Synopsis

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

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been traditionally used and scientifically investigated for its role in preventing and treating the common cold. The interest in vitamin C for colds began in earnest after Linus Pauling's advocacy in the 1970s. Since then, numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have been conducted to assess whether vitamin C supplementation can prevent or reduce the severity of colds. According to a 2013 Cochrane review, regular vitamin C supplementation (at doses of 200 mg or more daily) does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds in the general population. However, it may reduce the duration and severity of colds somewhat, with effects being more pronounced in individuals under physical stress (such as marathon runners or soldiers in subarctic environments), for whom incidence was cut roughly in half in some studies. Therapeutic use (starting vitamin C after symptoms begin) does not appear to provide benefit. Overall, the evidence does not strongly support vitamin C supplementation for cold prevention in the general population, though there may be modest benefit in reducing duration or severity, and possible preventive effects in specific physically stressed populations. Thus, while there is scientific investigation and modest evidence, the effect is limited and not universally applicable.

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