ROLE OF VITAMIN C IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Pathophysiologically, SARS-CoV-2 is similar to SARS-CoV-1, causing a strong characteristic inflammatory reaction that damages the airways [8]. [...]combined antiviral and host responses contribute to disease severity, as seen in cases of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV infections [9]. [...]a spurt of cytokines released in response to viral infection results in cytokine storm and sepsis, leading to a mortality rate of 28% in critical COVID-19 cases [10]. [...]SARS-CoV-2 decreases ACE2 receptor expression, which is associated with acute lung injury and disease pathology. Since ACE2 controls the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), its suppression can impair RAS homeostasis and influence blood pressure, electrolyte equilibrium, inflammation, and vascular permeability in the airways [14]. The enhanced requirement for antioxidants and consumption of vitamin C by leukocytes could explain the reduction in vitamin C levels observed during infections in general, during lung infections specifically [29], and in critically ill patients [30]. Besides the antioxidative effects of vitamin C, its beneficial functions during pneumonia act via signaling pathways associated with inflammation suppression and enhancement of immunoregulation [31].