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

2020; Elsevier BV; Volume: 79-80; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.nut.2020.110948

1873-1244

Adam F. Feyaerts, Walter Luyten,

Vitamin D Research Studies

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.