https://www.vox.com/2015/1/15/7547741/vitamin-c-myth-pauling But you need to be taking the supplement BEFORE you get the cold. It's not going to have much effect if you're already sick.
Which is how I suggested them, not as a cure. Airborne also contains more than just vitamin C. I don't really see what your point is. If you ARE sick, go see a doctor.
Nobody takes Airborne or Emergen-C before they're sick. They're taken after people get sick. Also - to your point about "they definitely don't hurt," something to think about...
I take vitamin C daily. If someone I know becomes sick or if bugs are going around I will take airborne, yes.
Listen man, I like you, so I'll send over my special magnets that you can wear around your wrist. They totally keep you from getting sick!
I once got $70.00 from a class-action lawsuit because Airborne is pretty much a placebo. That said, vitamins are good for one's immune system, so if one wants to take vitamins, go for it. If not, don't. All is good.