Supplements and ergogenic aids

Airborne? Does it work?

Originally Published: April 28, 2006

          

 

Hey Alice!

How's it going? Well, it is the winter season here in New York City and with the bacteria generated in the subways I am in constant fear of catching a cold. Not like catching a baseball, but you know. Anyway, does that stuff AirBorne work? I know it was created by a teacher but does that mean it works? Well, I really need this response, it's on sale at the local pharmacy. Thanks!

Much love,
To sneeze or not to sneeze?

 

Dear To sneeze or not to sneeze?,

There appears to be no scientific research that proves Airborne is effective in preventing or treating colds. The manufacturers claim that the unique combination of herbs, amino acids, antioxidants and electrolytes "offers vitamin and mineral support for hours," which implies that the product helps the body fight bacteria and viruses. But they don't come right out and say so, likely because without evidence to show it, they could get in trouble with the Food and Drug Administration. Airborne also contains echinacea, another herbal supplement some people take for colds. But research on echinacea is quite inconclusive as well. For more information on Echinacea, see the Alice response "Echinacea."

Some people may feel that Airborne works for them, but it's tough to say conclusively without doing a controlled experiment. Colds can last anywhere from one to ten days. Thus, if someone took Airborne on day 2 of their cold, for example, and felt better the next day, it could be that the treatment worked, or it could be that they simply got better on their own.

Additionally, some people have expressed concern about the amount of Vitamins A and C contained in Airborne. According to the FDA, the average adult should have 5000 units of Vitamin A each day, and 60mg of Vitamin C. A dose of Airborne contains 5000 units of A and 1000mg of C, and the package recommends taking a dose every three hours. That means taking significantly more than the recommended daily allowance of both. Overdosing on Vitamin A may cause nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness, and too much C is linked to symptoms of diarrhea.

Subways and other enclosed spaces with many people can be germy, especially in cold season. Medical professionals say your best defense against the common cold is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That includes: eating a balanced diet with five servings a day of fruits and vegetables (rather than taking vitamins), engaging in vigorous physical activity at least 3 times a week, and getting plenty of sleep. On top of that, thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially before you eat, can keep the subway germs at bay.

Alice

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