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The abundance of pseudo-scientific literature on the Internet often obscures the kernels of truth about nutritional supplements. For example, research does substantiate the role and importance of vitamin C in promoting optimal immune system health. For this exercise, I presented the question, “Does Vitamin C actually boost my immune system? If so, how or why?” The reason why I chose this question is because I have been taking Vitamin C, and do not know if it is worth the investment in the supplements. I want to know if vitamin C’s role in boosting the immune system is scientifically valid or a spurious claim made by those interested in selling me their brand of supplements.
Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) present the results of a review of literature on Vitamin C, published in a peer-reviewed journal. The Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) study is not an experimental research but it is a review of literature detailing the physiological effects and functions of vitamin C, such as its impact on cellular growth, cellular differentiation, and anti-oxidation. Vitamin C serves as an “electron donor” and other immune functions (Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig, 2006, p. 87). Likewise, vitamin C is integral for the endothelial and leukocyte functions (Wintergerst, Maggini...
87). The authors conclude that adequate intake of vitamin C is necessary for maintaining health.
Although not an experimental study, the Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) research is credible because it is peer-reviewed and subtantiated by abundant references to the scientific literature including experimental studies and meta-analyses. On the other hand, an online store selling vitamin supplements called Well Wisdom also offers testimonials about the efficacy of Vitamin C on boosting immune system health. The article in the Well Wisdom store actually admits that vitamin C does not prevent colds, but that it “will definitely help to heal your cold when it sets in,” a statement that is not supported by any references to the scientific literature. Instead, the authors provide a hyperlink to other articles on the website, which has a commercial purpose. The authors also write about how Vitamin C improves skin health, prevents cardiovascular disease, and even fights cancer—a strong and misleading claim.
Both the Wintergerst, Maggini & Hornig (2006) and the Well Wisdom articles could potentially be biased, given that the authors of peer-reviewed article do disclose their funding from the Bayer Corporation’s consumer care division. The…
References
Robertson, C. (2015). The link between vitamin C and optimal immunity. Life Extension. Retrieved online: http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/11/the-link-between-vitamin-c-and-optimal-immunity/page-01
Wintergerst, E.S., Maggini, S. & Hornig, D.H. (2006). Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc effect on clinical conditions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 50(2): 85-94.
“Vitamin C and Immune System: Does it Help?” Well Wisdom. Retrieved online: http://www.wellwisdom.com/vitamin-c-and-immune-system/
This work by the Harvard School of public health states that while small trails have indicated that the amount of vitamin C contained in a typical multivitamin and taken in the beginning of the development of a cold "might ease symptoms" however, for the "average person, there's no evidence that megadoses make a difference or that they prevent colds." (2009) It is related as well that studies examining Vitamin
For example, serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels rose in autumn months. Vitamin C serum concentrations were higher in the winter and spring. Male participants revealed higher serum retinol concentrations than females, although male and female respondents already differed in terms of age. Younger respondents did have higher levels of beta carotene. Smoking had a stronger effect on lowering serum levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene than on retinol. In
Whole Food-Based Supplementation vs. Fragmented Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Americans' interest in nutrition has grown in proportion to their waistlines over the last 30 years or so. Further, as healthcare in general improves and the population ages, problems associated with old age which were relatively rare in the past (because few people lived to see their 80th birthday) have become increasingly common. This has also contributed to the growing interest in
Controlled experiments are those in which groups are separated into control and experimental. Neither group knows what they are receiving, so they may or may not be receiving a sugar pill or something else. The control group is essential for comparisons -- what happens in the control group often determines how the experimental data is interpreted (Scientific Control Group, 2008). A double blind experiment is one in which some of the
This put me far short of the mark. The matter is complicated by the fact that foods only list whole proteins in the nutrition facts. In third world countries where food is scarce and meat is at a premium, the primary fare is rice and beans, which combine to form a complete protein. The primary failing of the food pyramid is that the USDA was under pressure to communicate simply to
Any weight loss, say doctors, is good weight loss. If there is some minor contribution the medication gives to the whole process, then that's positive. If taken strictly according to instructions, at worst, diet pills are harmless for the most part. Effects of Dietary Supplements The FDA regulates dietary supplements only in that it is required to ensure their safety. A manufacturer is not required to register a supplement or have