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Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Vitamin C and Reduced Severity of Common Cold Symptoms

Doses used in studies

g/day: 6–8 (median 7, IQR 6–8) — 1 study

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReported
Given the evidence that vitamin C reduces the severity and duration of the common cold, paired with its good safety profile and low cost, it is not unreasonable for patients to test whether therapeutic vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 6-8 g/day is beneficial at the individual level.
from: Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia.

1 of 1 paper

Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia.
- 2025-01-13
- Review · n = 6,244
- Polish archives of internal medicine 135(1)
- - Harri Hemilä
  - Elizabeth Chalker
- PubMed: 39803741
- DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16926
9 Insights on
- Reduced Severity of Common Cold Symptoms
- High evidence
- Mixed
In 15 trials (n = 6244), regular supplementation of 1 g or more of vitamin C per day decreased the severity of colds by 15%.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Dose
1 g or more per day