I have just started taking a vitamin C supplement daily. Will this strengthen my immune system? Does it shorten the length of colds? What exactly am I getting out of taking these vitamins?
2006-11-14 03:14:02 · 6 answers · asked by kid_at_heart 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Common cold is caused by viruses infecting the respiratory mucous membranes. These membranes are mainly made of proteinous material of which collagen is the main protein type. Now, vitamin C is very important in synthesis of collagen. When these viruses infect mucous membranes, they are shed along with the membranes. The membranes have to be repaired to protect the respiratory linings against other infective agents.
For this reason, Vitamin C obviously would help you recover quickly from colds by aiding the syhthesis of collagen protein to protect the mucous linings. It may also help with your immunity indirectly against future common colds.
Even though vitamin C is water-soluble (i.e. excess of it excreted in urine), taking a daily dose or in excess might predispose to loss of calcium as well in the urine. Moderation is the key word. As often as you remember to take your supplements do take them. Also note that you are also getting some vitamin C if you regularly eat fruits and veggies.
2006-11-14 03:25:18 · answer #1 · answered by Prodigy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no proof vitamin C prevents a cold but taking large doses up to 5000mgs at the beginning of the cold cycle may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin which means it's not stored in the liver. It is excreted with urine when not needed. Therefore, it doesn't build the immune system since it cannot be stored in the liver.
The simplest way to avoid colds is frequent hand washing, drinking plenty of water and maintaining humidity in the air since cold viruses love dry conditions.
2006-11-14 03:21:33 · answer #2 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vitamin C is often one of the best immune system supplements. If you take it regularly you will be better defended against infections and illnesses. I actually take quite a bit of Vitamin C if I have a cold. I also take Zinc as well.
2006-11-14 03:23:33 · answer #3 · answered by Cyrus255 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing tangible, just a feeling of protecting yourself from colds! If the air is filled with virulent particles, even people with the strongest immune system may succumb!
Nothing wrong in taking a vitamin supplement such as C, but take natural products providing it such as orange every day!
2006-11-14 03:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by Sami V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Last time I checked the Vit-C thing for colds was still "not proven" BUT many people - including myself find that topping the system up with Vit C every few hours the moment you detect a cold - can often either make it pass very quickly OR avoid it altogether.
If I feel a cold come on and do nothing, I get one that usually last about 4 days - and really irritates me.
If I dose up on vit C every few hours AND take echinasia (sp?), I am usually fine by the next day.
As always, your mileage may vary :)
2006-11-14 03:20:19 · answer #5 · answered by Mark T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i think , its better to get the vitamins from natural sources such as fruits and vegetable rather than artificial ingredients
2006-11-14 03:21:32 · answer #6 · answered by senaka76 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋