Meta-Analyses Debunk Pauling's 1970 Vitamin C Cold Claims, Finding Only 10% Symptom Relief
Updated
Updated · The Conversation · Aug 17
Meta-Analyses Debunk Pauling's 1970 Vitamin C Cold Claims, Finding Only 10% Symptom Relief
3 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Aug 17
Summary
2023 and 2013 meta-analyses found vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population and only modestly eases severe symptoms when taken regularly.
10% average relief translates to about 12 hours less severe illness in a five-day cold, while starting vitamin C after symptoms begin showed no benefit.
2,736 people were included in the 2023 review of 10 placebo-controlled trials, which reported a 15% reduction in severe symptoms but no change in mild symptom duration.
1,000-2,000mg daily doses promoted by Linus Pauling in 1970 were based on criticized analyses and now sit near or above modern safety guidance, with risks including stomach upset, kidney stones and drug interactions.