It's a persistent myth that's been around for many years. In the public imagination, vitamin C is supposedly effective against colds. But is that really the case? Let us explain.

As winter approaches and we gradually enter the coldest time of year, seasonal viruses reappear, with the common cold topping the list. But how can we protect ourselves ? Some recommend dressing warmly, while others rely on vitamin C. Here's what you need to know.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from unstable and harmful compounds resulting from toxins and pollution. It promotes iron absorption and plays a role in collagen production, making it a valuable asset for health, explained Daniel M. Davis, head of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London.

However, he qualified its effectiveness against the common cold . "The idea that taking high doses of vitamin C , or drinking a lot of orange juice , can prevent a cold or speed up recovery is a myth," he said.

Is Vitamin D the Real Solution?

Speaking to our British colleagues at the Guardian , Daniel M. Davis explained that the popular belief that vitamin C can prevent or cure the common cold has persisted "almost solely because of the opinion conveyed by one man: Linus Pauling."

A two-time Nobel laureate and one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century, Pauling made significant contributions to our understanding of vitamins . However, he greatly exaggerated the beneficial effects of vitamin C. His book, published in 1970, *Vitamin C and the Common Cold*, was a bestseller, generating such high demand that new factories were built to meet the production of dietary supplements.

In fact, studies have shown that people taking vitamin C supplements are just as likely to catch a cold as those who don't. While supplementation may slightly reduce the duration of symptoms, by about 8% in adults, its effect remains modest. "It's also difficult to interpret this data," explained Davis, "because people who regularly take high doses of vitamin C are often more attentive to their overall health."

Therefore, he recommended focusing on vitamin D to boost the body's defenses, the importance of which for immune health is much more clearly established. This vitamin is primarily produced through sun exposure between March and October, but the NHS suggests that during the winter months, it may be beneficial to take it as a supplement. Your GP can also prescribe it in the form of oral ampoules.