Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin from fruit and vegetables, needed for collagen production and plant iron absorption.
What the research shows
Shown, with a clear condition or a limited scope.
Hemilä (2013) found no lower risk of catching a cold in the general population with daily use, but roughly 8 percent shorter symptoms in adults. In marathon runners, skiers and soldiers in the cold, the number of colds was halved. Levine (1996) showed that blood levels saturate at around 200 mg per day, so higher doses mostly end up in urine.
Who it makes sense for: People who eat little fruit and vegetables, and athletes under heavy load such as marathon runners and soldiers in the cold.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold.Hemilä H et al. (2013)
- Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance.Levine M et al. (1996)
Products with Vitamin C
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.