Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold
Hemila H, Chalker E
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Abstract
Regular vitamin C supplementation modestly reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 placebo-controlled trials (11,306 participants) of regular vitamin C supplementation (>=200 mg/day) for prevention and treatment of the common cold, plus 5 trials in people under heavy short-term physical stress.
Key Findings
Regular supplementation had no effect on common cold incidence in the general population (RR 0.97), but reduced cold duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children; in five trials of marathon runners, skiers and soldiers, incidence was roughly halved (RR 0.48).
Conclusions
Routine vitamin C supplementation does not prevent colds in the general population but consistently produces a small reduction in duration and severity; prophylaxis may be justified for people under extreme physical stress.
Limitations
Therapeutic trials starting after symptom onset showed no consistent benefit; heterogeneous doses and populations; many older trials.
Supplements Studied
Regular supplementation had a modest but consistent effect in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms... in five trials with participants under heavy short-term physical stress, the common cold risk was halved.
Outcomes Measured
Regular vitamin C did not reduce cold incidence in the general population but shortened duration modestly
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane Collaboration / academic
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.