Exploration of Vitamin C: From Historical Remedies to Modern Hype

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a world-renowned chemist and science communicator joins the pod to address some commonly asked questions! They kick-off the conversation by discussing the concept of superfoods and the need for a balanced diet, as well as the role of vitamins and supplements. They also touch on the origins of the belief that vitamin C can cure the common cold, tracing it back to Dr. Linus Pauling (and discuss the impact of eminence versus evidence). They walk through the evidence (or lack thereof) that vitamin C has role in treating the common cold. Dr. Joe discusses the exploitation of indigenous cures by American settlers and the rise of alternative medicine. The conversation touches on the topic of benzene and its potential toxicity (but that we do not need to throw out our sunscreen). Dr. Joe emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need to distinguish between legitimate scientific research and quackery. You do NOT want to miss this!

Get a copy of Superfoods, Silkworms, and Spandex: Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3xTS110

All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/from-a-to-zinc-the-chemistry-of-what-we-consume

(00:00) Music and Intros

(07:05) The McGill Office for Science and Society

(26:46) Vitamins, Supplements, and the Myth of Vitamin C as a Cure for the Common Cold

(35:08) The Exploitation of Indigenous Cures by American Settlers

(43:25) The Role of Evidence-Based Medicine in Distinguishing Legitimate Research from Quackery

(52:53) Final Thoughts: The Importance of Science in Improving Public Health

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