Zinc is available in two forms—oral zinc (e.g., lozenges, tablets, syrup) and intranasal zinc (e.g., swabs and gels). A 2015 analysis of clinical trials found that oral zinc helps to reduce the length of colds when taken within 24 hours after symptoms start.
Regarding vitamin C, regular supplementation (1 to 2 g/day) has shown that vitamin C reduces the duration (in adults by 8%, in children by 14%) and the severity of CC. Considering zinc, the supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%.
Last Update: October 8, 2020; Next update: 2023. Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they're ill. Starting to take vitamin C once you already have cold symptoms won't have any effect on your cold.
Colds Protection
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, taking vitamin C supplements regularly slightly reduces the length and severity of colds, but some forms of zinc appear to do a better job.
Taking vitamin D is not a guaranteed guard against the cold or flu. But vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and might give you a boost. Vitamin D: New studies suggest that people with low blood levels of vitamin D are more likely to get sick. Researchers think that vitamin D may play a role in boosting immunity.
Researchers found that a vitamin C supplement may reduce the duration of a cold by about 8% in adults and 18% in children. “That means you may feel better about 13 hours sooner during a typical seven-day illness,” says Dr. Ford. An added bonus? Vitamin C also seems to slightly reduce the severity of a cold.
Among all the cures for the common cold, zinc seems to be more effective. There are reliable studies supporting the fact that zinc can reduce the duration of a cold.
In adults and older children, they usually last about 7 to 10 days, but can last longer. A cough in particular can last for two or three weeks. Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are under five, typically lasting around 10 to 14 days.
The likelihood of success may vary from person to person. Some people improve, while others do not. Taking 1000 to 2000 mg per day can be safely tried by most people.
There is no guarantee that zinc will help you feel better faster. In some studies, zinc did nothing to shorten how long people with colds felt bad. In other studies, zinc may have shortened symptoms by a few days. But the side effects from taking zinc can be uncomfortable or serious in some cases.
When you're sick, magnesium helps your body fight infections. And magnesium helps produce energy for your body to use. Most adults need 300 to 400 milligrams (mg) of magnesium a day. Magnesium is found in foods, especially nuts, whole grains, dark green vegetables, seafood, and cocoa.
Vitamin B12 can help balance immune responses to better fight viral infections.
Do not add too much vitamin C at the same time but should be divided into 3-4 times Drink/day at different times Avoid taking vitamin C at night before going to bed, because it can cause stimulation, excitement leading to insomnia.
There is no way to get rid of a cold fast. A cold will usually go away on its own without treatment. However, a person may experience uncomfortable symptoms while they recover. People can take steps to aid recovery, such as getting plenty of rest.
Most colds go away in a few days. Some things you can do to take care of yourself with a cold include: Get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children.
Research shows that the immune system follows a circadian rhythm and that the cells involved in healing and inflammation tend to rev up in the evening. Some evidence suggests that more white blood cells (WBCs) are sent to your tissues to fight off infection during the night compared to the day.
There's no way to cure a cold—or sweat it out. Breathing in warm, moist air can help alleviate cold symptoms, like congestion. Light exercise can increase blood flow, which also might help with congestion. However, there's no quick fix.
Vitamin C and zinc each benefit various systems in the body but they both support the immune system and reduce the risk of disease. Taking these two nutrients together gives a joint boost to your immune system.
Vitamin C and Vitamin D are two essential nutrients that play important roles in the body and help to maintain overall health and wellness. You may be wondering, “Can I take Vitamin D and C together?” The answer is… Yes. In fact, when taken together, they're a powerful combo that can support the immune system.
At the top of the list are vitamin C and zinc. But if you've ever tried these nutrients to speed up your own recovery time, you've likely wondered just how effective they really are. The truth is, vitamin C and zinc are not effective home remedies in treating a common cold.