C Vitamin Offers Many Benefits
A new randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, regarded as the gold standard in research, demonstrates that vitamin C reduces the risk of the common cold.
Vitamin C has many beneficial properties. It is known to contribute to the normal function of the immune system, both generally and during or after intense physical activity. Vitamin C is also recognized for protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting normal collagen formation, which is essential for numerous vital functions in the body, such as the normal function of bones, cartilage, gums, and skin. Most people are also aware that vitamin C increases iron absorption. A newly published study now shows that vitamin C also reduces the risk of the common cold.
Study on Vitamin C and the Common Cold
In Korea, military training centres experience a high frequency of respiratory issues. This prompted researchers from the Department of Public Health at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, to conduct a clinical trial to investigate whether vitamin C intake could help prevent the common cold.
The study lasted 30 days, during which two groups with medical records indicating they suffered from the common cold were observed. One group received a placebo, while the other was given vitamin C. A total of 1,444 participants took part in the trial, with 695 of them receiving 6,000 mg of vitamin C daily (6 grams per day) divided into three doses of 2,000 mg each. The placebo group received 0 mg of vitamin C per day. Participants who took vitamin C were found to have a 20% lower risk of developing a cold.
6,000 mg (6 grams) of vitamin C is a high dose and may cause loose stools. We recommend adhering to the dosage instructions provided on the product packaging.
