From the Research
Fasting and the Common Cold
- There are no direct research papers that investigate the effect of fasting on the duration of the common cold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, some studies have examined the relationship between metabolic responses to fasting and other factors, such as cold exposure 4.
- One study found that metabolic responses to 24-hour fasting and mild cold exposure in overweight individuals are correlated and accompanied by changes in FGF21 concentration, but it did not investigate the common cold specifically 4.
Alternative Approaches to Reducing Common Cold Duration
- Some studies have investigated the effects of vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and Echinacea on the common cold 1, 2, 5.
- A review of 82 eligible studies found that regular supplementation with vitamin C (1 to 2 g/day) reduces the duration of common colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children 2.
- Another study found that vitamin C reduces the duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children, but the severity of colds was also reduced by regular vitamin C administration 5.
- Zinc supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%, and vitamin D supplementation may protect against common colds overall, considering baseline levels and age 2.