Can vitamin C cure a cold? How a Nobel Prize winner convinced us it could
When a chemist wrote a book about vitamin C curing the common cold, the world took note. How wrong we all were.
Vitamin C has long been marketed as a cure for colds, but its effectiveness has been questioned. Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, promoted high doses of vitamin C to prevent colds in his 1970 book. He based his recommendations on a few studies, including a 1970 trial with children. However, subsequent research has been critical of his interpretations.
A 2023 meta-analysis of ten trials involving 2,736 participants found that vitamin C reduced severe cold symptoms by 15% on average. The effect was only noticeable in athletes, army personnel, and children. Regular vitamin C intake had no impact on mild symptoms. The meta-analysis also found that lower doses (200mg a day) did not reduce the number of colds in the general population.
Taking vitamin C at the onset of symptoms did not provide any benefits. While Pauling's recommended daily intake of 1,000-2,000mg is considered safe for most adults, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, and increased iron absorption. It's best to consult a healthcare professional before taking vitamin C supplements and stick to the recommended daily intake of around 45mg.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
