It’s that dreaded time of year again – cold and flu season. As soon as the weather turns and people start spending more time indoors, common colds seem to spread rapidly. The runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and general misery of a cold are never fun to deal with. It makes you wonder if there is anything you can do to shorten the duration of a cold or help reduce your symptoms. One popular option many people turn to is vitamin C. 

Is a big glass of orange juice or a vitamin C pack your go-to when you start coming down with the sniffles? Numerous studies over the years have attempted to determine if taking vitamin C can prevent or shorten the duration of the common cold. Unfortunately, the overall consensus is that for most people, vitamin C likely does not have a significant effect on an already existing cold. However, getting enough vitamin C in your diet can be beneficial for your immune system function.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which is a natural chemical stored in some foods. It protects you from free radicals which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and sometimes lead to illness and visible aging. Regular consumption of the correct amounts of vitamin C can help your body form collagen, which supports healthy bones, muscles, and blood vessels. The nutrient also helps your body maintain healthy iron levels and helps wounds heal.