Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has a long history of use for preventing and treating the common cold. Its popularization for this purpose is often credited to Linus Pauling, who in the 1970s advocated for high-dose vitamin C as a remedy for colds. Since then, numerous scientific studies have examined the efficacy of vitamin C in both the prevention and treatment of the common cold.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a major Cochrane review, indicate that regular vitamin C supplementation (typically 200 mg or more daily) does not substantially reduce the incidence of colds in the general population. However, it may modestly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. In specific subgroups, such as people under extreme physical stress (athletes, soldiers in subarctic conditions), vitamin C supplementation appears to reduce the risk of developing a cold.

When vitamin C is taken after the onset of cold symptoms, evidence suggests it does not significantly alter the course of the illness. The effect size for regular supplementation in reducing cold duration is generally small (about 8% in adults and 14% in children). Overall, while there is some scientific validation for vitamin C's role in reducing cold duration and severity, the evidence is not strong, and vitamin C is not considered a cure or robust preventative for the common cold.

More about vitamin C
More about Colds (general)

Other ingredients used for Colds (general)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

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