Does Vitamin C Work?

Many people wonder, "Does vitamin C work as well as claimed?" Although the vitamin is claimed to work for a number of conditions, most of these uses have little or no supportive evidence. Despite common knowledge, most research suggests that vitamin C does not help prevent the common cold or decrease the severity of common cold symptoms.

 

Does Vitamin C Really Work?

Does
 vitamin C really help prevent or treat colds? Can it really get rid of wrinkles? Vitamin C is claimed to work for a wide variety of conditions, often with very little real scientific evidence. This article will address the effectiveness of vitamin C for several uses, including:
 

 

    • Protection from sun damage
    • Wrinkle reduction.

 

Does Vitamin C Work for the Common Cold?
Despite common knowledge, most research suggests that vitamin C does not help prevent the common cold or decrease the severity of common cold symptoms. However, some studies have shown that vitamin C may slightly decrease the duration of a cold by a day or two in some people. However, high doses are usually necessary to see such benefits, often high enough to cause bothersome side effects (such as diarrhea, indigestion, or heartburn). Interestingly, dietary intake of vitamin C (through food or beverages, not through supplements) doesn't seem to have much of an effect on the common cold.
 
Does Vitamin C Work for Scurvy?
As would be expected, vitamin C is very effective for preventing and treating scurvy, since scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency.
(Does Vitamin C Work? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;