Each day there are many advances in modern medicine, however, there is still yet to be a cure for the common cold. It is often said that if a scientist were to find a cure, “they would win a Nobel Prize.” There are however many precautions you can take to avoid falling victim to rhinoviruses (colds or influenza). The most important is of course, Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants in the body with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Glutathione requiring Vitamin C to work efficiently. It is an extremely powerful vitamin with too many benefits to mention in one article. Several of the many benefits include: – boosted immunity, stronger connective tissue, quicker recovery from vigorous exercise and lower blood pressure. Vitamin C is also great for asthma sufferers as it is a natural antihistamine, meaning it will remove the histamine from the bloodstream quicker, therefore reducing the allergic reaction.

There are many dietary sources of Vitamin C but the highest is definitely found in most fruit and green vegetables. On average, one cup of both orange juice and strawberries will obtain approximately 100mg of Vitamin C in each. For vegetables, one cup of cooked broccoli will deliver 60mg of Vitamin C.

‘The Diet Channel’ suggests that Vitamin C is the most known and widely taken supplement in the world. It is available in caplets, tablets, capsules and multi vitamins. Some supplement companies suggest a dosage of approximately 1000mg per day.

At present, there is great debate on the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, with some experts suggesting as low as 90mg per day and others suggesting up to 1500mg per day. However, recent scientific studies have found that the majority of the vitamin’s benefits will only occur on a dosage of more than 200mg per day. The healthy body contains 5000mg of Vitamin C. Once this limit is reached, the excess is excreted naturally. Therefore, instances of overdoses are very rare.

There are many factors which determine the appropriate amount for each individual including:-current health, age, physical activity and stress levels. There are also certain groups which are at a higher risk of Vitamin C deficiency including: – smokers, alcoholics, asthmatics, the elderly and either pregnant or breastfeeding women. Some medications such as antacids, antidepressants, aspirin, birth control pills and antibiotics will either block the absorption or disrupt the levels of Vitamin C.

In conclusion, throughout the winter months it is advisable to raise your Vitamin C levels slightly but slowly, particularly if you are in one of the above high risk categories. However, pay particular attention to your digestion and make sure it remains at a healthy level. If you do contract a rhinovirus, your body will rapidly deplete in Vitamin C levels. At this point, it is necessary to raise levels considerably.