Ascorbic Acid and the Common Cold: Evaluation of Its Efficacy and Toxicity

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 231; no. 10; pp. 1073 - 1079
• Main Authors: Dykes, Michael H. M, Meier, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Medical Association 10-03-1975
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid - administration & dosage; Ascorbic Acid - adverse effects; Ascorbic Acid - therapeutic use; Clinical Trials as Topic; Common Cold - drug therapy; Common Cold - prevention & control; Digestive System - drug effects; Drug Interactions; Female; Fetus - drug effects; Flavonoids - therapeutic use; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hyperglycemia - chemically induced; Injections, Intravenous; Injections, Subcutaneous; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Placebos; Pregnancy; Rats; Time Factors; Urinary Calculi - chemically induced
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.1975.03240220051025

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.(JAMA 231:1073-1079, 1975)