Contrary to what doctors used to say (that the best way to strengthen your immunity is to get a lot of vitamin C), now zinc is probably the best supplement, at least to prevent colds. It is believed that this mineral may have contributed to how rhinoviruses multiply.
A study has proved that patients that were given a pill of zinc were getting better quicker and they were suffering from weaker symptoms of colds.
Zinc (Zn) is a trace mineral that is essential to our body’s cells. Deficiency of zinc may affect T-lymphocytes and other immune cells. It is recommended to get 15-25 mg of zinc daily. If you get a higher dose, it may have the opposite effect.
At the same time, more than one study have confirmed that the effectiveness of vitamin C is just a myth and it cannot do much to protect against colds. For instance, one study, that has involved 11.3 thousand people have shown that vitamin C has no effect on the intensity of cold symptoms or duration of the disease. Overdose of vitamin C (more than 2,000 mg) may cause kidney problems.