Synopsis

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

Orange, specifically the fruit and its juice, is commonly consumed for the prevention of colds due to its high vitamin C content. The tradition of using vitamin C to prevent or treat colds has been popularized since the 1970s, largely due to the work of Linus Pauling. Scientific studies have investigated vitamin C supplementation rather than orange consumption directly. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as those by the Cochrane Collaboration, indicate that routine vitamin C supplementation does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds in the general population, although it may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms slightly. In certain groups under physical stress (e.g., marathon runners), vitamin C appears to have a more notable preventive effect. Oranges are a major dietary source of vitamin C, and regular consumption provides this nutrient, but there is limited direct evidence that eating oranges specifically prevents colds beyond the general effects of adequate vitamin C intake. Overall, while the scientific evidence for oranges (and vitamin C) in cold prevention is not strong, there is some scientific basis, albeit modest, for their use in reducing the duration and severity of colds rather than in outright prevention.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by Orange (unspecified)

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