Does Orange Juice Help Chase Away a Cold?

Vitamin C loading is a go-to home remedy for many people once early cold symptoms appear. Moms have been recommending it to their kids, who recommended it to their kids. Does it work?

Although the orange juice strategy is a myth, it’s based in some logic. One of vitamin C’s main functions is to support the immune system. It is an antioxidant, so it boosts immune function, according to the National Institutes of Health. While you can technically get lots of vitamin C from orange juice, experts recommend getting your nutrients from whole foods, which have the benefit of fiber to improve digestion. But having a stronger immune system doesn’t mean you’re cold-proof. What it can do is make your colds less miserable.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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