Vitamin C And The Common Cold Linus Pauling Pdf
Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize laureate, was a strong advocate for the use of vitamin C to prevent and treat the common cold. In his book, "Vitamin C and the Common Cold," Pauling presented evidence from various studies that supported his claims. This article will discuss the relationship between vitamin C and the common cold, as presented by Linus Pauling in his book.
The Discovery of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, was discovered in 1932 by Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi. Szent-Gyorgyi found that a substance in citrus fruits could prevent and treat scurvy, a disease that had plagued sailors for centuries. It wasn't until the 1960s that scientists began to study the effects of vitamin C on the common cold.
Pauling's Interest in Vitamin C
Linus Pauling was a chemist, biochemist, and peace activist. He was also interested in the potential health benefits of vitamin C. In the 1970s, Pauling began to study the effects of vitamin C on the common cold. He believed that taking large doses of vitamin C could prevent and treat the common cold.
The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a group of viruses known as rhinoviruses. Symptoms of the common cold include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. The common cold is highly contagious and can be spread through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces.
The Relationship Between Vitamin C and the Common Cold
In his book, Pauling presented evidence from various studies that suggested that vitamin C could prevent and treat the common cold. One study found that taking high doses of vitamin C could reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Another study found that vitamin C could help prevent the common cold in people who are exposed to cold viruses.
The Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90 milligrams. However, Pauling believed that much higher doses of vitamin C were necessary to prevent and treat the common cold. He recommended a daily intake of 1-2 grams of vitamin C for healthy people, and up to 10 grams for people with cold symptoms.
The Controversy Surrounding Pauling's Claims
Pauling's claims about the benefits of vitamin C for the common cold were controversial. Some scientists believed that the studies he cited were flawed, and that there was no evidence to support his claims. Others believed that the studies were valid, but that the benefits of vitamin C were overstated.
The Legacy of Pauling's Work
Despite the controversy surrounding his claims, Pauling's work on the benefits of vitamin C for the common cold helped to popularize the idea that vitamin C could boost the immune system and prevent illness. Today, many people take vitamin C supplements to prevent or treat the common cold, although the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed.
Conclusion
Linus Pauling was a strong advocate for the use of vitamin C to prevent and treat the common cold. His book, "Vitamin C and the Common Cold," presented evidence from various studies that supported his claims. However, his claims were controversial, and the evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing or treating the common cold is mixed. Nevertheless, Pauling's work helped to popularize the idea that vitamin C could boost the immune system and prevent illness.