[Vitamin C and immune function].
The immune system is strongly influenced by the intake of nutrients. For a long time there has been a controversy whether vitamin C can contribute to the prevention and therapy of the common cold. Several cells of the immune system can indeed accumulate vitamin C and need the vitamin to perform their task, especially phagocytes and t-cells. Thus a vitamin C deficiency results in a reduced resistance against certain pathogens whilst a higher supply enhances several immune system parameters. With regard to the common cold different studies including meta-analyses underline that the prophylactic intake of vitamin C may slightly reduce the duration of the illness in healthy persons but does not affect its incidence and severity. Supplementation of vitamin C is most effective in cases of physical strain or insufficient intake of the vitamin. With regard to the therapy of the common cold the application of vitamin C alone is without clinical effects.
Ströhle
Alexander
A
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Lebensmittelwissenschaft und Okotrophologie, Abteilung Ernährungsphysiologie und Humanernährung, Am Kleinen Felde 30, 30167 Hannover.
Hahn
Andreas
A
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000502:physiology*
D014815:Vitamins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid