How does vitamin C help us to fight viruses?
1. It inhibits the protein called neuraminidase, which is produced by viruses, as its needed for viral replication. 2. It increases the production and killing power of immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes. 3. It increases the bodys production of immune fighting chemicals such as interferon and nitric oxide. 4. It increases the immune cell production of antibodies that inactivate viruses. 5. It directly inhibits the virus and its replication. We do have good evidence that vitamin C reduces the severity of colds and flu. Indeed more than 20 controlled studies of vitamin C against the common cold have been published which show that doses of at least 1 gram (1000mg) daily are able to reduce the severity and duration of colds.
