Taking vitamin C to combat colds is a waste of time, scientists have revealed. They found that the supplements, commonly perceived to be a tonic for winter ills, have little preventative effect and are no use at dealing with symptoms. Only marathon runners, skiers and others exposed to extreme cold or stress for short periods should bother taking the pills, the study showed. The researchers based their conclusions on an analysis of 30 studies carried out over six decades and involving more than 11,000 patients.
'It just doesn't make sense to take vitamin C 365 days a year to lessen the chance of catching a cold,' they insisted.
Although the results were based on supplement use, the researchers said drinking orange juice or eating an orange - both good sources of vitamin C - were equally useless.
