Evidence supporting the use of: Orange
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

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

Oranges are commonly associated with the prevention and management of colds, primarily due to their high vitamin C content. Scientific interest in vitamin C as a cold remedy began in the 1970s, largely popularized by Linus Pauling. Since then, multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews have been conducted. The overall scientific consensus, as summarized by the Cochrane Reviews and other meta-analyses, is that regular vitamin C supplementation may very modestly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but it does not significantly decrease the incidence of colds in the general population. However, some evidence suggests that vitamin C might have a preventive effect in individuals exposed to brief periods of severe physical stress (e.g., marathon runners, soldiers in subarctic environments).

Oranges, as a natural source of vitamin C, have thus been recommended as part of a healthy diet to support immune function. However, the evidence for oranges specifically (as opposed to vitamin C supplements) is indirect. The overall effect size is small, and vitamin C is not a cure or guaranteed preventive for colds. Therefore, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of vitamin C (and by extension, oranges) in the context of colds, the effect is limited, and not all claims are substantiated. The evidence rating is moderate to low, with a score of 2 out of 5.

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