Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of the common cold, with its popularity originating largely from the work of Linus Pauling in the 1970s. Scientific research since then has produced mixed results. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, including influential reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration, have found that regular supplementation with Vitamin C (at doses of at least 200 mg per day) does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds in the general population. However, there is modest evidence that regular Vitamin C supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, particularly among people exposed to brief periods of severe physical stress (e.g., marathon runners, soldiers in subarctic conditions).

As a treatment started after the onset of cold symptoms, Vitamin C appears to have little or no significant effect on the duration or severity of illness. The antiviral action of Vitamin C has been studied in vitro, showing some immune-modulating effects, but clinical relevance is limited. In summary, while Vitamin C is commonly used and has some traditional backing, the scientific evidence justifies only a modest effect for prevention in specific groups and possibly for reducing duration and severity in the general population. It is not a cure or robust antiviral treatment for colds.

More about Vitamin C (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood

Products containing Vitamin C (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.