i take vitamin c when i have a cold.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and -ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. The disease scurvy is prevented and treated with vitamin C-containing foods or dietary supplements. Evidence does not support use in the general population for the prevention of the common cold. There is, however, some evidence that regular use may shorten the length of colds. It is unclear if supplementation affects the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or dementia. It may be taken by mouth or by injection. Vitamin C is generally well tolerated. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, trouble sleeping, and flushing of the skin. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy. The United States Institute of Medicine recommends against taking large doses. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant. Foods containing vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raw bell peppers, and strawberries. Prolonged storage or cooking may reduce vitamin C content in foods.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "Do you know the benefits of taking a Vitamin C supplement?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Not a whole lot but I do have a cold right now and I've been told that Vitamin C might shorten its length."}, {"role": "user", "content": "i see a lot of supplements that combine it with Zinc for colds. Have you ever tried that?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "No I haven't, but if it will help my throat and sinuses... it will make the common cold a fair bit less annoying."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I've tried Zicam before, but I think that is just Zinc.  I've been reading that you need to either eat the Vitamin C via foods OR make sure you get a whole foods Vit C supplement."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Now may be I'm wrong about this being a cold and its actually the flu. Does Zicam or Vitamin C help with influenza virus?"}, {"role": "user", "content": "I think they may possibly help with any virus, after all a cold is a virus as well, just not as debilitating."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Thats good. The sore throat, runny nose and high fever that I get are hard to diagnose as either Influenza or the common cold."}]