Vitamin C as prophylaxis and adjunctive medical treatment for COVID-19?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes the potentially fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Already during the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1, the use of vitamin C was suggested. Many patients with severe COVID-19 have elevated levels of the mediators interleukin-6 and endothelin-1. These mediators may explain the age dependence of COVID-19 pneumonia, the preponderance of male and obese or hypertensive patients, as well as of persons of color and smokers. There is clear evidence that vitamin C in high doses can reduce these mediators. Vitamin C is cheap and safe. Hence, using a relatively low dose of vitamin C as prophylaxis, and in cases of severe COVID-19, an (intravenous) high-dose regimen may be beneficial. Ongoing clinical trials are expected to provide more definitive evidence.

Jaar van publicatie:2020

BOF-keylabel:ja

IOF-keylabel:ja

BOF-publication weight:2

CSS-citation score:3

Authors from:Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Open