A new article published in Infection & Chemotherapy reviewed potential therapeutic approaches against coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19).

Here, the authors proposed that vitamin C should also be included as a possible treatment as it has numerous effects on the immune system. In a meta-analysis of 29 controlled trials with 11306 participants, it was demonstrated that regular vitamin C intake of 500 mgto 1 g/day,shortened and alleviated upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) that occurred during the period of vitamin C administration. In adults the duration of infections was reduced by 8% and in children by 14%.

Many URTIs are caused by endemic coronaviruses—vitamin C seems to be effective in preventing and treating mild symptoms of URTIs caused due to COVID-19 infection. Given that COVID-19 is often much more severe than ordinary URTIs, a regular increased daily intake of vitamin C may be recommended, especially in regions where the infection rate is high.

One of the major causes for concern with COVID-19 is the relatively high proportion of cases requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. A meta-analysis of 12 trials with 1,766 patients in ICU found that vitamin C shortened ICU stay by 8%. Another meta-analysis of eight trials found that vitamin C shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients who required the longest ventilation. Past evidence suggests that vitamin C levels decline dramatically in critically ill patients. Although 0.1 g/day of vitamin C can maintain a normal plasma level in a healthy person, much higher doses (1-4 g/day) are needed to increase plasma vitamin C levels of critically ill patients to within the normal range.

Source: Infection & Chemotherapy. 2020.Jun;52(2):222-223. doi: 10.3947/ic.2020.52.2.222 pISSN 2093-2340•eISSN 2092-6448.