Vitamin C in Common Cold: Are they effective?

 



Many people drink a large glass of OJ when they feel the cold coming on. This is because vitamin C can be a great way to get rid of any common flu virus.

Some nose-blowers might also resort to "immunity boosters" such as Emergen-C and Airborne to relieve their symptoms. Are vitamin C and its supplements effective in treating the sore throat and common cold?

Vitamin C and cold

For over 70 years, researchers have studied the role of vitamin C (aka ascorbic) in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. The bad news is that we still don't know everything.

A 2013 research review found that vitamin C supplementation does not affect the chance of developing a cold. However, it can reduce the severity and lengthen the time that a cold lasts.

Research has shown that extra vitamin C can help reduce your symptoms. A 2006 research review found that vitamin C is depleted in the body when it fights infection. Taking more vitamin C when you are sick could help to improve these cells.

One study showed that high levels of vitamin C (approximately eight grams per day) could be used to treat cold symptoms. It should be administered within 24 hours and continued for five days. However, research into whether vitamin C prevents a cold remains inconclusive.

What do you think about high doses?

Vitamin C can be found in fruits like strawberries, bell peppers, oranges, and bell peppers naturally to cause us any harm. What about the huge amounts of Vitamin C found in vitamin supplements and products such as Emergen-C and Airborne?

For example, a tablet of Airborne contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, which is equivalent to 11 glasses OJ, along with zinc, vitamins E and A, as well as a mix of herbs such as ginger and echinacea.

Emergen-C also has 1,000 mg of vitamin C (1.667 per cent of recommended daily value). It is recommended that users take it up two times daily. It also contains B vitamins, zinc and electrolytes in each serving, so it claims to increase energy without causing a caffeine crash.

Although neither one of them claims they can cure or prevent colds, large doses of vitamin A are the main reason that many cold-sufferers make their way to the supplement aisle.

Is there too much of a good idea?

Although there are no studies that directly test the effectiveness of Emergen-C and Airborne in treating and preventing common colds, research on ingredients such as vitamin C and zinc can provide some insight into the product's performance.

A 2013 research review found that vitamin C can be water-soluble, so if taken in excess, it won't cause damage to your tissues as fat-soluble vitamins.

We've already mentioned that the research on vitamin A is mixed. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, many health professionals believe it's not an effective treatment.

Although research on zinc has been positive, it is still very inconclusive. A 2011 review showed that zinc supplements can be taken soon after symptoms begin.

Researchers are still trying to figure out how much, how frequently, and when to take it for maximum effect.

Before you start drinking too many fizzy drinks, there are a few things you should consider. A 2013 study found that too much vitamin D can lead to nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, kidney stones, and even stomach cancer.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should not consume more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day.

Too much vitamin A, which is often found in immune boosters, can cause more harm than good. The National Institutes of Health states that excessive amounts of vitamin A can lead to dizziness, nausea and headaches, and coma (in rare instances) death. It is possible to have too many good things.

You can also enjoy a few more orange and strawberry smoothies, as well as more leafy greens if you get the throat tickle. It is always a good idea to get your vitamins through food.

The bottom line

Although vitamin C intake can reduce the likelihood of getting a cold, it is not likely to prevent it from happening. However, a small amount of vitamin C may be taken at the first sign of symptoms to reduce their severity and duration.

First, try to get it through food. Then consult your healthcare professional if it seems you might need to take it up to supplement form.

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