Prophylactic value of vitamin C in acute respiratory tract infections in schoolchildren
Bancalari, A.; Seguel, C.; Neira, F.; Ruíz, I.; Calvo, C.
Revista Medica de Chile 112(9): 871-876
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 6398492 Document Number: 5668
The value of 2 g per day of Vitamin C for 12 weeks in preventing acute respiratory infection (ARI) was evaluated during winter time in 62 schoolchildren (10 to 12 years old) using double blind research techniques. In the placebo group (n=30) 46 episodes of ARI were detected vs 38 episodes of ARI in the Vitamin C group (n=32). Vitamin C group presented a significant decrease (p<0,05) in duration of ARI (3.4 days±0.45 S.D.) as compared to placebo group (4.5 days±0.43). In general children treated with Vitamin C had 37% less days of mobility caused by ARI than the placebo group. Common Cold was the most frequent cause of ARI in both groups. Plasma ascorbic acid basal level was similar in both groups and increased to more than twice in the group treated with Vitamin C. Any collateral effect of Vitamin C was investigated by both clinical examination and laboratory tests and none was found. Results suggest that Vitamin C does not prevent ARI in children but does diminish its duration.
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