Recent Blog Articles

Can we prevent depression in older adults by treating insomnia?

Want to try veganism? Here's how to get started

Vitamin B6 flies under the radar: Are you getting enough?

The formula shortage is hurting families: What parents should know and do

Gyn Care 101: What to know about seeing a gynecologist

Swimming lessons save lives: What parents should know

Strong legs help power summer activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, and more

What is a successful mindset for weight loss maintenance?

French fries versus almonds: Calorie for calorie, which comes out on top?

Summer camp 2022: Having fun and staying safe
Cold & Flu
Can vitamin C prevent a cold?
The nutrient appears to have modest prevention power.
Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Thinkstock
Vitamin C is often touted as a natural cold remedy. The nutrient is featured in supplements promising to boost the immune system. Nobel laureate Dr. Linus Pauling famously claimed that taking large doses of vitamin C helps thwart a cold. Is there something to these claims? "The data show that vitamin C is only marginally beneficial when it comes to the common cold," says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
About vitamin C
Our bodies don't make vitamin C, but we need it for immune function, bone structure, iron absorption, and healthy skin. We get vitamin C from our diet, usually in citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables, and tomatoes. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for men is 90 milligrams (mg) per day, and for women, it's 75 mg per day.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!