November 22, 2005

Vitamin C
Everett

The rumor that vitamin C helps prevent/cure colds and flus has been around for quite awhile. Unfortunately, though, it is untrue. A study was done to see if it was really true. A selection of people- college students, I believe- was divided into three groups. One group was given nothing, one was given a daily dose of vitamin C, and one was given a placebo. The group that was given the vitamin C developed 27% fewer colds than the control group, a statistically significant result. However, the group given the placebo experienced a 24% reduction in colds, meaning that vitamin C only reduced the occurrence of colds by 3%, not eough to be statistically significant. Hate to burst your bubble, but vitamin C doesn't cut it when it comes to curing the cold. You're better off maintaing sufficient hydration and body temperature, hence the benefit of hot soups.