Vitamin C: Does It Prevent The Common Cold?

Jessica McCormickUndergraduate Student

Department of Biology (Health Science Concentration)

Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville,TN 38501

Project Summary

Vitamin C supplement does it benefit in preventing or reducing the symptoms of a coldTo show that a Vitamin C supplement is not very beneficial in preventing a coldI plan to prove this by testing individuals over a 3month period

Introduction

When one feels the symptoms of a cold he or she wants immediate relief therefore many believe that taking a daily supplement such as that of Vitamin C will help prevent the symptoms from ever appearing.

There is no benefit in taking a daily vitamin c supplementThere will be no difference in either of the participating individualsAccording to Barratt (2002), vitamin c mostly reduces the duration of the cold symptoms, but does not prevent a cold. According to statistics Vitamin C could significantly decrease the severity of symptoms of the common cold by an average of 23%.

Objective/Hypothesis

Objective: To find out if taking a supplement such as Vitamin C will prevent the common cold and if there is any benefit in taking it.

Hypothesis: A individual taking a daily supplement will not have any more benefit over a person not taking the supplement. Vitamin C does not aid in the prevention of the common cold.

Methods and Materials

There will be 6 individuals taking the supplement daily for approximately 3 months and there will be 6 individuals NOT taking the supplement.The individuals taking the supplemental will be taking a 500mg tablet daily for 12 weeksMinor and Severe symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever, sore throat, runny nose) will be recorded from both individuals on a monthly basis.Records will be kept using a calendar and a data form sheetStatistics: Average

Methods and MaterialsData Sheet:

Symptoms of Both Individuals****If yes indicate which individual and what type of symptom*****

 BothSymptoms (1 month)

Symptoms(2 months)

Symptoms(3 months)

Type of Symptom

Individual Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No

Subject 1

Subject 2        

Subject 3

Subject 4

Subject 5

Subject 6        

Expected Results and Benefits

I expect the results to prove that it is not necessary to take a Vitamin C supplement to prevent a common cold.

Some benefits of Vitamin C

found naturally in the body; helps the body function helps cells grow such as those of the gums, ligaments,

and blood vessels helps the body to use iron efficiently

Check for any symptoms

1st Platform Presentation

Check for any symptoms

Check for any symptoms

Check for any final symptoms Report final data

Give final presentation

Check for any symptoms

Timeline

01/31/07 02/26/07 02/28/07 03/28/07 04/24/07 04/29/07

Budget

Materials & Supplies Rx PriceVitamin C tablets $15.00 (approx)

**There is not a lot of cost associated with this study