Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 43 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 VegCap
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid, Acerola Cherry, Rose Hips)
1,000 mg
1,111%

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumonia
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.
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.
Read More
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.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Effective dosage
7 people found this helpful
No colds or flu so far since taking this. We take about 3000 mg per day and have avoided any illness, even around snotty-nosed grandkids. Building your immune system is key, and Vitamin C is essential.
Read More
9
Prevented flu effectively
2 people found this helpful
I've taken one tablet of California Gold C 1,000 mg for breakfast and one before bed for years. I believe 2,000 mg per day is ideal for this powerful antioxidant. It forms the core of my immune system strategy, alongside B-Complex, Vitamins D and E, Melatonin, Zinc, and Quercetin. It works for me; at 72, I haven't caught the flu in 15 years. Excellent value for money.
Read More
10
Stops symptoms
I take it when I sense the flu or cold is starting, and it alleviates everything before it begins!!! Like, please. 👍
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.2
  • All Researches
9
Immune booster for flu treatment
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.
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.
Read More
8
Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumonia
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.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's promise against flu
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.
Read More
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.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 43 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Effective dosage
7 people found this helpful
No colds or flu so far since taking this. We take about 3000 mg per day and have avoided any illness, even around snotty-nosed grandkids. Building your immune system is key, and Vitamin C is essential.
Read More
9
Prevented flu effectively
2 people found this helpful
I've taken one tablet of California Gold C 1,000 mg for breakfast and one before bed for years. I believe 2,000 mg per day is ideal for this powerful antioxidant. It forms the core of my immune system strategy, alongside B-Complex, Vitamins D and E, Melatonin, Zinc, and Quercetin. It works for me; at 72, I haven't caught the flu in 15 years. Excellent value for money.
Read More
10
Stops symptoms
I take it when I sense the flu or cold is starting, and it alleviates everything before it begins!!! Like, please. 👍
Read More
9
Boosted immunity significantly
Solaray's Timed Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips & Acerola has become essential to my health regime. The 250 VegCaps come in sturdy packaging. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of swallowing the capsules. Since taking them, I have noticed a boost in energy, fewer colds, and improved skin health. Compared to other supplements, it is affordable and offers a 100-day supply. This supplement has become vital to my daily routine. I highly recommend it for supporting immune function and overall wellness.
Read More
9
Prevented colds entirely
I appreciate the time-release feature of this essential supplement. With 1,000 mg of vitamin C in one capsule, I have not had a cold, coronavirus, or influenza. It has genuinely been beneficial; health is paramount.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

10
Stops symptoms
I take it when I sense the flu or cold is starting, and it alleviates everything before it begins!!! Like, please. 👍
7.5
Speeds recovery
Great product at affordable prices! I've been taking this time-release vitamin C and found it aids in recovering sooner from mild flu or cold. My whole family takes it as added protection too. 👍🏼
9
Winter coverage
Excellent vitamin C! The whole family has been using it for a month now. We have almost passed the winter without colds and flu. The package is large, sufficient for a long time, and I am very satisfied!
9
Prevented flu effectively
2 people found this helpful
I've taken one tablet of California Gold C 1,000 mg for breakfast and one before bed for years. I believe 2,000 mg per day is ideal for this powerful antioxidant. It forms the core of my immune system strategy, alongside B-Complex, Vitamins D and E, Melatonin, Zinc, and Quercetin. It works for me; at 72, I haven't caught the flu in 15 years. Excellent value for money.
9
Boosted immunity significantly
Solaray's Timed Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips & Acerola has become essential to my health regime. The 250 VegCaps come in sturdy packaging. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of swallowing the capsules. Since taking them, I have noticed a boost in energy, fewer colds, and improved skin health. Compared to other supplements, it is affordable and offers a 100-day supply. This supplement has become vital to my daily routine. I highly recommend it for supporting immune function and overall wellness.
9
Easy on stomach
Good quality ingredients with 1000mg of Vitamin C. Easier on the stomach than dissolvable tablets. Good for immunity and keeping flu at bay. Highly recommended.
7
Vitamin C's promise against flu
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.
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.
9
Immune booster for flu treatment
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.
8
Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumonia
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.

References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
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