As cold season approaches, many people will start stocking up on Vitamin C. If you are one of those people, make sure you know your facts on this “cold preventing” nutrient, you may be surprised!

WHAT IS VITAMIN C?

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that, among other things, many associate with its fight against the common cold. It is an inhibitor of free radicals and has an anti-oxidative effect. In addition, vitamin C influences the structure of amino acids. However, contrary to popular belief, many studies show that it cannot prevent colds, but more so is linked to the severity and duration of a cold. So, before you over do the Vitamin C thinking you are preventing a cold, you may want to just keep it around to help control your cold!

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?

Although there are recommendations on the daily requirements of Vitamin C, it can vary person to person. Right now the RDA recommends between 75-90 mg per day for adults, however that amount is now being reviewed for a possible increase.

One sign that may tell you you’re taking in too much is an increase in loose stools. So, as I told a patient the other day who asked me if she should lower her Vitamin C dose, if you feel fine on the amount you’re taking, stick with it. This is an issue to consult with your doctor on if you need more specific recommendations.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET VITAMIN C?

You can get Vitamin C from food, oral supplements, or intravenously. If you are looking for your food to give you what you need, citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, and green leafy vegetables are all good sources of the vitamin. Depending on which Hauser Diet you are on, you may be at a disadvantage for getting what you need. Although anyone can be in need of a supplement, those on the Otter or Lion Diets may be especially in search of another way to get in their daily requirement because of the lower intake of fruits and vegetables.

One service we offer here at Caring Medical is an array of IV’s that can help with many health ailments. Vitamin C happens to be one of them. The benefit of this IV is that getting Vitamin C intravenously can be better tolerated for some people, who may have an issue with oral supplements. Also, it’s a direct hit, there’s no breaking down necessary! What works for one might not work for another, but if you are feeling a cold come on you may want to contact one of our physicians to see if getting some Vitamin C will help boost your immune system to fight the cold!