Is it true that you should take vitamin C when you've got a cold?

"It is a strong antioxidant, helping protect cells from harmful unstable compounds that arise from toxins and pollution. It helps the body absorb iron, and is also used in the production of collagen. But the idea that taking high doses of vitamin C or drinking lots of orange juice will stop you catching a cold, or help you recover faster, is a myth."

"A double Nobel prize winner and one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century, Pauling made a major contribution to our understanding of vitamins. However, he exaggerated vitamin C's benefits. Pauling's 1970 book Vitamin C and the Common Cold became a bestseller, explains Davis, sparking such high demand that factories were built to keep up with supplement production."

"In truth, research shows that people who take vitamin C supplements are just as likely to catch a cold as those who don't. And while supplementation may slightly reduce symptom duration (by about 8% in adults) the effect is modest. It's also difficult to interpret that data, says Davis, because people who regularly take high doses of vitamin C are often more health-conscious in general."

Vitamin C functions as a strong antioxidant, helps protect cells from toxins and pollution, aids iron absorption, and supports collagen production. High doses of vitamin C or large amounts of orange juice do not prevent catching a cold and do not materially speed recovery. Clinical evidence shows supplement users are just as likely to catch colds as non-users, with any reduction in symptom duration being small (around 8% in adults) and potentially confounded by healthier behaviours among regular supplement takers. Vitamin D has clearer links to immune health and can be obtained from sunlight March–October; winter supplementation is commonly advised.

Read at www.theguardian.com