Synopsis

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

Vitamin C has been widely used and studied in relation to the prevention and treatment of the common cold. The idea that vitamin C could prevent colds became popular after Linus Pauling's advocacy in the 1970s. Since then, numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined its efficacy. The most comprehensive review, a 2013 Cochrane Review, found that routine vitamin C supplementation (≥200 mg per day) does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds in the general population. However, the duration and severity of cold symptoms were modestly reduced (by about 8% in adults and 14% in children). In specific subgroups—such as people exposed to extreme physical stress (e.g., marathon runners, soldiers in subarctic conditions)—the incidence of colds was halved. Despite these findings, the overall evidence does not strongly support vitamin C supplementation for cold prevention in the general population, though benefits exist for certain groups and in reducing symptom duration. Thus, vitamin C’s use for cold prevention is justified by scientific investigation, but the quality and impact of the evidence are modest, reflected in a rating of 2 out of 5.

More about Vitamin C (not specified)
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin C (not specified)

Products containing Vitamin C (not specified)