Role of Vitamin C in the treatment of COVID-19: A comprehensive review study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 is now deemed as the global health burden. As of 24 july 2022, over 567million confirmed cases and over 6.3 million deaths have been reported. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, body ache and shortness of breath, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a major role as antioxidant and as co-factor of various biosynthetic pathways in the immune system. Objective(s) In this study we aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the use of vitamin C in the prevention or treatment of patients with SARS-CoV2 infection, based on available publications between January 2020 and July 2022. Material(s) and Method(s) In this comprehensive literature review two electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 July 2022. Result(s) Numerous researchers and clinicians hypothesised that ascorbic acid could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection by boosting immune response and reducing the severity of the viral-mediated inflammatory response. Preliminary observational studies indicate low vitamin C status in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Conclusion(s) While some studies have found no correlation between vitamin intake and mortality, others have discovered that this vitamin c is beneficial in lowering the death rate. In summary, vitamin C possesses positive impacts on curing of infection and this may play a protective role in the current COVID-19 pandemic through boosting the immune system.