16 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold (2024)

FAQs

How much vitamin C to fight a cold? ›

How much vitamin C can you take when you're sick? The average dose of vitamin C for colds is anywhere from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg. This is based on the dose range in the studies that looked at the safety and effectiveness of vitamin C for treating colds.

While scientific studies do show that vitamin C can prevent the intensity of some viruses, both doctors say that since the vast majority of people get enough vitamin C through diet, there likely isn't an added benefit in getting extra through Emergen-C (or similar products).

Although they're intended to help boost your immune system, there's not a lot of evidence that they're effective at preventing illness. However, some of their ingredients, like Vitamin C and zinc, may help you feel better faster or lessen the severity of your cold symptoms.

Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds—Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to ...

However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Vitamin C may benefit people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter. Echinacea.

There is no guarantee that zinc will help you feel better faster. In some studies, zinc did nothing to shorten how long people with colds felt bad. In other studies, zinc may have shortened symptoms by a few days. But the side effects from taking zinc can be uncomfortable or serious in some cases.

Do not add too much vitamin C at the same time but should be divided into 3-4 times Drink/day at different times Avoid taking vitamin C at night before going to bed, because it can cause stimulation, excitement leading to insomnia.

The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, large doses of vitamin C supplements might cause: Diarrhea. Nausea.

If you take vitamin C regularly, your cold symptoms may disappear earlier, and there is some scientific support for trying other natural remedies. The best way to beat a cold fast is to rest, drink lots of fluids, and treat the symptoms with OTC medications.

Can you fight off a cold with vitamin C? ›

Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they're ill. Starting to take vitamin C once you already have cold symptoms won't have any effect on your cold.

Airborne is a brand of supplements containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs that the manufacturers suggest can support immune health. While it was once actively promoted as an "immune-booster" able to cure or prevent colds, there is no evidence to support the claims.

If you take it when a cold is starting, zinc may help you recover faster. A 2017 review of studies suggested zinc acetate and zinc gluconate lozenges made colds 33% shorter, on average. 1 Lozenges and other forms of oral Zicam target viruses in the mouth and throat. They should be taken as soon as cold symptoms start.

The likelihood of success may vary from person to person. Some people improve, while others do not. Taking 1000 to 2000 mg per day can be safely tried by most people. Taking too much can cause stomach upset.

Taking more than 2000 mg daily is possibly unsafe and may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea. In people who have had a kidney stone, taking amounts greater than 1000 mg daily increases the risk of getting more kidney stones. When applied to the skin: Vitamin C is likely safe for most people.

In herpes labialis, oral ascorbate-bioflavonoid complex (1000 mg water-soluble bioflavonoids and 1000 mg vitamin C in equal increments five times daily at first onset and continued 3 days) reduces outbreak of vesiculation and prevents disruption of vesicular membranes.

According to the NIH, children between the ages of 1–3 years should not take more than 400 mg/day of vitamin C, children 4–8 years should not take more than 650 mg/day and children between 9–13 years should not exceed 1,200 mg/day.

How Soon Will I See Results? You may see results from as little time as 2 weeks to 4 months. These results could be brighter more luminous skin, less hyperpigmentation and more hydrated skin, or a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines (or both).