Swine Flu Prevention: Does Vitamin C Prevent Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Swine flu also known as H1N1 is a new strain of flu that is contagious but in most cases mild. Unfortunately, unlike annual flu, this virus seems to affect younger healthy people with serious consequences including death whereas most flu, is more of a risk for the very young and the very old. If you're worried about contracting Swine Flu should you take extra Vitamin C?

There have been no studies that have shown the Vitamin C prevents the 2009 Swine Flu (H1N1), or any other flu virus, shortens its duration or makes the illness milder. However, what Vitamin C does do is strengthen the immune system. Since the immune system is how the body fights off any virus, a strong system makes sense. Vitamin C boosts the production of white blood cells, antibodies and interferon, all of which are critical to fighting Swine Flu (N1H1) and lots of other illnesses.

Vitamin C is found naturally in many foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, strawberries, and leafy greens. One of the best sources of Vitamin C is kiwi fruit. One small kiwi fruit has twice the Vitamin C as a medium orange. Many foods are fortified with Vitamin C, and of course it's available as a supplement.

Since the vitamin is water soluble it is not stored in the body. Any excess over what the body requires for that day is excreted. However any substance can be toxic if too much is taken at any one time, even water. For example: Drinking copious amounts of water can throw off the electrolyte balance of the body.

How much vitamin C is recommended? 60 mg is the recommended amount to take daily. However the body's requirement varies depending on age, activity level, and exposure. for example people under stress, and smokers, require more. Many people believe that 500 mg is the optimum dosage. An orange has 70 mg of vitamin. It would be a challenge to consume 500 mg just through foods. 500 mg means eating six oranges.

While vitamin C doesn't prevent swine flu it's still a good idea to make sure you and your family get enough throughand supplements during the flu season. It makes sense to increase your level a few weeks before flu season and continue for a few weeks after flu season. That's approximately the winter months with a couple of weeks on either side. Strengthening