Taking vitamin C tablets will not protect against autumn viruses or reduce illness duration, French doctor Vincent Valinducq warned on television channel TF1.
As dropping autumn temperatures mark the return of seasonal colds, many people are tempted to drop a vitamin C tablet into a glass of water. However, speaking on the morning show Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1, Dr Valinducq cited an Inserm study showing that taking supplements beyond recommended levels has no impact on how often people fall ill, how long symptoms last, or how severe they become.
Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, is a public institute dedicated to medical science and public health research across France. TF1 is the country's main private television network, broadcasting nationwide morning news and advice shows.
Health risks and proven benefits of vitamin C
Dr Valinducq emphasized that taking vitamin C tablets will not prevent illness, shorten symptoms, or reduce their intensity. He warned that taking excess supplements carries risks for the body, explaining that surplus doses can trigger digestive disorders and cause nausea.
By contrast, maintaining a normal daily intake of vitamin C is beneficial to human health. Dr Valinducq outlined three primary health benefits, explaining that the vitamin protects blood vessel walls, enables better absorption of iron in the body, and acts as an antioxidant.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient required for cellular repair and physiological maintenance. Because the human body cannot manufacture or store the nutrient on its own, it must be absorbed daily through food intake.
Meeting daily requirements through food
Health guidelines recommend a daily intake of 110 milligrams of vitamin C. Dr Valinducq explained that eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day fully covers daily requirements without needing extra supplements.
Several common foods supply high amounts of the vitamin. For instance, 100 grams of orange provides roughly 50 milligrams of vitamin C, while 100 grams of kiwi supplies 82 milligrams. Cooked broccoli and bell peppers serve as additional rich dietary sources.
Dr Valinducq urged consumers against spending money on vitamin C tablets or soluble supplements. He affirmed that buying these products is an unnecessary expense because regular food consumption meets all necessary vitamin C needs.
Natural ways to boost immunity
To support immune defenses naturally as temperatures drop, Dr Valinducq recommended focusing on essential lifestyle habits. He detailed that eating a varied and balanced diet, maintaining regular physical activity, and securing good sleep are the key measures that boost the immune system naturally rather than relying on pills.
In addition to preventive lifestyle habits, Dr Valinducq urged people to protect themselves from circulating viruses by practicing standard barrier hygiene measures. He advised individuals to cough into their elbow, wash their hands regularly, and frequently ventilate indoor rooms to maintain fresh air.
