San Carlos, CA
A 47-year-old male asked:
does vitamin c help fight a cold?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michio Abeanswered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
Vitamin C & colds: This topic has been debated. The data suggest that it can reduce duration of colds slightly but it does not prevent or reduce the severity of colds for most people. Some studies of people living in extreme circumstances, including soldiers in subarctic exercises, skiers, and marathon runners, have found a significant reduction in the risk of developing a cold with vitamin c by nearly 50%.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 36-year-old member asked:
Are there any side effects of vitamin C megadoses to fight flu symptoms?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 40 years experience
Laxative effect: Vitamin c is extremely safe. Excessive doses (usually over 5000 mg a day) can cause a laxative effect, but it is advised to take it until you get loose stools when you have the flu. Vit. C can interact with certain medications, esp. Coumadin (warfarin) (which interacts with everything!). See http://lpi.Oregonstate.Edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminc/ see my comment for more info.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Randy Baker commented
Holistic Medicine 40 years experience
Provided original answer
There is a potential hazard from very high doses of C in those with hereditary G-6PD deficiency, but it is unlikely that oral doses could create a problem. For flu symptoms I advise1000- 2000 mg of C every hour or 2 until you get loose stools. A form of Vit C called Lypo-spheric C is much better absorbed and thus may not cause a laxative effect.
Jun 27, 2012
A 37-year-old member asked:
What are the possible side effects of vitamin C over-consumption?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 40 years experience
Laxative effect: Vitamin c is extremely safe. Excessive doses (usually over 5000 mg a day) can cause a laxative effect. Vit. C can interact with certain medications, esp. Coumadin (warfarin) (which interacts with everything!). Concerns that high doses of vit c can cause kidney stones are unproven, in fact there is no good evidence of harm from high doses of c. See http://lpi.Oregonstate.Edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminc/.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Does taking vitamin C really keep you from getting sick?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Turrisianswered
Radiation Oncology 47 years experience
Overdoses of: The fat soluble vitamins: a, d, e &k are of concern. The others, including c, are easily flushed on a daily basis. Daily dose 200mg-6gm are used.. Linus paulng advocated huge doses as a preventitive. No side effects reported. Acorbic acid is an anti-oxidant. Aid in wound healing. ?Scurvy.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
What can happen if you have too much vitamin c?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Vitamin C: Taking excessive amounts of Vitamin C can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loose stools, heartburn, abdominal cramping, bloating,headache and insomnia. It may be associated with oxalate renal calculi. It can lead to hemolytic anemia in patients with g6pd deficiency. Large doses of Vitamin C are contraindicated w g6pd deficiency, renal insufficiency, oxalate renal calculus formers, chronic
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
hemodialysis or in some forms of iron overload.
Aug 8, 2014
A 45-year-old member asked:
What is good about vitamin C pills compared to fruit?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Bolhackanswered
Wound care 35 years experience
PIlls vs Fruit: The best way to get all nutrients is through the intake of regular food sources.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jul 20, 2012
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.