Vitamin C helps to reduce the symptom of flu and hay fever. In a study of 400 women, it has been shown that higher level of vitamin C help to reduce the symptom. It is advisable to take sufficient of vitamin C daily as prevention for flu and hay fever because vitamin C help to enhance body immune system.

2.

Vitamin C plays a role in enhancing iron absorption. Therefore, taking vitamin C during meals or just after meals helps to enhance iron absorption. (Mahan, L.K & Escott-Stump, S. 1996. Krause’s food, nutrition, & diet therapy. 9th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company)

3.

Calcium in dairy products, calcium tablet and iron tend to block the absorption of some antibiotics, eg. tetracycline and thus reduce the absorption of antibiotic. So avoid taking antibiotic with milk, dairy products, calcium tablet and high iron food. (Mahan, L.K & Escott-Stump, S. 1996. Krause’s food, nutrition, & diet therapy. 9th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company)

4.

Sneezing is a natural reflex to clear the airway. It is an outburst of air through the nose and mouth. Do not try to stop sneezing by pinching your nose and mouth closed because it will increase pressure to your chest and ears that might cause pain. In serious case, the pressure might hurt your eardrum. (http://www.health.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=8418)

5.

Smoking destroy vitamin C in the body because of the toxicity (free radicals) of the smoke. Thus, smokers need a double amount of vitamin C compare to non-smokers to achieve their daily vitamin C requirement. (L. Jens, C. Stephan, M.W. Lynn, H.C. Harry, A.J. Robert & N.A. Bruce. 2000. Ascorbate is depleted by smoking and repleted by moderate supplementation: a study in male smokers and nonsmokers with matched dietary antioxidant inkes. Am J Clin Nutr. 71: 530-536)

6.

When medicine is taken together with alcohol, coffee, tea, milk or other beverages, it may increase the negative side effects or reduce effectiveness of the medication. Hence, plain water is the best accompaniment to your medication.