Determining the impact of vitamin C use with the common cold on loss of labour and medical treatment costs for Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Objectives As one of the most common health problems, the common cold may lead to negative consequences such as work or school absenteeism, poor productivity and labour loss. Vitamin C supports immune system defences by supporting the various cellular functions of the immune system, both congenital and adaptive. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of vitamin C in white-collar workers and its impact on medical care costs and its impact on the workforce in association with the common cold. Methods For calculation of the effect of 1000 mg vitamin C daily on the workforce and possible healthcare services costs, a Markov-based model was simulated with 6 cycles consistent with the literature that constituted the model input for the 6-month common cold season. The simulated Markov model included parameters for the number of seasonal flu episodes with or without vitamin C use, the duration of the episodes, productivity loss and daily labour costs. The TreeAge Healthcare Pro 2020 program was used for the Markov model. Key findings The calculations revealed that the common cold lasted 0.47 days less with vitamin C use. The calculations revealed that the number of days absent from work is 0.38 days more without vitamin C use compared with vitamin C use. The calculations revealed that the medical treatment costs for the common cold is TL 1723.98. According to the analysis conducted based on the Markov model, the total cost of lost productivity and medical treatment that would occur in case of a common cold is TL 3704.97 with vitamin C use and TL 4223.26 without vitamin C use. Conclusion Based on the results of the analysis, we can suggest that regular vitamin C supplementation may prevent the impact of the common cold on public health and the resulting economic burden.