Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally found in some foods and also available in supplement form. People are unable to make Vitamin C in their bodies, so it’s an essential nutrient we have to get from our diets. It’s mostly used by the body for building collagen (hello supple skin), is an important antioxidant, and helps play a role in immune function.* It’s especially because of this last reason that it’s often suggested to take Vitamin C when you get a cold. But can it actually help?
When the sniffles start, it’s common to pour yourself some honey lemon tea and pop a Vitamin C. But according to research, taking Vitamin C after the onset of cold symptoms does not appear to help. It won’t change your cold’s duration or symptom severity when taken after symptoms start.¹
Well, that’s a bummer! But, if Vitamin C doesn’t help stop a cold in its tracks, why should you take it? Well, we’ve gathered the research and are sharing why you should still consider taking Vitamin C.