Question

Zack takes 500 mg of vitamin C daily. He advises his friends to take vitamin C supplements because, he claims, the vitamin protects him from cold viruses. His claim about the usefulness of the vitamin is an?

Answer 1

Vitamin C is believed by some, like Zack, to prevent colds, but scientific evidence supporting this claim is not definitive. It may help reduce the severity and duration of colds to a modest degree but is not a guaranteed preventive measure. Consuming vitamins through whole foods is generally preferred over high-dose supplements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Zack's claim about vitamin C protecting him from cold viruses is an example of an anecdotal evidence rather than a scientifically proven fact.

While vitamin C has been shown to have various health benefits, including helping in the absorption of iron and potentially reducing the duration and severity of the common cold, its effectiveness as a preventative measure against colds is not conclusively established.

Studies such as the 2007 review have shown that alternative therapies, including vitamin C, are not generally recommended for treating common cold symptoms, noting that though vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of the illness, sufficient evidence for a strong preventative effect is lacking.

Moreover, taking high doses of vitamins beyond the recommended daily intake may not necessarily be better for one's health and obtaining nutrients from whole foods like citrus fruits, green vegetables, and berries is often advised.