New Delhi, December 13 (IANS). Vitamin C is often touted as a “cold cure” or “protector” during the winter season. Supplements, over-the-counter pills, and powders are available everywhere on the market. But is it scientifically true that by taking Vitamin C we can avoid cold or recover quickly?
One of the largest and most reliable research, the Cochrane Review (Cochrane Review 2013) tried to answer this question. This review analyzed data from 29 different trials and more than 11,000 participants.
The results of this research show that people who regularly take vitamin C supplements are just as likely to catch a cold as those who do not take them. That is, you cannot completely protect yourself from cold by taking Vitamin C.
However, some studies also show that taking vitamin C may slightly shorten the duration of cold symptoms. On an average, this reduction was seen to be about 8 percent in adults and up to 14 percent in children. This means that if an adult usually has a cold for 5 days, then by taking Vitamin C it may last for 4.5 days. The difference exists, but not huge.
The review also found that taking vitamin C therapeutically—that is, after symptoms appear—does not provide any consistent benefit. This means that taking supplements after the onset of a cold has little chance of a quick recovery.
It has also been seen in other research that taking Vitamin C regularly can provide some relief from severe symptoms of cold and cough, but this effect remains limited and mild.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the body and supports immunity. But credible studies like Cochrane’s show that relying solely on supplements is not a miracle cure for colds. Balanced diet, adequate sleep, hand hygiene and exercise are more effective ways to prevent cold.
–IANS
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