We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses.
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Instant cold relief
18 people found this helpful
Super product! At the first sign of a cold, it works 100%. I highly recommend it!
Read More
9
Quick recovery
4 people found this helpful
I liked that this product was well tolerated with no side effects. I even gave it to my 12-year-old daughter during her illness, and she recovered swiftly from the cold.
Read More
7.5
Helps illness subside
2 people found this helpful
Great product! During the cold season, it helps tremendously. At the slightest signs of illness, I take two tablets daily with plenty of water, and the disease subsides.
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.
By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.
Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.
Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 178 Reviews
8.2
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
10
Instant cold relief
18 people found this helpful
Super product! At the first sign of a cold, it works 100%. I highly recommend it!
Read More
9
Quick recovery
4 people found this helpful
I liked that this product was well tolerated with no side effects. I even gave it to my 12-year-old daughter during her illness, and she recovered swiftly from the cold.
Read More
7.5
Helps illness subside
2 people found this helpful
Great product! During the cold season, it helps tremendously. At the slightest signs of illness, I take two tablets daily with plenty of water, and the disease subsides.
Read More
10
Cold passes by
1 people found this helpful
This product works 100%! Previously, I took another vitamin C powder, but this form is more convenient with added flavonoids. When family members fall ill, I administer this vitamin, and the cold passes quickly. I will continue taking it and recommend it to everyone.
Read More
10
Works for symptoms
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is simply irreplaceable at the first symptoms of a cold; it works 100%.
Cold is a term that refers to a state of low temperature, often associated with a perceptibly chilly environment or the sensation of being cool to the touch. Scientifically, cold is relative to the presence and movement of heat, which is a measure of energy within matter. In everyday terms, we experience cold through weather changes, such as during winter months, and it can also be described in the context of specific temperature ranges – for example, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) generally signify freezing conditions, which can impact outdoor activities, personal comfort, and various ecological systems.
Moreover, the sensation of cold is not solely dependent on temperature; factors like humidity and wind chill can enhance the feeling of coldness. When discussing cold in terms of human health, prolonged exposure to cold conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite if body heat is not effectively maintained. Hence, it's crucial to dress appropriately and take necessary precautions during colder months to prevent adverse effects. Understanding the concept of cold can help individuals better prepare for seasonal changes and ensure their comfort and safety.
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, it serves as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Given that the human body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
In addition to its fundamental role in supporting overall health, ascorbic acid has garnered interest for its potential benefits in skincare and wound healing. Topical applications of vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, making it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the body's ability to repair tissues and produce important neurotransmitters. For those looking to boost their vitamin C intake, incorporating a variety of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or considering a supplement can be effective strategies.
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has long been touted as a remedy for the common cold. While many people believe that taking vitamin C can either prevent a cold or reduce its duration and severity, clinical research offers mixed conclusions. Some studies suggest that regular supplementation of vitamin C can slightly reduce the duration of colds, especially in individuals exposed to extreme physical stress or cold environments, but it is less effective in the general population.
For those who are already experiencing cold symptoms, higher doses of vitamin C may provide minimal benefits. It's important to note that taking large amounts of ascorbic acid can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects. Instead of relying solely on vitamin C supplements, incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables—such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli—can help support your immune system. Ultimately, while vitamin C can contribute to overall health, it shouldn't be seen as a cure-all for the common cold.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report experiencing positive results shortly after taking this vitamin C supplement upon the first signs of a cold. Multiple users highlight that they felt their symptoms dissipating almost immediately or within a day. For instance, one reviewer noted that they felt better almost instantaneously after taking the product, with their nasal discharge clearing up quickly (Read Review). Another mentioned that they felt all symptoms vanish by the next morning after taking a combined regimen of vitamin C, vitamin D3, and zinc at the onset of illness (Read Review).
Overall, the consensus among users suggests that taking the supplement at the first sign of illness can lead to a rapid improvement in symptoms, and many users express a high level of satisfaction with its effectiveness. Reviews frequently describe the product as essential for preventing or quickly alleviating cold symptoms, indicating that prompt usage correlates with swift results (Read Review).
Vitamin C has garnered significant attention for its potential role in alleviating symptoms of the common cold. Research indicates that while daily supplementation with more than 1 gram of vitamin C doesn’t notably prevent colds in most individuals, it can provide benefits under specific conditions. For instance, those engaged in intense physical activity experienced a dramatic reduction in cold incidence by half with vitamin C supplementation. Moreover, regular intake at doses of 1 gram or more per day was linked to a 15% decrease in the severity of cold symptoms. Although some studies had variable results when vitamin C was administered post-symptom onset, larger doses, particularly between 6 to 8 grams daily, showed promise in shortening the duration of colds compared to lower doses [1].
On another note, while the benefits of vitamin C on cold tolerance in animals and humans are promising, these findings may not be easily generalized across all demographics. In situations like pneumonia, observed benefits have varied greatly based on specific populations, such as military recruits and school settings [1]. Overall, given its affordability and safety profile, a higher daily dose of vitamin C could be worth considering for those looking to mitigate the effects of colds, although individual responses may vary.
Users have reported a variety of positive improvements in their symptoms after taking this vitamin C supplement, with many emphasizing its effectiveness at the first sign of a cold. Multiple individuals noted that symptoms dissipated significantly after just one dose, describing experiences such as instant relief from nasal discharge and a swift return to normalcy (Read Review). Furthermore, a user shared that their child also recovered quickly from a cold while taking this product, highlighting its good tolerance and suitability for different ages (Read Review).
Safety and effectiveness appear to be common themes in user feedback. Reviewers consistently mention that they experience fewer colds overall, attributing this to the vitamin's immune support properties, which are purportedly enhanced by the inclusion of flavonoids (Read Review). Many users vow to keep this supplement on hand as their go-to preventative measure during cold season, expressing high levels of satisfaction with both the product's efficacy and its convenience (Read Review).
Based on user reviews, many individuals report positive experiences when combining this vitamin C supplement with other supplements to manage cold symptoms. Users have noted effective combinations, particularly with vitamin D3 and zinc, stating that taking them together enhances the effectiveness of combating cold symptoms. One reviewer specifically mentioned feeling symptoms vanish after taking 1000 mg of vitamin C along with vitamin D3 and zinc at the onset of illness (Read Review). Another user highlighted a regimen that included vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, and vitamin D, asserting that this combination helps to either prevent or quickly resolve cold symptoms (Read Review).
The feedback suggests that combining this vitamin C supplement with other vitamins and minerals not only improves immune response but may also lead to quicker recovery times when colds strike. Users comment on the added benefits of incorporating flavonoids in this particular formulation, which some believe enhances absorption and overall immune support (Read Review). Overall, the combination of vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc emerges as a popular choice among users looking for an effective defense against colds.
According to research, the optimal dose of Ascorbic Acid for treating the common cold appears to be around 6 to 8 grams per day. While general supplementation of over 1 gram didn’t show significant benefits for preventing colds in the general population, those engaged in heavy physical activities experienced a marked reduction in cold incidence when supplemented with this dosage. Moreover, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was associated with a noteworthy 15% decrease in cold severity. Interestingly, higher doses have shown potential to effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses, making a case for considering higher amounts during cold symptoms [1].
It’s essential to note that although some therapeutic trials provided inconsistent results for vitamin C taken after the onset of cold symptoms, two studies did indicate the advantages of higher doses for reducing the duration of colds. Given these insights, incorporating a daily dosage of 6-8 grams might be a safe and affordable option for many individuals looking to alleviate symptoms and reduce recovery time during cold episodes [1].
9
Quick recovery
This vitamin worked wonders for my cold. Shortly after taking it, my nasal discharge cleared, I felt better instantly, and it aided in a swift recovery. Thorne is high-quality, with no impact on my stomach—everything is perfect!
9
Essential for colds
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is an irreplaceable supplement in my medicine cabinet. At the first signs of a cold, I take 1000 mg, vitamin D3, and zinc. In the morning, you feel all the symptoms vanish. I recommend it!
10
Works for symptoms
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is simply irreplaceable at the first symptoms of a cold; it works 100%.
9
Quick recovery
4 people found this helpful
I liked that this product was well tolerated with no side effects. I even gave it to my 12-year-old daughter during her illness, and she recovered swiftly from the cold.
9
Reduced cold frequency
Excellent! I searched for a quality vitamin C supplement and decided to try Thorne's Vitamin C with Flavonoids. This indispensable product not only provides vitamin C but also flavonoids, which enhance its effect and support the immune system. Since I began taking it, I’ve had fewer colds, and my skin looks healthier. These capsules are easy to swallow, and the noticeable effect has improved my overall well-being and energy levels.
10
Cold passes by
1 people found this helpful
This product works 100%! Previously, I took another vitamin C powder, but this form is more convenient with added flavonoids. When family members fall ill, I administer this vitamin, and the cold passes quickly. I will continue taking it and recommend it to everyone.
9
Cold passes faster
1 people found this helpful
I drink vitamin C nearly daily, as I have vascular meshes on my legs and often take collagen, which is well absorbed together. When I feel a cold beginning, I take vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, and vitamin D—a wonderful combination that works; the cold often passes easily and more quickly, sometimes it doesn't come at all. Therefore, vitamin C is essential for every housewife.
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.
But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.
Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.
Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
References
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. 10.20452/pamw.16926
Wang X, Ran C, Fu Y, Han L, Yang X, et al. Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms251810093