Vitamin C for Fever

Decades of trials show vitamin C taken after symptoms begin does not shorten or lessen common cold illness in the general population, and it has no effect on fever.

Overview

Decades of trials show vitamin C taken after symptoms begin does not shorten or lessen common cold illness in the general population, and it has no effect on fever.

Verdict

Not supported

Vitamin C does not treat fever or shorten illness once symptoms have started.

How It Works

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and enzymatic cofactor supporting neutrophil function and epithelial barriers. Nothing in that pathway alters prostaglandin E2-mediated resetting of the hypothalamic thermostat.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: No effective treatment dose established
Expected timeframe: Not applicable — no fever benefit expected.

Protocol

form: Not applicable
notes: Meeting the 75-90mg daily requirement through food is sufficient
starting dose: No therapeutic protocol supported

Evidence

What the studies say

The Cochrane review of vitamin C and the common cold, covering more than 11,000 participants, found no reduction in incidence with regular supplementation in the general population and no consistent benefit when started therapeutically after onset. Regular prophylactic use produced a small reduction in duration, around 8% in adults, and a halving of incidence only in people under extreme physical stress such as marathon runners and soldiers in subarctic conditions.

Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold

Score: 9/10

2013

systematic_review

n=11306

Hemila H, Chalker E

Regular vitamin C did not reduce cold incidence in the general population but shortened duration modestly

View source

Safety

Caveats

Doses above 2g daily commonly cause diarrhoea and increase oxalate kidney stone risk in susceptible people. High-dose vitamin C can interfere with some blood glucose meter readings.

Less likely to help if

Essentially everyone with an established fever.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.