16 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold (2024)

FAQs

Can you get rid of a cold with vitamin C? ›

Although not fully proven, large doses of vitamin C may help reduce how long a cold lasts. Large doses of vitamin C do not protect against getting a cold. Vitamin C may also be helpful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity. The likelihood of success may vary from person to person.

Vitamin C in Foods. Cantaloupe is a rich source of vitamin C, with 202.6 milligrams of the vitamin in a medium-sized melon, and 25.3 milligrams in one slice. Raw citrus fruits are very high in vitamin C. One medium orange provides 70 milligrams of vitamin C, while one grapefruit has about 96 milligrams.

"Overall, though, vitamin C taken in extra doses to prevent common colds hasn't proven true." While it doesn't prevent you from getting a cold, Dr. Bracamonte says there is some limited research that additional vitamin C might speed up the recovery process slightly in some people.

The study participants received either 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 10 mg of zinc or placebo daily for up to 10 days, and revealed that supplementation with 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 10 mg of zinc was significantly more effective than the placebo.

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

It's a myth!

Unfortunately, this myth is quite persistent! Because oranges are rich in vitamin C, we believe – falsely – that eating them can help cure a cold. Let us be clear: after the onset of cold symptoms, eating oranges or drinking orange juice is not an effective treatment.

Eating oranges is not a bad idea if you want to get plenty of vitamin C. A navel orange has 82.7 milligrams (mg) of the nutrient.1 However, other high vitamin C foods include peppers, strawberries, papaya, and kiwi.

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold.

How to stop a cold when you feel it coming on? ›

Taking 1000 to 2000 mg per day can be safely tried by most people. Taking too much can cause stomach upset. People with kidney disease should NOT take vitamin C supplements. Large doses of vitamin C supplementation are not recommended during pregnancy.

If you take it when a cold is starting, zinc may help you recover faster. A 2017 review of studies suggested zinc acetate and zinc gluconate lozenges made colds 33% shorter, on average. 1 Lozenges and other forms of oral Zicam target viruses in the mouth and throat. They should be taken as soon as cold symptoms start.

Vitamin C and Vitamin D are two essential nutrients that play important roles in the body and help to maintain overall health and wellness. You may be wondering, “Can I take Vitamin D and C together?” The answer is… Yes. In fact, when taken together, they're a powerful combo that can support the immune system.

The best source of zinc is oysters, but it's also plentiful in red meat and poultry. Other good sources of zinc include other kinds of seafood, nuts whole grains, breakfast cereals, and dairy products.

Vitamin C might help to treat your cold, but it's probably not enough to notice. Research shows that regularly taking 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg of vitamin C may reduce how long cold symptoms last and how severe they are. But this decrease in time is less than 10%. And most people probably won't notice the difference.

Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds—Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to ...

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Because your body cannot make vitamin C, it must come from the foods you eat every day. Research shows vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body.