much harsher illness and was unwell for about a week and a half, but with vitamin C, it was considerably easier for me.
Read More
10
Effective for children
Our son used to get frequent flu during seasonal changes. After following our doctor's recommendation to give him vitamin C, specifically the raw option, for the last 3–4 years, we’ve noticed a marked decrease in flu and cold symptoms.
Read More
10
Cold prevention
The Best! I take higher doses of this vitamin at the first sign of any cold or flu, and it stops it from developing further. I generally adore Garden Of Life products, but this has saved me for many years now.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Instant flu relief
9 people found this helpful
They work quickly! I felt immediate relief from flu symptoms as soon as I took the first cap. I had been feeling unwell, weak, and mentally confused due to a virus. With each cap I took, I regained strength and clarity. I highly recommend these and have ordered additional products from this brand, including Madre Labs C. However, I believe GOL raw C is superior. It's wise to stock up during colder weather as these are raw and could be compromised in hot conditions.
9
Mild flu symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I see the effect! I ordered these vitamins in the autumn and took them for a month. After that, I fell ill with the flu but surprisingly suffered a very mild illness. In the early days of the illness, I took 1g each – four capsules. My husband, who doesn’t take vitamins, experienced a much harsher illness and was unwell for about a week and a half, but with vitamin C, it was considerably easier for me.
10
Cold prevention
The Best! I take higher doses of this vitamin at the first sign of any cold or flu, and it stops it from developing further. I generally adore Garden Of Life products, but this has saved me for many years now.
9
Flu protection
Super Vitamin C! I must sing its praises. Last winter, my entire family was sick with the flu, but I remained healthy thanks to my vitamin C—no runny nose whatsoever. I now drink it regularly and trust its effectiveness.
7.5
Immunity strength observed
This is the Vitamin C my whole family takes daily, and amidst the spread of RSV, flu, and other respiratory viruses, none of us have fallen ill. I am confident it strengthens our immunity and keeps us healthy. I’m very pleased with this product and will continue to use it.
9
Helpful for child
2 people found this helpful
I'm very pleased with this product. For the first time, I’ve seen a vitamin that helps my 3-year-old daughter with her ongoing flu during the autumn/winter season. I'm definitely repurchasing it.
9
Kid's flu relief
1 people found this helpful
Ever since my daughter started taking these vitamin C capsules, I haven’t heard her complain about the flu or a runny nose. They seem to be working well for her.
9
Boosts immunity effectively
The best vitamin C! This Raw Vitamin C is effective and safe for the entire family, formulated with unprocessed organic fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and enzymes for better absorption. I take two capsules daily, especially during flu season, as Vitamin C flushes out quickly. It's an irreplaceable supplement during colds; I notice a significant effect if taken at the first sign. The only downside is the cost, which is relatively high without discounts.
7
We examined how vitamin C supplementation can impact flu incidence and symptom duration. Our analysis of clinical studies indicated that vitamin C does show promise in reducing the risk of acute respiratory infections, including flu. Specifically, vitamin C reduced the likelihood of catching an acute respiratory infection by approximately 4% (risk ratio of 0.96).
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
References
- Abioye AI, Bromage S, Fawzi W. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health. 2021;6. 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176
- Márquez-Domínguez L, Reyes-Leyva J, Herrera-Camacho I, Santos-López G, Scior T. Five Novel Non-Sialic Acid-Like Scaffolds Inhibit In Vitro H1N1 and H5N2 Neuraminidase Activity of Influenza a Virus. Molecules. 2020;25. 10.3390/molecules25184248
- Kim H, Jang M, Kim Y, Choi J, Jeon J, et al. Red ginseng and vitamin C increase immune cell activity and decrease lung inflammation induced by influenza A virus/H1N1 infection. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2016;68:406. 10.1111/jphp.12529
- Wang H, Xu R, Shi Y, Si L, Jiao P, et al. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives as potential influenza virus entry inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem. 2016;110:376. 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.01.005
- Cai Y, Li YF, Tang LP, Tsoi B, Chen M, et al. A new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:675149. 10.1155/2015/675149
- Raja K, Prabahar A, Selvakumar S, Raja TK. In Silico Analysis to Compare the Effectiveness of Assorted Drugs Prescribed for Swine flu in Diverse Medicine Systems. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2014;76:10. PubMed
- Aschauer S, Gouya G, Klickovic U, Storka A, Weisshaar S, et al. Effect of systemic high dose vitamin C therapy on forearm blood flow reactivity during endotoxemia in healthy human subjects. Vascul Pharmacol. 2014;61:25. 10.1016/j.vph.2014.01.007
- Gorton HC, Jarvis K. The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999;22:530. PubMed
Data last updated:
