Vitamin C is the most popular supplement taken to protect against infection due to its important role in immune system. This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection. It’s also necessary for cellular death,
which helps keep your immune system healthy by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones.
Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to
numerous diseases. Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold and flu. A large review of *9 studies in *1,**6 people demonstrated that regularly supplementing with vitamin C at an average dose of 1 – 2 grams per day
reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults and *4% in children. Additionally, high dose
of vitamin C treatment has been shown to
significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from viral infections.
These results confirm that vitamin C supplements may significantly affect immune health, especially in those who don’t get enough of the vitamin through their diet.