Examining the evidence for the use of vitamin C in the prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold

BackgroundPulmonary inflammation, oxidants-antioxidants imbalance, as well as innate and adaptive immunity have been proposed as playing a key role in the development of COPD. The role of vitamins, as assessed either by food frequency questionnaires or measured in serum levels, have been reported to improve pulmonary function, reduce exacerbations and improve symptoms. Vitamin supplements have therefore been proposed to be a potentially useful additive to COPD therapy.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed on the association of vitamins and COPD. The role of vitamin supplements in COPD was then evaluated.ConclusionsThe results of this review showed that various vitamins (vitamin C, D, E, A, beta and alpha carotene) are associated with improvement in features of COPD such as symptoms, exacerbations and pulmonary function. High vitamin intake would probably reduce the annual decline of FEV1. There were no studies that showed benefit from vitamin supplementation in improved symptoms, decreased hospitalization or pulmonary function.

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“…Nevertheless vitamin C decreases the duration of common cold symptoms which might be important in patients with COPD [106]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of the role of vitamin insufficiencies and supplementation in COPD

Tsiligianni

Molen

2010

Respir Res

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“…Commonly referred to as an antioxidant, vitamin C is one of the body's best defenses against free radicals. Vitamin C is commonly used to prevent the common cold in winter, and regular vitamin C consumption may decrease the duration of cold symptoms in both adults and children 19 . Vitamin C is not produced or stored by the body and thus must be replenished daily.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Increased Oral Bioavailability of Itraconazole and Its Active Metabolite, 7-Hydroxyitraconazole, When Coadministered With a Vitamin C Beverage in Healthy Participants

Bae¹,

Park²,

Shim³

et al. 2011

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

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“…2007). Heimer et al. (2009) drew similar conclusions on the effects of vitamin C on the incidence and duration of common cold infections in their review on vitamin C and prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold.…”

Section: Can Vitamin or Mineral Supplements Lower The Risk Of A Commomentioning

confidence: 85%

Can supplements help prevent or treat a common cold?

Weichselbaum

2010

Nutrition Bulletin

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Examining the evidence for the use of vitamin C in the prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold

Abstract: NPs should counsel their patients that regular vitamin C consumption may decrease the duration of cold symptoms, but does not affect symptom severity or act as a prophylaxis.

Cited by 34 publications

References 19 publications

A systematic review of the role of vitamin insufficiencies and supplementation in COPD

A systematic review of the role of vitamin insufficiencies and supplementation in COPD

Increased Oral Bioavailability of Itraconazole and Its Active Metabolite, 7-Hydroxyitraconazole, When Coadministered With a Vitamin C Beverage in Healthy Participants

Can supplements help prevent or treat a common cold?

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