For decades, many people have turned to high doses of vitamin C as a primary defense against the common cold. While this practice is widely recognized, its origins are rooted in the work of Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who championed the idea in his 1970 book, 'Vitamin C and the Common Cold.'

Despite the popularity of the remedy, the medical community has long debated its efficacy. Critics point out that while Pauling was a brilliant scientist, his expertise was in chemistry, not in the fields of dietetics or infectious disease. Because he lacked formal medical training in these specific areas, many health professionals have questioned the validity of his claims regarding the prevention and treatment of viral infections through mega-dosing.

Modern clinical research has generally failed to support the idea that vitamin C can prevent the common cold in the general population. While some studies suggest that consistent, long-term use might slightly reduce the duration of symptoms for some individuals, it is not considered a cure. The persistence of the remedy in popular culture highlights a disconnect between historical public health advice and contemporary clinical evidence.