In medical research nothing much has been written about the role of vitamin C in managing or preventing infections.
With COVID-19, interest has focused on the use of this supplement to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus.
It has been hypothesized that vitamin C may have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects in this infectious disease.
Much of the information that has been published is not reliable as it lacks probable significance for the consideration
Which is why, it makes difficult to assess clinical relevance.
A small, uncontrolled trial of 18 patients from Spain with SARS-CoV2 acute respiratory distress syndrome found that 90% of those studied had undetectable vitamin C levels.
They suggested that increased metabolic demand of glomerular hyperfiltration, renal replacement, alterations in gastrointestinal absorption, and decreased recycling of dehydro ascorbate to ascorbic acid are possible mechanisms to explain this finding.
Role of Vitamin C
Vitamin C was initiated a mean of 3 days postadmission. Twelve percent of patients died; 18% had been intubated. After vitamin C administration, patients had significantly lower D-dimer and ferritin levels, which demonstrated reduced markers of inflammation.
A recent living systematic review by the COVID-19 L-OVE investigators was designed to provide a timely and vigorous updated summary.
Which emphasize on the available evidence on the use of vitamin C in treating patients infected by SAR-CoV2.
Research, Vitamin C & Covid-19
Researchers searched certain medical documents for randomized clinical trials on the effects of vitamin C in patients with COVID-19.
These are PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, grey literature, and a centralized repository in L-OVE
The worth knowing database, which is a collaborative, multilingual database was searched for studies on vitamin C and COVID-19.
This is the scientific and health evident database, that is the largest source of systematic reviews relevant for health decision-making
Thirty-four trial registries, preprint servers, and websites specializing in COVID-19 were analyzed. Animal and in vitro data were excluded. There are certain good Vitamin C products available in the market.
Need more time to evaluate Vitamin C efficacy
The researchers concluded that after the most extensive and robust review on the use of vitamin C in COVID-10.
So far, there is no evidence to support or refute the use of vitamin C in the treatment of COVID-19.
The discovery of SARS-CoV2 that has not allowed for high-quality research.
In support of this study, it was said that the findings may combat some of the shortcomings.
Which are designed to quickly disseminate information at the expense of clinical vetting.
Facts from Trials
One trial that may help to understand the role of vitamin C in COVID-19 is a randomized, controlled trial being conducted in China.
This is an exploring the use of high-dose (12 g) vitamin C administered IV every 12 hours to 140 patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with serious or critical SARS-CoV2 infection and who are being treated in the ICU.
It should be understood that Vit.C is a water-soluble vitamin and is relatively nontoxic in nature.
Its adverse events can be associated with large amounts of the drug.
Clinicians from Italy report on 2 patients with COVID-19 treated with high-dose vitamin C who developed oxalate nephropathy.
This renal disease was thought to be secondary to the high-dose vitamin C administration. But many confounding factors were present.
Conclusion
Pharmacists have a duty to dispel healthcare misinformation, which is rampant in the digital era.
The research concluded the role of vitamin C in the treatment of COVID-19 and provide pharmacists with the information
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
