Will Vitamin C Help Get Rid Of A Cold
A common cold is an infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, specifically the nose and throat. It is caused by a virus and can be easily transmitted from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Cold symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, and fatigue, among others. While there is no cure for the common cold, many people believe that vitamin C can help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. But is this true? Let's find out.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers. It is an essential nutrient that our body needs to maintain a healthy immune system, promote wound healing, and produce collagen, which is important for healthy skin and bones.
Does Vitamin C Help With Cold Symptoms?
Many studies have investigated the role of vitamin C in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms. While some studies have shown a modest benefit, others have not found any significant effect.
A 2013 review of 29 randomized controlled trials found that taking vitamin C supplements regularly did not reduce the incidence of colds in the general population. However, the review did find that taking vitamin C supplements can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in some people, particularly those who engage in intense physical activity, such as marathon runners, skiers, and soldiers.
Another study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2013 found that taking vitamin C supplements did not reduce the incidence of colds in the general population, but it did reduce the duration of cold symptoms by 8% in adults and 14% in children.
How Much Vitamin C Should You Take?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90 mg per day, while the maximum safe dose is 2,000 mg per day. However, some people may need higher doses, such as smokers, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions.
If you decide to take vitamin C supplements to help with cold symptoms, it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Other Ways to Prevent and Treat Cold Symptoms
While vitamin C may help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, there are other ways to prevent and treat cold symptoms that are more effective.
One of the best ways to prevent the common cold is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.
If you do get a cold, there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms, such as:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking fluids to stay hydrated
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and fever
- Using a saline nasal spray or a humidifier to relieve congestion
- Gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat
Conclusion
While vitamin C may help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in some people, it is not a cure for the common cold. The best way to prevent and treat cold symptoms is to practice good hygiene, get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take over-the-counter medications as needed. If you have any concerns about your cold symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.