Colds are more common during the winter months.
While this may not come as a surprise for many, for those with hectic schedules, catching a cold can be frustrating. This is because getting sick often leads to reduced energy levels, forced downtime, endless tissues, and the odd home remedy. That’s why, when the weather turns, many people try taking supplements to stay well. But can vitamin supplements actually help prevent a common cold? And what does the research say? Time to take a look!
Why do you catch a cold?
Let’s start by taking a look at what causes us to catch colds in the first place.
The common cold virus affects the membranes that line your nose and throat, causing inflammation. It also triggers many other uncomfortable symptoms – including coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, a low-grade fever, and a sore, scratchy throat. But how does the common cold virus spread? And how do we catch it?
The common cold virus mostly spreads via air droplets. When someone who is already sick coughs or sneezes, they unintentionally release these air droplets into the air, thereby spreading the virus. When someone else happens to be nearby, they then unknowingly inhale the air droplets, thereby catching the virus. As you can tell, this means that the common cold virus is very easily spread.
Where are you most likely to catch a cold?
You’re most likely to catch a cold at social gatherings, or in public places such as schools, universities, malls, and restaurants. This is because, when you mix with large crowds, you’re more likely to come into close contact with someone who is already sick or a surface that has the virus on it. You’re also more likely to catch a cold in certain environments. This is because low temperatures, low moistures, and humidity can affect your nasal passages, and make your body more susceptible to viruses.
Who is most at risk of a common cold?
Anyone can catch the common cold. That said, the common cold will affect some people more than others. For example, individuals with weak immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions, are more likely to catch colds. They are also more likely to experience complications – such as secondary ear infections, sinus infections, and chest infections. This is why, for many people with existing conditions, a simple cold can be very worrying, and lead to more serious health problems.
With early detection, and the right medical intervention, the symptoms of the common cold can be relieved. For example, many people find that over-the-counter medicines, pain medicines, and nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications. Others may find that other treatment options, such as warm steam for congestion, and warm, salty water for sore throats, can help them to manage their symptoms effectively at home. Where needed, people can also visit their pharmacists for help treating mild symptoms, or their healthcare provider for help treating secondary infections. But, the question remains, what role can vitamin supplements play in preventing and treating colds?
Can vitamin supplements prevent a cold?
While vitamin supplements are not enough to stop you from catching a cold, they can boost the body’s immune system, and make it easier for the body to fight off infections.
Let’s take a look at the science. Many people believe that Vitamin C supplements can help prevent a cold during flu season. However, medical studies show that this is not the case. Taking vitamin C supplements daily will not stop you from getting a cold, but it may help you recover from a cold more quickly. The same is true for vitamin D. Taking vitamin D supplements regularly will not stop you from catching a cold, but it will help strengthen your immune system so it’s in fighting-fit shape.
How does taking vitamin supplements help?
So is it still worthwhile taking vitamin supplements? Yes, definitely! In fact, research has shown that while vitamin supplements cannot directly prevent colds, they can improve your overall health, and ensure you are better equipped to fight off infections. In particular, vitamin C supplements boost the body’s immunity by promoting white blood cell production in the blood – which helps with warding off viruses and pathogens. In addition to this, vitamin C’s antioxidative properties also enable the body to neutralise any free radicals in the bloodstream – which helps to prevent inflammation and chances of any chronic diseases.
Similarly, vitamin D supplements can also provide your body with a much needed immune boost. In fact, there are multiple studies that show how vitamin D can help reduce the instances of respiratory tract infections in patients. It can also help improve bone health and heart health. Thankfully, finding good quality vitamin supplements is now easier than ever.
Top 3 all-round supplements
While the you may come across multiple listings from various companies boasting their products, here is a list of top 3 all-round vitamin supplements that we believe can help you effectively:
1. Awesome Defence
Awesome Defence is not your ordinary vitamin supplement. With brands like Awesome Supplements leading the way by providing high quality supplements at competitive prices, this vegan supplement aims to boost your body’s natural defences by boosting your vitamin C, D, E and Zinc levels – so you too can live worry-free with a healthy immune system.
Where to buy: Buy Now (Paid link)
2. Inessa Multivitamin
Inessa vitamin supplements are another contender on our list that can provide holistic supplementation to your body, thanks to the presence of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K along with many more. It comes in a vegan-friendly tablet form, ideal for those who are seeking a plant-based option!
Where to buy: Buy Now (Paid link)
3. Alpha Foods Advanced Multivitamin
Alpha Foods Advanced Multivitamin supplements are a cost-friendly option for those seeking a boost for their immune system. Rich in 26 vitamins and minerals, they are packed with essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron and calcium, these advanced multivitamins can seamlessly integrate in your routine.
Where to buy: Buy Now (Paid link)
Live a healthy life
As you now know, the common cold virus is very easily spread. But that doesn’t mean that catching a cold this winter is inevitable! There are plenty of things that you can do to reduce the chances of catching a cold, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding large social gatherings, being careful in large public spaces, and maintaining an appropriate distance from people who are already sick. But these aren’t your only options!
We understand that for many people social distancing, and other similar measures, aren’t always practical, especially over the holiday period! If you’re worried about catching a cold, then there are also other things that you can do to protect your health and help strengthen your immune system. Taking vitamin supplements, as a means to boost your immunity and fight off unwanted infections like the common cold, can be a great way to stay healthy. Thinking of these supplements as a catalyst in fighting common cold and not an end all solution, can help you sustain a healthy lifestyle for years to come.