Vitamin C and cold treatment

At the first signs of a cold, many people are after vitamin C with supplements. For a long time it was thought that vitamin C very well helps to cure a cold. Then there were studies in which it was said that vitamin C for the treatment of colds is harmful. Some doctors say that vitamin C does not affect the common cold at all. In what the truth?

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C was first recommended for colds in 1970. But, despite its widespread use, experts say that there is very little evidence that vitamin C really affects the treatment of colds.

Vitamin C is a vitamin and an antioxidant that the body uses to make you strong and healthy. Vitamin C is used to support the condition of bones, muscles and blood vessels. Vitamin C also promotes the formation of collagen and helps the body absorb iron.

Vitamin C is found in vegetables and fruits, especially oranges and other citrus fruits. This vitamin is also available as a natural nutritional supplement in the form of chewable tablets or other forms.

Vitamin C is very good for preventing colds, so we strive to take it in large quantities with foods such as vitaminized juices, teas and fruits.

Can vitamin C prevent or treat symptoms of a cold?

Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for the common cold or as a way to prevent colds. But the results were contradictory. In general, experts almost did not find the benefit of vitamin C in the prevention or treatment of colds.

In July 2007, the researchers wanted to find out whether taking 200 mg or more of vitamin C per day could reduce the frequency, duration and severity of the common cold. After 60 years of clinical research, they found that vitamin C supplements almost do not make the cold less or shorter in duration. If vitamin C is taken daily, the duration of the common cold can be reduced by 8% in adults and 14% in children.

But the researchers found that vitamin C has the greatest impact on people who are in extreme conditions, for example, marathon runners. In this group, taking vitamin C reduces the risk of catching a cold twice.

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So, what does all this mean?

An average adult who suffers from a cold for 12 days a year will suffer 11 days a year if this person received high doses of vitamin C every day for a year.

For an average child who suffers about 28 days a year from a cold, this means that daily intake of high doses of vitamin C will shorten the duration of the cold to 24 days per year.

When vitamin C was tested for cold treatment in 7 separate studies, it was found that vitamin C for cold treatment is no more effective than placebo.

Is vitamin C safe?

Vitamin C can be taken with confidence with sources such as fruits and vegetables. For most people taking vitamin C in recommended amounts, it is safe. The recommended daily allowance is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. High doses of vitamin C (more than 2000 mg per day for adults) can cause complications such as kidney stones, nausea and diarrhea.

Taking more than 500 mg of vitamin C at one time will not do any good, because the body can not keep it. In addition, anyone with kidney disease should avoid vitamin C with supplements. If you can not decide on the doses of vitamin C for colds, talk with your doctor.

The greatest benefit from the increased amount of vitamin C is obtained by people with vitamin C deficiency, as well as highly qualified athletes and military personnel. Studies conducted with groups of athletes and military personnel who are in very good physical shape and experience working in extreme conditions have shown that taking vitamin C reduces the risk of a cold by 50%. However, these results were not known to the general public.

Vitamin C for immunity against colds

If you want to take vitamin C to help your immune system, it's best to get it with foods instead of supplements. Foods high in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits and juices
• Green and red pepper
• Strawberry
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Dark green
• Sweet potatoes and white
• Cantaloupe
• Raspberries, blueberries and cranberries
• Watermelon
• Brussels sprouts
• A pineapple
• Cabbage

So, whether to use vitamin C in the treatment of colds, it's up to you and your doctor. In any case, the intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin supplements during the cold season, will add to you health, and your immune system - sustainability.