Vitamin C is one of the most well-known vitamins for boosting your immune system and helping you stay healthy. But how much Vitamin C when sick is the right amount?
What is Vitamin C?
The body needs Vitamin C for a variety of reasons. It helps keep bones, muscles, and blood vessels healthy. It also aids in the absorption of iron and collagen formation. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, green bell peppers, and tomatoes, to name a few. If you’re worried about whether or not you’re getting enough Vitamin C in your diet, you can add in a Vitamin C supplement.
Vitamin C and the Immune System
A 2017 study about how Vitamin C and the immune system interact showed that “Vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections by enhancing various immune cell functions.” Those who are deficient in Vitamin C may be more susceptible to infections and have difficulty with wound healing. Also, when you are fighting off an infection, your Vitamin C levels can be impacted, so taking Vitamin C when you’re sick could be the boost you need to feel better faster.
How Much Vitamin C When Sick Is Enough
The amount of recommended Vitamin C is higher than most other vitamins. So, how much Vitamin C when sick is enough? One study showed that 1,000 – 2,000 mg was adequate for shortening the duration of a cold in children by about 18% on average.
Can Too Much Vitamin C Be Bad?
Even if you’re really sick, taking too much Vitamin C can have adverse effects. One study showed that 6,000 – 8,000 mg was also effective at reducing the duration of a cold. However, some people notice that taking more than 2,000mg of Vitamin C at once causes digestive symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. Vitamin C is also known for helping the body absorb iron, so if you have a condition that causes an accumulation of iron in your body, use caution with Vitamin C supplements and discuss what is right for you with your doctor.
Too much Vitamin C could also negatively affect your kidneys. When Vitamin C is consumed in excess, it is excreted as the bodily waste product oxalate. Usually, oxalate is expelled via urine, but sometimes it can lead to the formation of kidney stones. By consuming too much Vitamin C, oxalate is increased, therefore increasing the risk of developing kidney stones. One study showed that adults taking a 1,000mg Vitamin C supplement twice a day for six days had a 20% increase in oxalate excretion.
Don’t Rely Only on Vitamin C To Boost Immunity
While Vitamin C is the most well-known immune helper, it is not the only one that can help you recover from a cold faster. Instead of relying only on large amounts of Vitamin C, include other immune-boosting ingredients in your cold-fighting cocktail. Here are some that are excellent:
- Vitamin D3 has the ability to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses in the body.
- Zinc is critical for the development of immune cells and has proven therapeutic properties for treating the common cold.
- Elderberry is a century’s old remedy for illnesses and has shown to be effective and safe for relieving symptoms of the flu.
- Echinacea is a common herbal remedy that has been shown to have a variety of health benefits for the common cold, upper respiratory infections, and more.
- Apple cider vinegar is full of good bacteria that have health benefits for your whole body.
Try Immune Support from BioClinical Science
Immune Support from BioClinical Science is a diverse supplement containing Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and apple cider vinegar that works powerfully against the common cold to help you feel better faster. Visit the website to learn more or to order yours today!
