Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
Vitamin C aids common cold recoveryVitamin C as a Supplementary Therapy in Relieving Symptoms of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials.
Moderate relevance due to combination therapy
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.
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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.
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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.
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Vitamin C reduces cold incidenceVitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial.
Highly relevant to research question.
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.
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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.
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User Reviews
Excellent
Based on 89 Reviews
I’ve been taking this form of vitamin C for a year without catching a single common cold. Combining it with zinc has been fantastic.
I've taken Solgar's Vitamin C for a long time and haven't had any common colds, flu, or covid since. I take it daily and feel great!
This vitamin works wonders! Whenever I feel a common cold coming on, I take two capsules a day for a few days, and I don't get sick.
Vitamin C is indispensable during the cold season, as it enhances the absorption of other medications like iron. It's particularly important for smokers since this vitamin is quickly depleted in their bodies. Additionally, Vitamin C combats premature ageing and acts as a strong antioxidant that neutralises toxins.
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Taking this vitamin at the first sign of a common cold really helps me avoid getting sick.