title: L-Ascorbic acid and D-isoascorbic acid in a common cold survey.
abstract: In a survey of double-bind design, 3 groups of approximately 70 student volunteers took 1 g L-ascorbic acid, 1 g D-isoascorbic acid, or placebo tablets every day for 15 weeks and the incidence and duration of colds were recorded. The group taking D-isoascrobic acid suffered 34% fewer colds than the other two groups; the results were also analyzed in relation to the sex and smoking habits of the volunteers. The rationale for investigating D-isoascorbic acid, an isomer of L-ascorbic acid which has limited antiscorbutic activity, is discussed.
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007536:Isomerism; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D001205:Ascorbic Acid