Bioequivalence and Bioavailability Forum

Hi qualityassurance,

❝ We want to register anti cold product combining with ascorbic acid.

❝ Actually ascorbic acid in our formulation will have therapeutic effect.

Don’t get me wrong but ascorbic acid in such a condition is not more than a placebo (except in pregnancy and for endurance athletes during a competition). Lots of publications, e.g., this one:*

Conclusion
While data do show a decreased severity and duration of colds when vitamin C is consumed at doses at or above 0.2 g/day, it is most reasonable for patients to obtain this from their diet, considering supplementation did not decrease the overall incidence of colds in the general population. Regular supplementation may have a place in special populations, specifically those under high physical stress and those with marginal vitamin C status.
Overall, while there is a wide variety of data available, there is a lack of consistency, and further study is necessary to provide clarity on the utility of vitamin C for therapeutic purposes. Given the low cost and relative safety of vitamin C supplementation, it is not unreasonable for patients experiencing cold symptoms to see for themselves if therapeutic vitamin C is beneficial, but they should know that the data behind its use are largely inconsistent. It appears the greatest potential for benefit of vitamin C in treating the common cold occurs when supplementation is initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset at high doses (~8 g daily) and when therapy is continued for at least 5 days.

IMHO, such a product is a mere marketing gimmick.

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• Bucher A, White N. Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016; 10(3): 181–3. doi:10.1177/1559827616629092. Free Full text.