Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 27 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: One Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
One Capsule Contains:
Amount Per Serving
% DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
500 mg
556%
Citrus Bioflavonoids
75 mg
*

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
Reduces illness severity
4 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C! One of the primary benefits is its ability to bolster the immune system. I find I cope better with diseases and infections, getting colds and flu less often, and symptoms pass much quicker. With strong antioxidant properties, it protects my cells from damage. Additionally, my skin and hair have improved, appearing brighter and healthier. I recommend this to anyone wanting to boost their immune system, enhance energy, and improve overall well-being.
Read More
9
Quick relief from flu
1 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C with flavonoids! At the first symptoms of flu, I take 1-2 capsules and find that the next day, there are no more symptoms. My skin also looks better since I started taking it.
Read More
9
Highly effective supplementation
Excellent! I highly recommend this. I trust this manufacturer. The dietary supplements are well absorbed, and this vitamin C is no exception. It helps maintain immunity, and is also a beauty vitamin. I took one capsule every morning in winter and if I felt slightly unwell or came into contact with someone suffering from a cold or flu, I took another in the evening. As a result, I was spared from illness, which I am very pleased about. The vitamins work well and are gentle on the stomach.
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 27 Reviews
8.5
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Reduces illness severity
4 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C! One of the primary benefits is its ability to bolster the immune system. I find I cope better with diseases and infections, getting colds and flu less often, and symptoms pass much quicker. With strong antioxidant properties, it protects my cells from damage. Additionally, my skin and hair have improved, appearing brighter and healthier. I recommend this to anyone wanting to boost their immune system, enhance energy, and improve overall well-being.
Read More
9
Quick relief from flu
1 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C with flavonoids! At the first symptoms of flu, I take 1-2 capsules and find that the next day, there are no more symptoms. My skin also looks better since I started taking it.
Read More
9
Highly effective supplementation
Excellent! I highly recommend this. I trust this manufacturer. The dietary supplements are well absorbed, and this vitamin C is no exception. It helps maintain immunity, and is also a beauty vitamin. I took one capsule every morning in winter and if I felt slightly unwell or came into contact with someone suffering from a cold or flu, I took another in the evening. As a result, I was spared from illness, which I am very pleased about. The vitamins work well and are gentle on the stomach.
Read More
9
Highly recommend it
Vitamin C works! I’ve ordered it several times and like it very much. At the first sign of a cold or flu, I recommend taking it.
Read More
9
Improves immune system
I've been taking this vitamin C for a while now and have noticed a significant improvement in my immune system against cold and flu.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Quick relief from flu
1 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C with flavonoids! At the first symptoms of flu, I take 1-2 capsules and find that the next day, there are no more symptoms. My skin also looks better since I started taking it.
7.5
Avoids cold symptoms
It seems very effective and helps me a lot with flu. When I have the first symptoms of a cold, I start taking this vitamin (5-10k mg per day), and I'm almost always able to avoid it.
9
Boosts energy levels
Outstanding immune support! Thorne Vitamin C has been excellent for my daily routine. I’ve noticed a significant boost in my immune system and energy levels, especially during cold and flu season.
9
Prevents flu effectively
It's worth every penny! This is my second bottle of vitamin C, and I’ve been flu-free for a year. 😊🙏
9
Reduces illness severity
4 people found this helpful
Excellent vitamin C! One of the primary benefits is its ability to bolster the immune system. I find I cope better with diseases and infections, getting colds and flu less often, and symptoms pass much quicker. With strong antioxidant properties, it protects my cells from damage. Additionally, my skin and hair have improved, appearing brighter and healthier. I recommend this to anyone wanting to boost their immune system, enhance energy, and improve overall well-being.
9
Best brand found
This vitamin C is fantastic. After trying many brands, I find the Thorne one to be the best. It’s essential during winter, and it helps me avoid flu and viruses. I have a sensitive stomach but can tolerate this vitamin C without any problems. I would certainly recommend it.
9
Daily preventive measure
Thank you for the product. I even give it to my children. I can feel the effect. It helps against flu and colds, as well as fatigue, functioning as an antioxidant. We need vitamin C daily. It collaborates with vitamin E and glutathione to protect cell membranes from the effects of ROS.
9
Boosts vitality significantly
Thorne’s Vitamin C has greatly enhanced my overall vitality and resistance to colds and flu.
7.5
Speeds up recovery
Thorne is one of the best brands for supplements and vitamins; their vitamin C is excellent. I take it to reinforce my immune system when I have the flu or a cold, and it speeds up my recovery time.
7.5
Excellent for stress recovery
Прекрасно! It works very well! This quality product is something I take daily to recover from tiredness or stress, and I feel significantly better. It helps combat cold and flu as well, and the capsules are easy to manage. They don't upset my stomach.
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.
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.
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.
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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi:10.1155/2015/675149
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