Background Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that functions as a key antioxidant and has been proven to be effective for boosting immunity. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of adding high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) to the regimens for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Methods An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The case and control treatment groups each consisted of 30 patients. The control group received lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine and the case group received HDIVC (6 g daily) added to the same regimen. Results There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to age and gender, laboratory results, and underlying diseases. The mean body temperature was significantly lower in the case group on the 3rd day of hospitalization (p = 0.001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturations (SpO2) measured at the 3rd day of hospitalization was also higher in the case group receiving HDIVC (p = 0.014). The median length of hospitalization in the case group was significantly longer than the control group (8.5 days vs. 6.5 days) (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in SpO2 levels at discharge time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality between the two groups. Conclusions We did not find significantly better outcomes in the group who were treated with HDIVC in addition to the main treatment regimen at discharge. Trial registration irct.ir (IRCT20200411047025N1), April 14, 2020

Background: To assess the effectiveness of vitamin C treatment against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Methods: An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The case and control treatment groups each consisted of 30 patients. The control group received lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine and the case group received high-dose of vitamin C (six gr daily) added to the same regimen. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to age and gender, laboratory results, and underlying diseases. On the 3rd day of hospitalization, the mean core body temperatures was significantly lower and SpO2 was higher In the case group (p value = 0.001, and 0.014, respectively). The median length of hospitalization in case group which was significantly longer than the control group (8.5 days vs. 6.5 days) (p value = 0.0280). There was no significant difference in SpO2 levels at discharge time, the length of ICU stay, and mortality between the two groups.Conclusions: We did not find significantly better outcomes in the group who were treated with high-dose vitamin C in addition to the main treatment regimen at discharge.Trial registration: The project was registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.IRCT20200411047025N1