Whole Food Vitamin C, Probiotics, Acidophilus for Colds
When people get a cold or the flu they reach for Vitamin C. While Vitamin C helps the body heal, so do probiotics.
Researchers in Germany investigated the effect of long-term consumption of probiotic bacteria [such as Acidopholus] against the common cold. In a double-blind study [neither the scientists nor the patients knew whether they were getting the real thing or a placebo.]
Four hundred and seventy-nine healthy adults were tested, some getting multiple vitamins and some getting the vitamins plus the probiotics. The result was nil on their getting colds. Those who already had a cold found that taking vitamins plus probiotics shortened the duration by two days and reduced the severity of symptoms.
Probiotics for Colds Bibliography
Vaccine, Nov. 10, 2006 (largely unreported by the media.) By: Drs. de Vrese, Winkler, Schrezenmeir, et al., Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Federal Res. Ctr. of Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Strasse 1, D-24103 Kiel, Germany.