Last update
4/13/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Caplet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
1,000 mg
1,111%
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 explored the impact of high doses of Vitamin C on cold and flu symptoms in a controlled study involving 752 students. While 463 participants made up the control group and received standard treatments, the 252 in the test group took 1000 mg of Vitamin C at set intervals.
After comparing reports from both groups, we observed that those who took Vitamin C experienced less severe and fewer symptoms compared to those who did not. This suggests that Vitamin C could be a helpful supplement in managing flu symptoms.
After comparing reports from both groups, we observed that those who took Vitamin C experienced less severe and fewer symptoms compared to those who did not. This suggests that Vitamin C could be a helpful supplement in managing flu symptoms.
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
Effective flu treatment
1 people found this helpful
Kicking my flu on its ass! This remarkable stuff is really tackling a bad cold or flu I have. I take about seven or eight daily and genuinely feel much better (I thought I might die before starting these). Thankfully, it seems I won’t need invasive antibiotics now. Thank you, Nature's Bounty!
Read More
9
Effective flu fighter
Excellent! It helps fight the flu virus and is very good!
Read More
7.5
Improved immunity
Supporting my immunity is good for daily use. I’ve noticed a difference in my immunity towards seasonal flus.
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
We explored the effects of high-dose vitamin C on blood flow during inflammation caused by endotoxin. In a balanced, placebo-controlled crossover study with 36 male subjects, we examined how vitamin C administration impacted vascular function. After administering lipopolysaccharide (LPS), participants experienced flu-like symptoms and a significant drop in blood flow response.
However, we found that high-dose vitamin C improved this blood flow response, suggesting it can help counteract issues related to inflammation. This paves the way for further research on vitamin C's benefits in similar conditions.
However, we found that high-dose vitamin C improved this blood flow response, suggesting it can help counteract issues related to inflammation. This paves the way for further research on vitamin C's benefits in similar conditions.
Read More
8
We explored the impact of high doses of Vitamin C on cold and flu symptoms in a controlled study involving 752 students. While 463 participants made up the control group and received standard treatments, the 252 in the test group took 1000 mg of Vitamin C at set intervals.
After comparing reports from both groups, we observed that those who took Vitamin C experienced less severe and fewer symptoms compared to those who did not. This suggests that Vitamin C could be a helpful supplement in managing flu symptoms.
After comparing reports from both groups, we observed that those who took Vitamin C experienced less severe and fewer symptoms compared to those who did not. This suggests that Vitamin C could be a helpful supplement in managing flu symptoms.
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
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Effective flu treatment
1 people found this helpful
Kicking my flu on its ass! This remarkable stuff is really tackling a bad cold or flu I have. I take about seven or eight daily and genuinely feel much better (I thought I might die before starting these). Thankfully, it seems I won’t need invasive antibiotics now. Thank you, Nature's Bounty!
Read More
9
Effective flu fighter
Excellent! It helps fight the flu virus and is very good!
Read More
7.5
Improved immunity
Supporting my immunity is good for daily use. I’ve noticed a difference in my immunity towards seasonal flus.
Read More
7.5
Recommended flu remedy
An excellent remedy for adults. We take one a day, which makes the flu less contagious. If we do catch the flu, we take two a day, and it makes things much easier. We always keep it in the house, especially during winter. We’re very pleased and recommend it.
Read More
7.5
Cold prevention aid
11 people found this helpful
They are easy to swallow for those who dislike pills. I've been taking one daily for ages and rarely get sick. As a retired kindergarten teacher, I was exposed to many germs, yet I survived three weeks of flu in my family. They are beneficial during winter to fend off colds.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Effective flu fighter
Excellent! It helps fight the flu virus and is very good!
7.5
Recommended flu remedy
An excellent remedy for adults. We take one a day, which makes the flu less contagious. If we do catch the flu, we take two a day, and it makes things much easier. We always keep it in the house, especially during winter. We’re very pleased and recommend it.
7.5
Improved immunity
Supporting my immunity is good for daily use. I’ve noticed a difference in my immunity towards seasonal flus.
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.
4
We investigated the effects of various compounds, including vitamin C, on the neuraminidase (NA) activity of influenza viruses, specifically H1N1 and H5N2. Neuraminidase is crucial for the virus as it helps release new viral particles from infected cells, making it a key target for antiviral treatments.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
In this study, we focused on five different compounds that are structurally distinct from sialic acid, which is the natural substrate of neuraminidase. Among those tested, vitamin C was one of the compounds alongside others like acetyl phenylalanylmethionine and propanoic acid derivatives. We found that these compounds inhibited NA activity, but the degree of inhibition varied.
Notably, the inhibition we observed was in the millimolar range, which suggests that while there is some effect, the affinity of vitamin C to inhibit neuraminidase is moderate compared to the reference drug zanamivir. The IC values for the compounds ranged from 6.4 to 73 mM, indicating that they are not as potent as zanamivir.
Overall, our study presents vitamin C and other small organic molecules as potential lead compounds for developing new neuraminidase inhibitors, even if vitamin C’s impact on flu remains to be clarified as part of a broader analysis of multiple compounds.
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
- 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
- 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
