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In a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers concluded that Echinacea, an herbal cold treatment, has no effect in relieving cold symptoms and does not speed recovery.
"We find no evidence that [Echinacea] does anything to common cold symptoms," noted Dr. Ronald Turner of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the study's lead author.
The study comes at a time of increased skepticism by many as to just how effective herbal supplements are in the fight against the common cold.
Despite the questions raised by alternative treatments such as Echinacea, vitamin C remains a champion in protecting one from the common cold and flu.
While it is not a cure, vitamin C has been shown to help protect against both respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease, according to a study conducted by the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends from 500 milligrams to 1000 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Two-time Nobel laureate Dr. Linus Pauling recommended even stronger dosages -; not just for cold and flu treatment, but for overall wellness.
During the cold and flu season, Americans may seek to replace the debunked Echinacea with known vitamin C treatments.
For example, Mosaic Nutraceuticals introduced a vitamin C candy in a soft, chewable form.
Mosaic's product - with 250 milligrams of vitamin C in each piece - is proving to be popular with consumers because of its great orange taste, according to Mosaic Chief Executive Officer Charles Townsend.
"Americans love candy and need their vitamins," Townsend said. "We give them both."
To learn more about this candy, visit www.mosaictoday.com or call (888) 766-7242. The Web site also provides scientific and medical information about various health issues and the company's product ingredients. - NU |
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