How Vitamin C Helps Stop Colds - Does It Really Work?

Vitamin C is a type of water-soluble nutrient that is integral to the body's development and function. It can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables that are considered part of a healthy diet. Vitamin C appears to work by increasing the activity of an enzyme called catalase, which helps fight off infections. However, not all research has found evidence that vitamin C can alleviate cold symptoms. Here, are some ways vitamin C may be effective in treating a cold or flu.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a type of water-soluble vitamin that is essential to the body's development and function. It can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables that are considered part of a healthy diet. Vitamin C appears to work by increasing the activity of an enzyme called catalase, which helps fight off infections. However, not all research has found evidence that vitamin C can alleviate cold symptoms.

The Effect of Vitamin C on Immune System

Function

One way that vitamin C may help to alleviate cold symptoms is through its effect on the immune system. Vitamin C boosts the activity of an enzyme called catalase, which helps fight off infections. This process can improve a person's ability to fight off a cold or flu. However, not all research has found evidence that vitamin C can effectively treat cold symptoms.

In one study, participants who received vitamin C supplements had improved levels of catalase in their blood after eight weeks. Another study found that mice fed with a diet supplemented with vitamin C had increased production and activity of this enzyme in the lungs. 

Vitamin C may also work by increasing the number of white blood cells in the body and improving their function. Mice fed with a diet supplemented with vitamins C and E had increased production and activity of immune cells in the lungs after four weeks, which suggests that long-term supplementation could also help people fight off colds or viral infections better than drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

How it Works in the Body

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C appears to work by increasing the activity of an enzyme called catalase, which helps fight off infections.

According to some research, vitamin C may help symptoms associated with colds and infections. Other research has found that taking supplemental vitamin C may have no impact on cold symptoms or even exacerbate them. Some studies suggest that vitamin C supplements may help reduce the length of your cold symptoms.

Evidence That It Works to Treat a Cold or Flu

There is some evidence that vitamin C supplements may help alleviate cold symptoms. Some studies have found that people with the flu or who are experiencing a cold who take a daily dose of vitamin C supplements showed fewer symptoms than those who did not receive vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin C also helps fight the spread of infectious diseases by increasing the activity of an enzyme called catalase, which helps fight off infections in the body.

Vitamin C has a long list of potential health benefits. The most well-known is that it is a powerful and effective treatment for the common cold and flu.