Can Vitamin C Supplements Help Shorten the Common Cold?
Every parent knows the feeling: the first sniffle, the slight fever, and the look of exhaustion in their child’s eyes. The common cold strikes quickly, and it tends to spread through families like wildfire—especially in households with school-going kids. Over the years, many have turned to a familiar remedy to fight back: vitamin C supplements . But do they really help? Let’s explore what science says about the role of vitamin C in preventing and treating colds. Understanding the Role of Vitamin C in the Immune System Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It supports the body by boosting white blood cell production, enhancing the function of phagocytes (the cells that "swallow" harmful bacteria), and acting as a powerful antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. This combination helps the body respond faster to invading viruses and shortens the time needed to recover. Children, with their developing immune syste...