“Vitamin C can prevent or cure the common cold.”

The belief that vitamin C can prevent or cure the common cold largely stems from the influence of Nobel laureate Linus Pauling. In 1970, Pauling, a highly respected chemist with two Nobel Prizes, published a book titled "Vitamin C and the Common Cold," advocating for large daily doses of the vitamin to ward off and treat colds. His immense scientific credibility led to widespread public acceptance and a surge in vitamin C supplement sales, despite his claims being primarily based on personal experience and an aggressive extrapolation of some existing, limited research.

However, extensive scientific research conducted since Pauling's claims has not supported the idea that vitamin C prevents colds in the general population. Reviews of numerous controlled trials, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, consistently show that regular vitamin C supplementation does not reduce the likelihood of catching a cold for most people. While consistent daily intake may offer a modest reduction in the duration or severity of cold symptoms, particularly in individuals experiencing extreme physical stress, taking vitamin C after symptoms have already begun has not been found to be effective.

People continue to believe this myth for several reasons. Pauling's esteemed reputation lent significant authority to his initial assertions, making them difficult for the public to question. Additionally, the supplement industry benefits from this enduring belief. When someone takes vitamin C and their cold eventually resolves, it's easy to attribute the recovery to the supplement, creating a cognitive bias. Since vitamin C is an essential nutrient for overall health and generally safe in reasonable doses, there's often no perceived harm in continuing the practice, further solidifying the misconception.