Medicine or Malarkey: Does Vitamin C Cure the Common Cold?

Taking vitamin C has long been a conventional approach to preventing and fighting a cold. This concept was made popular in 1970 when Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling recommended taking much more of the vitamin in his book Vitamin C and the Common Cold. Is that medicine, or malarkey?

Well, in the years since the publication of Pauling’s popular book, researchers have found inconclusive evidence supporting his claim that Vitamin C has a significant effect on preventing and fighting colds.

Experts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggest that vitamin C does not prevent you from catching a cold at all, but it may slightly reduce the duration of the cold if taken regularly.

What is vitamin C and how does it work?

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals (often found in the environment from cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet sunlight), reports the NIH. It also helps the body produce collagen, a protein that helps heal wounds. In addition, vitamin C helps the immune system work properly.

How does vitamin C affect cold symptoms?

A study by scientists from the University of Helsinki suggests that vitamin C is most effective for active people who exercise regularly by helping reduce sniffles and the amount of time a cold lasts. That means that chances are still high that you may get sick during cold season, but your cold symptoms may not last as long if you eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, and exercise regularly.

Are vitamin C supplements safe?

Research shows that taking vitamin C supplements is safe, but the amount of vitamin C you need each day depends on your age and gender. The NIH’s recommended dosage (PDF) for adult men is 90 mg per day, and for adult women the recommendation is 75 mg per day. However, NIH reports that adults should take in no more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day. Taking too much can cause diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

What do I do if I have a cold?

If you have cold or flu symptoms, CareSpot is here to help. Symptoms of cold and flu can be similar, but complications from the flu are often more serious and can even be deadly — especially for high-risk patients such as young children, pregnant women, anyone with chronic medical conditions, and those 65 and older.  It’s important to get a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional to find out if you might need more specialized care.  Find a CareSpot location near you for testing, diagnosis, and a treatment plan. You can also browse additional CareSpot services here.