Flu season is just around the corner, and we are all dreading it. Sleepless nights due to clogged nose and hoarse voice because of congestion are just too much. But, Vitamin C is here to save us all! Vitamin C helps to reduce the severity of flu symptoms. According to research, vitamin C dosage for flu varies for different ages, but the recommended amounts are 75 to 90 milligrams per day. Before we dive deeper, you need first to understand what vitamin C is and its sources.
Vitamin C for Flu
The common flu is caused by a virus that infects the upper respiratory tract. Vitamin C has been extensively studied in this area. It has been discovered that the dosage and duration of supplementation can affect the effectiveness of vitamin C in flu duration and prevention. Even Mother Nature reminds us of the importance of vitamin C in our diet each winter by giving us oranges.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It has antioxidant properties that help to give a boost your immunity. Research shows that increasing your vitamin C intake can raise your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. They accomplish this by shielding cells from potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. This aids the body’s natural defenses in combating inflammation.
Lower consumption of vitamin C is associated with weakened immunity that increases your chances of catching an infection. Our body does not produce vitamin C on its own, but it is required for immune function, bone structure, iron absorption, and healthy skin. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables, and tomatoes. The RDA for vitamin C is 90 mg for males and 75 mg for females.
Vitamin C helps to reduce the recovery time of flu and cold symptoms. In addition, it helps to replenish the tissues with its collagen-producing properties. However, it is less well known that vitamin C is highly concentrated in immune cells and rapidly depleted during an infection. So, during flu infection, increased intake of vitamin C is vital.
Vitamin C and Zinc for Flu
Now that you know all about vitamin C, you must understand the role of zinc as well. Some nutrients play critical roles in maintaining the integrity and function of the immune system. Among these elements, zinc, and vitamins C stands out for their roles in strengthening the immune system. Nutrients that can help the immune system to reduce the risk of severe progression become essential regarding the influenza virus.
Over-the-counter supplements such as zinc gluconate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) commonly treat viral illnesses. Zinc has been shown to improve the ability of immune cells to fight infection, and ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that may play a role in the immune response.
High Doses of Vitamin C for Flu
According to research, a megadose of vitamin C given before or after the onset of cold and flu symptoms relieved the symptoms. The most significant benefit of vitamin C in treating common flu occurs if high doses (approximately 8g) are taken within the first 24 hours of symptom onset and continued for five days.
Liposomal Vitamin C for Flu
Liposomal Vitamin C has been shown in studies to deliver more Vitamin C into the body than traditional Vitamin C supplements. This is accomplished by encasing the Vitamin C in ‘Liposomes.’ Liposomes are tiny, Nano-sized bubbles designed to protect Vitamin C as it travels through the body.
Liposomes can also travel throughout the body’s cells, helping and speeding up absorption. This means that the Vitamin C is delivered directly into your body’s cells without being degraded or consuming energy in the process, maximizing the benefit.
Compared to powder forms of vitamin C, liposomal forms produce higher concentrations of vitamin C in the blood and take longer to be broken down and excreted from the body. So, liposomal forms of vitamin C appear to be superior in terms of oral administration and absorption.
IV Vitamin C for Flu
Vitamin C injections are also available on prescription. The injectable vitamin C can be administered intravenously and intramuscularly. Many people take vitamin C to improve their overall health or to strengthen their immune system. It can also be used to treat vitamin C deficiency.
However, vitamin C injections are typically used only when vitamin C levels need to be quickly increased or when oral supplements are ineffective due to poor absorption or other factors. Some people get vitamin C injections for their general health or to boost their immune function, as well as for convenience. They don’t have to remember to take a supplement pill every day because of the injection.
The typical vitamin C injection dose for treating vitamin C deficiency is 200 mg once daily for a week. Vitamin C injection dose for wound healing is 1 gram once daily for 5 to 21 days. A wide range of vitamin C injection doses has been used for off-label uses. These typically weigh between 10 and 100 grams. Doses can be given daily or at different intervals regularly. Vitamin C injections generally are used to treat vitamin C deficiency when oral supplements are ineffective.
The Takeaway
Supplementing with vitamin C will not lower your chances of getting a cold, but it will help you recover faster and lessen the severity of your symptoms. While taking supplements, it may be vital to take the high vitamin C dosage for flu, but be careful not to go overboard. However, whole foods are generally a better choice for meeting your basic nutrient requirements. Reach out to a qualified general physician to get authentic guidance regarding vitamin C dosage for flu.
FAQs
1. What are the best vitamin C for colds and flu?
The best type of vitamin C is through the diet, from citrus fruits, green vegetables, strawberries, etc. However, if you do not get adequate vitamin C from your diet, supplements may be prescribed.
2. Does vitamin C work for flu?
Yes, it does. As told above, Vitamin C helps to reduce the recovery time of flu.
3. How is high-dose vitamin C taken?
Vitamin C can be administered intravenously or orally. When vitamin C is administered intravenously, blood levels rise dramatically. Vitamin C levels in the blood can be higher when given intravenously (IV) than when taken orally.
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