Vitamin C has a reputation for curing the common cold, which may lead some to believe it can improve bothersome sinus and allergy symptoms that also occur with a cold. However, no research has yet proven the vitamin can help relieve sinus symptoms or hay fever, MedlinePlus reports. While the supplement is safe when you follow label directions with regard to dosing, you should consult with a doctor before using it to improve sinus problems or allergies, a condition caused by an improper immune response to certain substances.
Vitamin C and Colds
For years, people have turned to vitamin C to help prevent colds, but research so far shows taking the vitamin as a supplement will not reduce your risk for colds, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports. However, regular use of vitamin C supplements may help shorten the duration of your colds and make the symptoms less severe. This benefit can also apply to the stuffed sinuses that occur with a cold. However, when your sinus troubles result from an allergy, vitamin C has not yet been shown to be useful, MedlinePlus reports.
How to Use Vitamin C
If you opt to take vitamin C to see if it can help your sinus troubles, you need to make sure you know how to use it. The standard dosage for treating the common cold ranges from 1 g to 3 g per day, MedlinePlus reports. These doses vastly exceed the recommended daily allowances, which vary by age. For example, men should get 90 mg per day of the vitamin, while women and teen boys ages 14 to 18 need 75 mg, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports. Female teens ages 14 to 18 should consume 65 mg per day, while kids ages 9 to 13 need 45 mg regardless of gender. Kids ages 4 to 8 should get 25 mg per day, while youngsters ages 1 to 3 need 15 mg. Newborns up to 6 months need 40 mg per day, while babies ages 7 to 12 months need 50 mg.
Side Effects
Most people will not experience any side effects from taking a vitamin C supplement, although headaches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and abdominal cramps can occur. Ill effects from taking high doses of vitamin C do not commonly occur because the vitamin is water soluble and cannot be stored in the body. When taken in doses in excess of 2,000 mg per day, you can experience stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports. High doses of vitamin C can also contribute to kidney stones. Before using a vitamin C supplement to treat sinus problems or allergies, talk with a medical professional who can advise you how to use it safely.
Warnings and Precautions
In some cases, medical conditions you have may make it risky to take vitamin C supplements because of the potential effects. You should skip the supplement altogether if you have the iron disorders hemochromatosis and thalassemia, because it can increase iron absorption in the body, MedlinePlus reports. Because vitamin C may raise blood sugar levels, you shouldn't take large doses of it if you have diabetes. You should also avoid large amounts if you have sickle-cell disease because it can worsen the condition. People who have cancer should only take vitamin C under the care of a doctor because of how cancer cells store vitamin C. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only consume vitamin C in accordance with the recommended dietary allowances, which is 420 mg per day. Before taking a vitamin C supplement, consult with a doctor who can tell you whether it is safe for you.
References
- MedlinePlus Supplements; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); March 31, 2011
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin C; July 8, 2010
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; Vitamin C; February 15, 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon; January 2006
- MedlinePlus: Allergy
