We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections.
We assessed the longstanding debate about vitamin C’s effectiveness in treating the common cold. This exploration reveals that evidence has consistently indicated that vitamin C can indeed help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in certain circumstances.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Effective prevention
140 people found this helpful
A great option for vitamin C. I prefer those containing bioflavonoids. In this case, with bioquercetin, its effect is noticeably helpful. If I feel a cold coming on, taking this vitamin C can prevent the common cold if taken in a loading dose. My herpes heals within a day. The small tablets are easy to split in half.
Read More
9
Cold prevention
82 people found this helpful
Excellent composition! This vitamin C with quercetin phytosomes helps fight viruses and is ideal for preventing the common cold. I take it at the first signs of illness, usually one pill daily for a week, which often keeps me healthy. If I do get ill, it’s mild. The price is also reasonable.
Read More
9
Effective results
17 people found this helpful
One of my favourites for vitamin C! It contains bioflavonoids, and with the addition of bioquercetin, its effects are noticeable. It can prevent the common cold when taken in a loading dose, and it’s quick to help my herpes. The small tablets are easy to split.
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin C as a supplementary treatment for relieving common cold symptoms. By analyzing data from 10 randomized controlled trials, all focused on patients in China, we sought to understand how combining vitamin C with antiviral therapy might enhance recovery.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C supplementation could significantly improve overall efficacy, with a reported relative risk of 1.27. Moreover, it was shown to shorten the time it takes for symptoms to get better and for patients to heal, compared to antiviral therapy alone.
While vitamin C seems to have a positive impact when paired with antiviral drugs, it’s essential to note that its individual effects might not be fully clear due to the combined treatment approach used in the studies. Nonetheless, vitamin C presents itself as a promising addition to traditional cold treatments, helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold severity
Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
Read More
8
Vitamin C's potential benefits highlighted
Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections.
We assessed the longstanding debate about vitamin C’s effectiveness in treating the common cold. This exploration reveals that evidence has consistently indicated that vitamin C can indeed help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in certain circumstances.
However, despite this evidence, mainstream medicine has often favored what we call eminence-based medicine, relying on influential figures rather than empirical data. The skepticism surrounding vitamin C largely traces back to three pivotal studies published in 1975, two in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine. These studies have shaped the narrative in textbooks and nutritional guidelines, despite exhibiting notable flaws that we carefully examined.
Furthermore, we highlighted misleading reporting in recent randomized trials and critical editorials published in JAMA regarding vitamin C. While our critique largely focuses on this journal, it reflects a broader trend across medical literature, indicating a possible bias against acknowledging the benefits of vitamin C in fighting colds.
Read More
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
We investigated how vitamin C affects the common cold, focusing on its potential for prevention and treatment. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population when taken at doses over 1 g/day, it has been beneficial for individuals engaging in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
A great option for vitamin C. I prefer those containing bioflavonoids. In this case, with bioquercetin, its effect is noticeably helpful. If I feel a cold coming on, taking this vitamin C can prevent the common cold if taken in a loading dose. My herpes heals within a day. The small tablets are easy to split in half.
Read More
9
Cold prevention
82 people found this helpful
Excellent composition! This vitamin C with quercetin phytosomes helps fight viruses and is ideal for preventing the common cold. I take it at the first signs of illness, usually one pill daily for a week, which often keeps me healthy. If I do get ill, it’s mild. The price is also reasonable.
Read More
9
Effective results
17 people found this helpful
One of my favourites for vitamin C! It contains bioflavonoids, and with the addition of bioquercetin, its effects are noticeable. It can prevent the common cold when taken in a loading dose, and it’s quick to help my herpes. The small tablets are easy to split.
Read More
9
Immune support
7 people found this helpful
A powerful dosage of vitamin C, especially with quercetin in phytosomes. It significantly boosts my immunity. I take it with food since it's ascorbic acid and is best absorbed this way.
Read More
9
Best vitamin C
5 people found this helpful
Since childhood, doctors have recommended ascorbic acid for the common cold. I now understand there are various types, and this formulation with bioquercetin is the best for me. It noticeably improves my condition if I catch a cold. I take it after meals to avoid discomfort.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose and throat. It's caused by a variety of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent. Symptoms generally include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, mild headache, and sometimes a low-grade fever. While the common cold is often mild and resolves on its own within a week or two, it can still be bothersome and impact daily activities.
Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Preventative measures include frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Since there is currently no cure for the common cold, treatment focuses on symptom relief through over-the-counter medications, adequate rest, and hydration. While colds may be uncomfortable, they are generally not serious; however, seeking medical attention may be necessary if symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions. As an essential nutrient, it contributes to the growth and repair of tissues in the body, and it is vital for the production of collagen, an important protein that helps maintain skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to various chronic diseases.
Moreover, Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods, making it a vital component for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. While many people get sufficient Vitamin C from a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers, some individuals might require supplementation. It's generally recommended to stay within the daily intake guidelines, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Overall, Vitamin C is not just a skincare celebrity—it's a fundamental part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Vitamin C has long been touted as a remedy for the common cold, but the evidence supporting its efficacy is mixed. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, particularly in individuals who engage in intense physical activity or have a deficiency in this vitamin. However, for the average person, taking Vitamin C after the onset of cold symptoms is generally not shown to have a significant impact on shortening the cold.
If you're considering using Vitamin C to fend off colds, incorporating it into your daily routine through fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can support overall immune function. Supplements might be beneficial for those who struggle to get enough from their diet, but they are not a guaranteed cure. While Vitamin C isn't a magic bullet against the common cold, maintaining adequate levels can contribute to overall health and may help mitigate some symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimens.
Based on user reviews, individuals taking this vitamin C supplement with quercetin often report noticeable improvements in their cold symptoms within a short timeframe. Some users mention feeling better by the next day if they start the supplement at the first signs of illness, indicating that timely administration can lead to quicker results Read Review. Others note that consistent use—whether in a regular daily dose or a higher "loading" dose at the onset of symptoms—can help to prevent colds or mitigate their severity Read Review.
Several reviewers emphasize the importance of starting the supplement early when symptoms first appear, as this strategy tends to yield quicker benefits. For example, one user mentioned that they felt healthier and avoided the common cold by taking the supplement for just a few days Read Review. Overall, many users agree that they experience positive effects rapidly, often within a matter of days, enhancing their immune response during cold season.
Vitamin C supplementation has garnered attention in scientific studies for its potential benefits in managing common cold symptoms. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not generally prevent colds in the wider population, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illnesses, particularly when taken in higher doses (6-8 g/day) at the onset of symptoms [1]. In specific groups, such as athletes or individuals under significant physical stress, vitamin C may also help lower the incidence of colds by half [4]. These findings suggest that for certain populations, especially those at risk or actively engaged in heavy physical activity, vitamin C may be a worthwhile consideration in cold management.
Further analysis from randomized controlled trials reveals that individuals taking at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily experienced about a 15% reduction in the severity of cold symptoms [2]. This is particularly notable during periods of severe symptoms, which can impact daily activities significantly. Additionally, evidence points to vitamin C's role in alleviating symptoms related to common cold-induced issues, such as asthma and potential hospital admissions [6]. Therefore, while vitamin C may not ostensively serve as a cold preventative treatment, emerging data supports its usefulness in reducing symptoms and duration, making it a practical approach for those struggling with viral respiratory infections.
Users report a range of improvements in their symptoms after using this vitamin C supplement combined with quercetin. Many have noticed significant boosts to their immune system, which seem particularly beneficial during cold season. For instance, one user mentioned that taking it at the first sign of a cold resulted in feeling better by the next day, highlighting the quick action of the product Read Review. Another reviewer confirmed that consistent use has allowed their family to avoid common colds entirely, stating, "we've forgotten what a common cold feels like!" Read Review.
Additionally, several users have indicated that the supplement can help with other health concerns, noting improvements in conditions like herpes and even energy levels. For example, one user found that their herpes healed within a day of taking the supplement, while others successfully integrated it into their daily routine to prevent common colds and flu-like symptoms Read Review. While results can vary, with some attributing their overall health improvements to this combination of vitamin C and quercetin, many agree that it plays a crucial role in supporting their immunity and enhancing their wellness during periods of increased illness.
Users have reported positive experiences when combining this vitamin C supplement with quercetin for handling the common cold. Many users indicate that taking the supplement at the onset of cold symptoms can lead to a quick recovery; for example, one reviewer shared that they noticed improvement by the next day after increasing their dosage Read Review. Others highlight the supplement’s efficacy in not only preventing colds but also mitigating their severity when they do occur Read Review. Additionally, users appreciate the immune-boosting benefits of this combination, with many claiming that they have stayed healthy even during cold seasons when those around them were ill Read Review.
Furthermore, reviews suggest that users often stack this vitamin C and quercetin product with other supplements, such as zinc and vitamin D, enhancing their overall efficacy against illness. For instance, one user mentioned feeling better in the morning after taking vitamin C along with zinc at the initial signs of a cold Read Review. This layering approach appears to provide an extra shield during cold season, leading to fewer instances of illness amongst regular users Read Review. Overall, the consensus among users emphasizes the beneficial effects of this specific combination for comprehensive immune support.
The optimal dose of vitamin C for treating the common cold seems to lie in the range of 1,000 mg (1 g) or more per day. Research indicates that regular supplementation at this dose can effectively reduce the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%, particularly beneficial for those with more severe symptoms. Interestingly, higher doses, in the vicinity of 6 to 8 grams per day, may significantly shorten the duration of colds when taken after symptoms onset, although results can vary for different individuals [1][2].
For those who are in physically taxing situations, such as athletes or military personnel, the protective effects of vitamin C may be even more pronounced, as studies suggest that doses around 6,000 mg can reduce the incidence of colds by up to 20% in certain groups [7]. While vitamin C supplementation does not prevent colds in the general population, its ability to mitigate both the severity and duration of symptoms makes it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to manage cold symptoms more effectively [4].
9
Quick recovery
1 people found this helpful
After just two days down south, I felt a common cold coming on. I took oil of oregano and this Vitamin C with Quercetin thrice daily and noticed improvement by the next day. I continued for a week and returned home feeling excellent.
9
Effective prevention
140 people found this helpful
A great option for vitamin C. I prefer those containing bioflavonoids. In this case, with bioquercetin, its effect is noticeably helpful. If I feel a cold coming on, taking this vitamin C can prevent the common cold if taken in a loading dose. My herpes heals within a day. The small tablets are easy to split in half.
9
Cold remedy
3 people found this helpful
This vitamin, recommended by a friend, worked wonders! Despite initial doubts, I now take vitamin C and zinc at the first sign of a cold and feel better by morning. For five months, I've felt great and am no longer worried about catching common colds. Our entire family now takes these vitamins.
10
Cold-free
1 people found this helpful
My husband and I regularly take this vitamin C, and we've forgotten what a common cold feels like! It doesn't upset my stomach, and the large packaging is very convenient.
9
Cold prevention
82 people found this helpful
Excellent composition! This vitamin C with quercetin phytosomes helps fight viruses and is ideal for preventing the common cold. I take it at the first signs of illness, usually one pill daily for a week, which often keeps me healthy. If I do get ill, it’s mild. The price is also reasonable.
9
Effective composition
1 people found this helpful
This is a very good supplement, containing both vitamin C and quercetin. I experienced no negative side effects, and I didn’t catch any common colds all winter, while everyone at work was sick.
9
Strong immunity support
1 people found this helpful
Very good vitamin C! It's crucial for our body and supports immunity. To meet daily needs, one would have to consume an impractical amount of kiwi. I prefer this supplement, which contains 1g of vitamin C per tablet, plus bio-quercetin. My family takes one tablet daily, increasing to three per day at the first sign of a common cold. We ensure to space out the doses for better absorption. It really works!
We investigated how vitamin C affects the common cold, focusing on its potential for prevention and treatment. Research indicates that while vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population when taken at doses over 1 g/day, it has been beneficial for individuals engaging in heavy physical activity, effectively halving their incidence of colds.
Looking into regular supplementation, we found that taking 1 g or more daily can reduce the severity of colds by about 15%. However, when it comes to starting vitamin C after cold symptoms begin, results are less consistent, though higher doses of 6-8 g/day did significantly shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Interestingly, historical studies showed that vitamin C might prevent pneumonia in specific populations, such as schoolboys or soldiers, but this doesn’t translate to the general public. While some trials indicated potential benefits for pneumonia patients, the evidence is not conclusive.
Overall, we see that given the evidence supporting reduced severity and duration of colds, along with its safety and affordability, it may be worth considering a higher dose of vitamin C for those looking to manage cold symptoms better.
5
Vitamin C's varied effects on colds
Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19.
We explored the role of Vitamin C in managing common cold symptoms through a review of existing studies. The focus was to understand whether this popular vitamin could help in reducing the incidence of the common cold or its severity.
Our findings revealed that Vitamins C, D, and E did not notably lower the incidence of the common cold in the general population. However, we did discover something interesting: Vitamin C appeared to be beneficial in individuals experiencing physical or environmental stress, reducing the incidence of the cold by half in those specific circumstances.
Moreover, while Vitamin C did not prevent colds, it did play a role in shortening their duration and minimizing the severity of symptoms. On the other hand, large doses of Vitamin A showed no effects on pneumonia recovery, and Zinc had some benefits for children under five, particularly in improving clinical deterioration.
Despite the inconclusive results regarding Vitamin C and overall cold prevention, it seems that taking this vitamin during stressful periods may still offer some advantages. Overall, while the results are mixed, there's potential for Vitamin C to be a helpful component in managing colds for specific groups.
8
Vitamin C reduces cold severity
Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.
We explored how vitamin C affects the severity of common colds through a comprehensive review of available studies. By including only randomized, placebo-controlled trials where participants received at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily, we aimed to investigate both the overall duration of colds and the intensity of symptoms experienced.
Our analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity of cold symptoms by about 15%. Interestingly, it appears that the benefits are more pronounced for those experiencing severe symptoms compared to mild ones. In specific comparisons, vitamin C didn’t substantially affect the duration of mild symptoms but had a notable impact on how long severe symptoms lasted.
This insight is crucial, as the common cold often leads to absenteeism at work and school, with more severe symptoms playing a key role in this setback. By highlighting vitamin C's greater effectiveness against intense cold symptoms, we suggest that future research should continue to look into how this vitamin can be utilized in managing cold severity.
7
Vitamin C may alleviate cold symptoms
Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on common cold symptoms, particularly focusing on how it may assist in alleviating those pesky issues that come with viral respiratory infections. The research indicates that taking vitamin C, especially at the onset of symptoms, might help reduce the duration of discomfort, such as fever, chills, and chest pain.
Additionally, we noted that vitamin C could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms related to common cold-induced asthma and might decrease the need for hospital admissions in some cases. While the overall evidence about vitamin C's effectiveness isn’t exhaustive, oral consumption may provide relief for many experiencing early stages of viral infections.
However, we must emphasize that there is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of vitamin C specifically for preventing or treating COVID-19, which shares similar symptoms with typical respiratory infections. Therefore, while vitamin C appears beneficial for common cold symptoms, further high-quality research is essential to validate its efficacy and safety unequivocally.
8
Vitamin C reduces cold incidence
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
We conducted an insightful study to explore whether vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the incidence of common colds among Republic of Korea Army recruits. Our research involved a rigorous randomised, placebo-controlled trial that included 1,444 soldiers over a 30-day period.
In this study, we divided the participants into two groups: one received a daily dose of 6,000 mg of vitamin C while the other received a placebo with no vitamin C. We investigated the soldiers' medical records to see how many of them contracted a cold during the training period.
Our findings showed encouraging results. The group that took vitamin C had a 20% lower risk of developing a common cold compared to those who took the placebo. Interestingly, this protective effect was especially pronounced among recruits in certain training camps, as well as never smokers and those who were physically ranked at level three.
Overall, we observed that vitamin C supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of common colds in military settings, which may lead to considerations for implementing vitamin C provisions during basic training for soldiers.
References
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. doi:10.20452/pamw.16926
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2023;23:2468. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections. Life (Basel). 2022;12. doi:10.3390/life12010062
Murni IK, Prawirohartono EP, Triasih R. Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19. Glob Pediatr Health. 2021;8:2333794X211021739. doi:10.1177/2333794X211021739
Ran L, Zhao W, Wang H, Zhao Y, Bu H. Vitamin C as a Supplementary Therapy in Relieving Symptoms of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:8573742. doi:10.1155/2020/8573742
Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review. Adv Integr Med. 2020;7:187. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008
Kim TK, Lim HR, Byun JS. Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial. BMJ Mil Health. 2022;168:117. doi:10.1136/bmjmilitary-2019-001384