ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
Common cold
;
symptomatology
;
supplementary Vitamin C
;
placebo
;
boys
;
girls
;
sex difference
;
beneficial effects
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The occurrence of common cold symptoms was recorded daily for a period of nine months by children from two male and two female boarding schools. All the children in one male and one female school received tablets containing 200 mg Vitamin C, or placebo tablets, daily on a double blind basis. Children in the other two schools received 200 or 500 mg tablets of Vitamin C. Leucocyte ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly raised in those children receiving active tablets. Comparisons of incidence, duration, severity and total intensity of cold characteristics, and of cold frequencies, were made between the different treatment groups. Cold symptoms were grouped into those characteristic of Catarrhal (C-colds), and those of Toxic (T-colds), colds. Whole (W-colds) consisted of at least one C-symptom in combination with one or more T-symptoms. 200 mg of Vitamin C had a beneficial effect on severity and total intensity of C- and W-colds, but did not affect T-colds, in girls. 500 mg produced further slight beneficial effects. With 200 mg the cold categories in boys tended to show a deterioration, and the deterioration continued in the group receiving 500 mg. Analysis of cold frequency indicated that T-colds are commoner in girls. Their C-cold frequency diminished with the smaller dose, and their T-cold frequency was reduced by the larger dose of Vitamin C. In boys C-cold frequency diminished with 500 mg of Vitamin C daily. These data suggest that there is a sexual difference in the effects of Vitamin C on the characteristics of the common cold. Evaluation of the effects of Vitamin C on toxic and catarrhal symptoms in relation to administered doses is of more importance than examination of its prophylactic or therapeutic actions. 500 mg had some beneficial effect in girls: any beneficial effect of Vitamin C on the common cold in boys will probably be associated with administration of a higher daily dose.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00561798
Permalink
