Blood ascorbic acid level in bioflavonoid and ascorbic acid therapy of common cold.

During the past year treatment with the bioflavonoids has been widely publicized as a means of preventing or modifying the common cold. One of the reasons given for the effect has been that they potentiated ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in alleviating cold symptoms. Since there was no convincing proof available, either in support or in denial, we undertook a pilot study to explore the validity of these statements. Within the limits of this study, the bioflavonoid tested showed effect neither on the incidence or cure of colds nor on the ascorbic acid content of the blood. In the course of the study, interesting data \vere developed regarding the relationship of blood ascorbic acid levels to the incidence and cure of colds. These are reported in detail.