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Do These 5 Popular Supplements Work Against the Common Cold?
Get the Truth From Research and What I Take
Do these 5 popular supplements actually work to ward off infection, prevent the common cold or flu, or at least lessen its symptoms? Let’s have a look…
1. Vitamin C is marketed as the go-to supplement for preventing and treating colds.
Biologically, it makes sense: vitamin C helps immune cells form and function properly, and also supports our physical barriers against pathogens. Moreover, at least 148 studies have found that vitamin C administration helps prevent infections caused by microorganisms.
Yet, the question remains: does supplementation in humans help ward off colds? A recent meta-analysis (a study of studies) tried to answer this question, and here are the takeaways:
People who start taking vitamin C when they already have a cold don’t see any benefit. Some studies suggest that very high doses (several grams) might reduce the duration of colds, but more studies are needed for confirmation.
People who take vitamin C regularly can expect shorter colds (by 8% in adults and 14% in children) with slightly less severe symptoms.
Athletes who take vitamin C regularly are half as likely to catch a cold as athletes…
