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First published January 1973

Changes in Leucocyte Ascorbic Acid during the Common Cold

Abstract

Leucocyte ascorbic acid was measured in 7 subjects during the common cold. There was a significant fall in L.A.A. to scorbutic levels within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. By the fifth day the L.A.A. had returned to normal, which coincided with the cessation of symptoms. Absorption studies suggested 1g. ascorbic acid per day as a prophylactic dose and 6g. ascorbic acid per day as a therapeutic dose. The effect of such supplements of ascorbic acid in 4 episodes of the common cold in 3 subjects suggests that the L.A.A. pattern can be changed by this therapy. The implications are discussed.

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References

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Article first published: January 1973
Issue published: January 1973

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© 1973 The Scottish Medical Journal.
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PubMed: 4717661

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R. Hume
Department of Medicine, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow
Elspeth Weyers
Department of Medicine, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow

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