Most people know that vitamin C plays a crucial role in keeping our immune system strong. But did you know that it can also help fight a cold?.

What is a cold?

A cold is a viral infection that affects our upper respiratory tract. It is a highly contagious virus that affects the nose and throat, and is usually spread through close contact with someone who has been infected.

Symptoms of a cold

The symptoms of a cold can vary from person to person, but some of the most common ones include:.

Sore throat
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Fever

How can vitamin C help fight a cold?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to support our immune system. When we become infected with a cold virus, our immune system works hard to fight it off.

Vitamin C can help to boost our immune system, which makes it easier for our body to fight off the virus.

Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation and irritation that often accompanies a cold. This can help to ease symptoms such as a sore throat and cough.

Additionally, vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold. While it won’t necessarily prevent us from getting a cold in the first place, taking vitamin C can help to shorten the amount of time that we have to deal with the symptoms.

How much vitamin C should I take?

While the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is around 75-90 milligrams per day for adults, some studies have found that taking higher doses of vitamin C may be beneficial when it comes to fighting a cold.

The Linus Pauling Institute recommends taking a daily dose of 1-2 grams (1000-2000 milligrams) of vitamin C when trying to fight a cold.

This can be taken in the form of supplements or through eating foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Are there any risks associated with taking vitamin C?

While taking high doses of vitamin C is generally safe, there are some potential risks that you should be aware of.

Some people may experience stomach upset or diarrhea if they take too much vitamin C, so it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if needed. Additionally, people with kidney problems should be cautious when taking vitamin C supplements, as high doses can cause kidney stones.

Conclusion

While taking vitamin C won’t necessarily prevent us from getting a cold, it can be a helpful tool for fighting off the virus and reducing the duration of the illness.

By supporting our immune system and reducing inflammation, vitamin C can help to ease symptoms and make us feel better faster.