Vitamin C does not cure children's catarrh

The beneficial and protective effects of vitamin C compared to typical autumn and winter colds are one of the recommendations that are transmitted from generation to generation and, like others advice, they have little consistent scientific basis to back them up. Therefore despite the widespread bel

The beneficial and protective effects of vitamin C compared to typical autumn and winter colds are one of the recommendations that are transmitted from generation to generation and, like others advice, they have little consistent scientific basis to back them up.

Therefore despite the widespread belief, vitamin C does not cure children's colds.

Why vitamin C does not cure or prevent colds in children

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is important in childhood: Para - For the health of soft tissues, such as gums.

- For cartilaginous tissues.

- For hard tissues, such as bones and teeth, in addition to participating in the formation of collagen.

- Ensures the good health of the blood vessels, so it is important for the healing of wounds and small cuts that children make.

- Due to its antioxidant potential, vitamin C prevents oxidative stress of cells and is notable for its involvement in the absorption of non-heme iron, that is, the one that comes -mostly- from foods of plant origin.

Regarding common colds, some authors have reviewed the results obtained in recent years in clinical studies conducted in this regard. According to this review,

once the symptoms of the cold appear, taking or not more vitamin C does not offer any benefit, while a good previous contribution, even higher than the recommended daily amounts, it can reduce the duration of the cold in the children, up to 15%. In this same line, if it is shown that some cells of the immune system, such as phagocytes or T lymphocytes, need vitamin C and its antioxidant capacity to carry out their functions correctly, so,

a deficiency in this vitamin it can be translated into a reduction of the resistance against pathogens mientras, while its correct contribution ensures that the immune system works optimally. As vitamin C can not be stored in the body, it is necessary to ensure its daily contribution through the dietthrough foods that contain it. Important sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, such as oranges, either whole or in juice, and other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, kiwis and tomatoes. Other vegetables whose content is also high are broccoli or cabbage / red cabbage, green and red peppers, potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

It is practically impossible to exceed the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C with an exclusive contribution from the diet. However, consuming vitamin supplements during childhood, it is possible to reach and exceed safe intakes of vitamin C (known as the maximum level of tolerable intake), whose limit is related to health damage, especially in the renal system - Since the excess of vitamin C is excreted through the urine. Therefore it is not advisable to offer vitamin supplements to children without medical advice.