A “cold” is a viral or bacterial infection in the body that the immune system cannot fight off immediately with antibodies (Wan). When the infection invades the body the immune system is triggered and it tries to determine if the infection is new or a returning visitor. If the infection is a returning visitor the immune system releases killer T cells to destroy the infection within 48 hours of the invasion and the host never knew there was an infection in the body. If the infection is new it triggers a chain of events that is known by every living human on the face of the earth. “The common cold causes a tremendous amount of human suffering. The cold may be followed by a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, or kidney and heart p

Vitamin C has been proven to be very affective in the prevention of infection and certain cancer cells according to American Medical Association when taken in the proper amounts. The minimum amount of vitamin C to be taken daily is about 10mg. The maximum daily amount of vitamin C needed for a human is up to their “bowel tolerance”

Vitamin C protects the DNA of the cells from the damage caused by free radicals and mutagens (Wan). As an antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals in the human body. Free radicals enter the body seeking a free electron to gain stability. The free radicals take electrons from the body causing certain parts of the body to fail due to electron deficiency. Vitamin C provides the free radical with the electron it wants while helping the immune system produce glutathione peroxidase, a free radical fighting enzyme (Wan). Studies have shown that vitamin C can prevent free radical damage to the lungs and central nervous system. It also combats the effects of ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and pesticides by stimulating an enzyme in the liver that detoxifies the body (Crafts).

As a component of collagen, vitamin C aids the immune system beyond the biochemical aspect. Our skin, which is primarily made up of collagen, is the body’s first

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