There is no questioning the benefits of vitamin C. And FitnessFreak is correct in that sufficient levels can be obtained by maintaining a healthy diet. Broccoli has more vitamin C than most fruits and Veggies. So if you don't like broccoli you may want to figure out a way to stomach it.

As for using it to prevent or shorten the life of the common cold (and as mentioned in the above write up). I think the bubble has been "somewhat" burst on this one. Reading the articles from WebMD and Science Daily, among others, shows little or no benefit in preventing a cold or shortening the life of a cold. So if someone has used it in the past, with this in mind, and found it of benefit they are likely in the small percent it has been found to work on or are experiencing a placebo effect more than the vitamin actually being of any benefit in fighting off your cold. There was some evidence of it helping fight off colds in people exposed to extreme cold or physical stress. However, one study group was only 6 people and all were marathon runners. The author even cautions against drawing conclusions based on such a small group. My thinking on the subject is, if it feels good, do it! It's not like it's expensive and the other benefits make up for the cost 10 fold.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/vitamin-c-colds

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0628064753.htm

http://longevity.about.com/od/antiag...in-c-colds.htm