Boost Your Immune System: How Vitamin C Supplements Can Help with Cold Symptoms but Not Prevent Them

Vitamin C supplements can alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery from colds, but they do not reduce the risk of getting sick. Dr. Le Huyen Nhi, a nutrition expert from Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that vitamin C is crucial for maintaining bone, muscle, and blood vessel health. It supports collagen formation, iron absorption, and strengthens the immune system by increasing the activity of T lymphocytes, phagocytic function, and leukocyte mobility. Additionally, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, combating oxidative stress during infections.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to easy bruising, bleeding gums, fatigue, a weakened immune system, and increased infection risk. However, consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin C can boost resistance to disease and shorten the duration of respiratory infections like colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Food sources rich in vitamin C include guava, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits