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Cited by 70Vitamin C and Antioxidants ResearchHerbal Medicine Research StudiesVitamin D Research Studies

A combination of high-dose vitamin C plus zinc for the common cold

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Maggini, S, Beveridge, S, Suter, M·2012·Journal of International Medical Research
DOI 10.1177/147323001204000104
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Abstract

Vitamin C and zinc play important roles in nutrition, immune defence and maintenance of health. Intake of both is often inadequate, even in affluent populations. The common cold continues to place a great burden on society in terms of suffering and economic loss. After an overview of the literature on the effects of the separate administration of either vitamin C or zinc against the common cold, this article presents data from two preliminary, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, conducted with a combination of 1000 mg vitamin C plus 10 mg zinc in patients with the common cold. In both studies, a nonsignificant reduction of rhinorrhoea duration (range 9-27%) was seen. In pooled analyses of both studies (n=94), vitamin C plus zinc was significantly more efficient than placebo at reducing rhinorrhoea over 5 days of treatment. Furthermore, symptom relief was quicker and the product was well tolerated. In view of the burden associated with the common cold, supplementation with vitamin C plus zinc may represent an efficacious measure, with a good safety profile, against this infectious viral disease.

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Crossref · 10.1177/147323001204000104

Cites

73 of 73 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • One new trial satisfying the inclusion criteria was identified in the 2012 search (Constantini 2011a), and two new trials were added to the excluded trials list (Maggini 2012; Schmidt 2011).

    “One new trial satisfying our inclusion criteria was identified in the 2012 search (Constantini 2011a) and two new trials were added to the excluded trials list (Maggini 2012; Schmidt 2011).”

    From Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013) · cites this paper as Maggini 2012

  • In Maggini 2012, the combination decreased the duration of rhinorrhoea.

    “The combination decreased the duration or rhinorrhoea”

    From Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013) · cites this paper as Maggini 2012

  • Maggini 2012 used vitamin C in combination with zinc.

    “Vitamin C in combination with zinc. 1 g/d vitamin C and 10 mg/d zinc for 94 participants.”

    From Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013) · cites this paper as Maggini 2012

  • When used in combination with zinc, vitamin C supplementation can relieve symptoms such as rhinorrhea in common cold.

    “When used in combination with zinc, vitamin C supplementation can relieve symptoms such as rhinorrhea in common cold [110], which is commonly regarded as the most frequent and troublesome symptoms of the infection (along with nasal congestion) [111].”

    From Immune function and micronutrient requirements change over the life course (2018) · cites this paper as [110]

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Authors
Maggini, S., Beveridge, S., & Suter, M.
Affiliations
  • Bayer (Switzerland) (CH)
  • Basel, Switzerland
Venue
Journal of International Medical Research
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2012-02
Volume
40
Issue
1
Pages
28-42
ISSN
  • 0300-0605 (ISSN-L)
  • 1473-2300
DOI
10.1177/147323001204000104
OpenAlex
W2074803171
Cited by
70
References
73
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
FWCI
0.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of International Medical Research (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Vitamin C and Antioxidants Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Herbal Medicine Research Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Vitamin D Research Studies
Keywords
common cold, vitamin C, zinc, combination supplementation, rhinorrhea, symptom duration, immune defence, vitamin deficiency, tolerability
MeSH terms
Ascorbic Acid, Common Cold, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Therapy, Combination, Humans, Zinc, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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