Relationship: Infection and vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has a well-established historical and scientific association with the prevention and treatment of infections, especially respiratory infections like the common cold. The traditional use of vitamin C for infection dates back to the 20th century, popularized by Linus Pauling in the 1970s, who advocated its regular use to prevent and treat colds. Scientifically, vitamin C plays a crucial role in immune function: it supports various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system, enhances the skin's barrier function against pathogens, and promotes the oxidative killing of microbes by phagocytes. Deficiency in vitamin C impairs immunity and increases susceptibility to infections.

Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated vitamin C supplementation for infection. Evidence suggests that while routine supplementation in the general population does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds, it may modestly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. The effect is more pronounced in individuals under physical stress (e.g., athletes, soldiers) or those with inadequate dietary intake. For more serious infections like pneumonia or sepsis, some studies suggest potential benefits, but evidence remains limited and inconclusive.

Overall, the use of vitamin C to support infection is supported by moderate scientific evidence, especially for reducing symptom duration in specific populations. It is not considered a cure but may offer some benefit as an adjunct to conventional treatments.

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Other ingredients used for Infection

2'-Fucosyllactose
ajoene
allspice
alpha-pinene
green chiretta
annatto
arabinogalactan
astragalus
bacillus clausii
bayberry
bearberry
myrobalan
Beta-Glucan
betel
bifidobacterium infantis
bisabolol
black pepper
black walnut
burdock
caprylic acid
cassia bark
cat's claw
chaga mushroom
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
cuspidatum root
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
immunoglobin G
Indian gum arabic tree
iodine
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus brevis
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
LL12-myoviridae
LL5-siphoviridae
mangosteen
monolaurin
moringa
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
oregon grape
protein
purified silver
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
selenium
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
wasabia japonica
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
neem tree
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
pistacia integerrima gall
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
bee pollen
chaff flower
pau d'arco
prickly ash
myrrh
yerba santa
amber
flowering quince
fern
oriental arborvitae
birch
eucalyptus
polyporus
white oak
sea salt
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Avens
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-Humulene
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Artesunate
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Allyl Sulfide
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Abuta
Alstonia macrophylla
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Animal protein
Bee Propolis
Bifidobacterium
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Beef liver
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Bisabolene
Basidiomycota
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Barbary matrimony vine
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
Bupleurum
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Bignay
Croton seeds
Chervil
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Colloidal Silver
coconut oil
Coriolus mushroom
Cactus
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Cajuput
Chlorophytum
Catechu
Celandine
Citral
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Cubeb
Cinchona
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cynodon dactylon
Cassava
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Celastrus
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Dense Fruit Dittany
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
Deoxyandrographolides
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Embelia
Eugenol
Glucanase
Milk Protein
Sandalwood
Sumac

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Abrasions
Abscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adrenal Fatigue
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colon (atonic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Copper Toxicity
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Pollution
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Lead Poisoning
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nose Bleeds
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type H
Pneumonia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prolapsed Uterus
Prostatitis
Radiation Sickness
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Scurvy
Shingles
Shock
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Spider Veins
Spinal Disks
Sprains
Strep Throat
Stretch Marks
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Teeth (loose)
Tendonitis
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Uric Acid Retention
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles

Products containing vitamin C

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Infection

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Infection

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin CFor the health condition: Infection

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Infection

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Infection