Vitamin C: Does It Prevent The Common Cold? Jessica McCormick Undergraduate Student Department of Biology (Health Science Concentration) Tennessee Technological University Cookeville,TN 38501

Project Summary Vitamin C supplement does it benefit in preventing or reducing the symptoms of a cold To show that a Vitamin C supplement is not very beneficial in preventing a cold I plan to prove this by testing individuals over a 3month period

Introduction When one feels the symptoms of a cold he or she wants immediate relief therefore many believe that taking a daily supplement such as that of Vitamin C will help prevent the symptoms from ever appearing. There is no benefit in taking a daily vitamin c supplement There will be no difference in either of the participating individuals According to Barratt (2002), vitamin c mostly reduces the duration of the cold symptoms, but does not prevent a cold. According to statistics Vitamin C could significantly decrease the severity of symptoms of the common cold by an average of 23%.

Objective/Hypothesis Objective: To find out if taking a supplement such as Vitamin C will prevent the common cold and if there is any benefit in taking it. Hypothesis: A individual taking a daily supplement will not have any more benefit over a person not taking the supplement. Vitamin C does not aid in the prevention of the common cold.

Methods and Materials There will be 6 individuals taking the supplement daily for approximately 3 months and there will be 6 individuals NOT taking the supplement. The individuals taking the supplemental will be taking a 500mg tablet daily for 12 weeks Minor and Severe symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever, sore throat, runny nose) will be recorded from both individuals on a monthly basis. Records will be kept using a calendar and a data form sheet Statistics: Average

Methods and Materials Data Sheet: Symptoms of Both Individuals ****If yes indicate which individual and what type of symptom***** Both Symptoms (1 month) Symptoms (2 months) Symptoms (3 months) Type of Symptom Individual Yes/No Subject 1 Subject 2 Subject 3 Subject 4 Subject 5 Subject 6

Expected Results and Benefits I expect the results to prove that it is not necessary to take a Vitamin C supplement to prevent a common cold. Some benefits of Vitamin C  found naturally in the body; helps the body function  helps cells grow such as those of the gums, ligaments, and blood vessels  helps the body to use iron efficiently

Check for any symptoms 1 st Platform Presentation Check for any symptoms Check for any final symptoms Report final data Give final presentation Check for any symptoms Timeline 01/31/0702/26/0702/28/0703/28/0704/24/0704/29/07

Budget Materials & Supplies Rx Price Vitamin C tablets $15.00 (approx) **There is not a lot of cost associated with this study