Ascorbic acid and the common cold. Evaluation of its efficacy and toxicity
M. H. Dykes and P. Meier
We reviewed the clinical data relating to the efficacy and safety of
pharmacologic doses of ascorbic acid in the prevention and treatment of the
common cold. Although one study tentatively supports the hypothesis that
such doses of ascorbic acid may be efficacious, a second study by the same
group did not confirm the significant findings, and no clear, reproducible
pattern of efficacy has emerged from the review of all the evidence.
Similarly, there is currently little adequate evidence on either the
presence or the absence of serious adverse reactions to such doses of
ascorbic acid, although many such reactions have been hypothesized. The
unrestricted use of ascorbic acid for these purposes cannot be advocated on
the basis of the evidence currently available.
