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Winter is upon us, bringing with it the season of colds and flu. As the temperatures drop, many people turn to vitamin C, hoping it will help ward off illness. But does this popular vitamin really have the power to prevent the common cold?
Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family physician at the Mayo Clinic, sheds some light on the matter. While vitamin C is well-known for its role in supporting the immune system and offering various health benefits, including wound healing, collagen production, and joint protection, it doesn’t have the cold-busting power many might believe.
“We know that vitamin C helps your immune system function well,” explains Dr. Bracamonte. “It helps with wound healing, helps with collagen and joint protection, and even some tendon protection.” However, he adds, “Vitamin C taken in extra doses to prevent common colds hasn’t proven true.”
Despite its inability to prevent the common cold, some studies suggest that additional vitamin C may offer modest benefits. Dr. Bracamonte notes that while it may not stop you from catching a cold, it might shorten its duration slightly. “If you were going to have a common cold that lasts about seven days, it may cut it down about 13 hours,” he says.
So, how can you make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C during cold and flu season? Dr. Bracamonte recommends ensuring you have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which typically provide adequate amounts of the vitamin. If you feel the need to boost your intake, you could consider a daily supplement, with most recommendations suggesting around 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day.
However, as with any supplement, it’s important not to overdo it. “Too much of anything is not necessarily a good thing,” Dr. Bracamonte warns. “You just want to be mindful of how much you’re taking, and you’re not exceeding the recommendations of the daily allowance.”
Before adding new supplements to your routine, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
So while vitamin C might not be a miracle cure for the common cold, it remains a vital nutrient for overall health. A balanced diet and proper supplementation, when necessary, can help support your immune system throughout the winter months.
Source: Mayo Clinic
