Vitamin C: Separating Fact from Flu-Fighting Fad
When it comes to keeping your immune system in top shape, vitamin C is often touted as the go-to supplement. However, a closer look at the science reveals that this popular remedy may be nothing more than a cold comfort.
The notion that taking high doses of vitamin C can prevent or alleviate cold symptoms has been around for decades, largely thanks to the influence of Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who championed the benefits of vitamin C in his 1970 book Vitamin C and the Common Cold. But what does the evidence really say?
According to experts, including Dr Daniel M Davis, head of life sciences at Imperial College London, the idea that vitamin C can ward off colds is a myth with no scientific basis. "Research shows that people who take vitamin C supplements are just as likely to catch a cold as those who don't," he notes. While supplementation may have a modest impact on symptom duration – about 8% in adults – this effect is hardly impressive.
The problem with relying on vitamin C to keep the sniffles at bay is that people who regularly take high doses of the supplement are often more health-conscious overall. This means that any potential benefits from taking vitamin C may be outweighed by other factors, such as a healthier diet and lifestyle.
So what's the best bet for boosting your immune system? Vitamin D, says Dr Davis, is the clear winner. It's much more clearly established as an important player in immune health, and can be easily boosted through exposure to sunlight or supplements – especially during winter months when our levels tend to drop. "Vitamin D is a more reliable way to support your immune system," he advises.
In short, while vitamin C may have its benefits, it's not the cold-fighting superpower we've been led to believe.
When it comes to keeping your immune system in top shape, vitamin C is often touted as the go-to supplement. However, a closer look at the science reveals that this popular remedy may be nothing more than a cold comfort.
The notion that taking high doses of vitamin C can prevent or alleviate cold symptoms has been around for decades, largely thanks to the influence of Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who championed the benefits of vitamin C in his 1970 book Vitamin C and the Common Cold. But what does the evidence really say?
According to experts, including Dr Daniel M Davis, head of life sciences at Imperial College London, the idea that vitamin C can ward off colds is a myth with no scientific basis. "Research shows that people who take vitamin C supplements are just as likely to catch a cold as those who don't," he notes. While supplementation may have a modest impact on symptom duration – about 8% in adults – this effect is hardly impressive.
The problem with relying on vitamin C to keep the sniffles at bay is that people who regularly take high doses of the supplement are often more health-conscious overall. This means that any potential benefits from taking vitamin C may be outweighed by other factors, such as a healthier diet and lifestyle.
So what's the best bet for boosting your immune system? Vitamin D, says Dr Davis, is the clear winner. It's much more clearly established as an important player in immune health, and can be easily boosted through exposure to sunlight or supplements – especially during winter months when our levels tend to drop. "Vitamin D is a more reliable way to support your immune system," he advises.
In short, while vitamin C may have its benefits, it's not the cold-fighting superpower we've been led to believe.
. Seriously though, I took some vitamin C supplements a few years ago and all they did was give me bad breath, so I don't think I'll be sticking to that anytime soon 
. But for real, who needs a magic pill to fight the common cold? I mean, if you're gonna do something about it, just go outside and get some fresh air, or wear a mask, or something... just don't rely on vitamin C 
.
. like, i just saw a vid of some dude taking 1 kilo of vitamin c pills and he's all happy and healthy... but is it really that effective? 
anyway, i'm more concerned about getting enough sunlight to boost my vitamin d levels... or at least take a supplement during winter 
. Like, come on, guys! It's been proven that it doesn't even work! 8% impact on symptom duration? That's not even worth it. I swear, if you're really looking to boost your immune system, just get outside and get some sunlight. Vitamin D is where it's at 
! I mean, I know it's great for you and all, but let's be real, 8% impact on symptom duration? That's not exactly a miracle cure 
. And don't even get me started on how people always assume they'll just magically beat the common cold if they take enough vitamin C 
. But overall, I think we should be focusing on actual healthy habits instead of relying on supplements to keep us safe from sniffles 
I guess if you're gonna take anything, it should be vitamin D. Have you guys seen that documentary about vitamin D deficiency on Netflix? 
Watched it with my fam and we all learned a lot! 
. And yeah, people who take vitamin C all the time are just probably being healthier overall, so we can't really say it's doing anything special 
. Vitamin D is the way to go if you ask me! 
Just get some sunlight or take a supplement and that's it 
. like, if taking high doses of it doesn't even stop you from catching a cold, what's the point? 
️.
. Like, I get that Linus Pauling was a genius and all, but 8% is just kinda meh 
. And what really gets me is how people think that taking it will make them immune to colds or something 
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But honestly, taking high doses doesn't really do much. It's like putting a Band-Aid on a broken arm - it might make you feel better for a sec, but the real fix is still inside 
. But when you look at the science, vitamin D is where it's at – like a trusty sidekick that actually delivers 
. But if it's really not doing much in the way of preventing colds... that's kinda disappointing 
. So now I'm thinking about switching to vitamin D and seeing how that goes 
. Not gonna lie, though - my kid is still gonna get their daily dose of chicken soup and snuggles from mom 