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Effect of vitamin C on common cold: randomized controlled trial
S Sasazuki1, S Sasaki, Y Tsubono
1Epidemiology and Prevention Division, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. ssasazuk@gan2.res.ncc.go.jp
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 25, 2005
Summary
High-dose vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced the frequency of common colds in adults. However, vitamin C did not appear to affect the duration or severity of colds, and findings should be interpreted cautiously.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- The common cold is a widespread illness with significant public health implications.
- Vitamin C is a popular supplement often used for cold prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of vitamin C supplementation in preventing the common cold.
- To determine if vitamin C affects the frequency, duration, or severity of common colds.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Participants received daily supplementation of either 50 mg (low-dose) or 500 mg (high-dose) of vitamin C.
- The study involved 244 participants who completed the trial.
Main Results:
- The high-dose vitamin C group (500 mg) experienced a significantly lower frequency of common colds compared to the low-dose group (50 mg).
- The relative risk of experiencing three or more colds during the study period was substantially reduced in the high-dose group.
- No significant difference was observed in the duration or severity of common colds between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C supplementation, particularly at higher doses, may reduce the frequency of common colds.
- Vitamin C supplementation does not appear to impact the duration or severity of common cold symptoms.
- Study findings warrant cautious interpretation due to protocol amendments during the trial.