Colds are caused by viruses and spread quickly form one person to another. The kind of nutrients your body receives plays an important role in determining immunity. Studies show that Vitamins C and D are effective in preventing and treating colds. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, green and red peppers, tomato, potatoes, broccoli, spinach etc.

 It plays an important role in reducing the duration of a cold. This vitamin enhances the action of white blood cells which play an important role in the body’s defense system. In other words, Vitamin C primes the immune system and makes it more efficient in combating the virus causing the cold. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Vitamin D boosts the body’s immune system and helps to keep colds at bay. It stimulates the production of cathelicidin, which has antibiotic properties.

 Vitamin D is synthesized upon exposure to sunlight. Doctors recommend taking pills with 800 IU Vitamin D daily. People who smoke need slightly higher doses of vitamins because smoking impairs the body’s ability to utilize nutrients efficiently. As such vitamins cannot treat colds. They boost immunity and help the body recover from a cold faster.