nobel prize winner linus pauling certainly thought vitamin c would cure and prevent the common cold but mulitple studies have not proven this to be true. vitamin c is considered to be antioxidant. antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals and helps to improve cells immunity. vitamin c with other multi vitamins can be used under state of infection to improve and fasten recovery. but the efficacy still remains uncertain for use of vitamin c alone in common cold. research shows that for most people vitamin c supplements or vitamin c-rich foods do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold. taking a vitamin c supplement after a cold starts does not appear to be helpful.
does vitamin c impact the bodies ability to fight the common cold