Biochemical Effects and Therapeutic Application of Vitamin C (C6H8O6) on COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

The current pandemic of COVID-19 infection worries the world, due to high morbidity and mortality. Various strategies for infection control, including nutritional interventions, have been considered, given the extremely rapid spread of the disease, the lack of specific effective and safe antiviral treatment and the difficulty of having a vaccine in the near future. Vitamin C, long known for its antioxidant and anti-infective effects, has been analyzed from the perspective of biochemical mechanisms with potential benefits in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Favorable clinical results have been reported after intravenous administration of high doses of Vitamin C, but confirmation of these data requires extensive studies.

Overview of the possible role of vitamin C in management of COVID-19

“…That is why supportive treatment, including supplementation of micronutrients such as vitamin C, has become a crucial part in management of COVID-19. It is noticed that serum and leukocyte levels of vitamin C is depleted during the acute stage of the infection [ 3 , 4 ]. Previous clinical trials found that supplementation with high dose of vitamin C decreased the severity and duration of respiratory viral infections [ 5 ].…”

The Effect of Vitamin C on Pathological Parameters and Survival Duration of Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Vitamin C could possibly improve the treatment of patients with COVID-19 by enhancing the immunological response against viral infections and the direct effect against viral replication ( 7 , 8 ). It also suppresses cytokine storm through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.…”

“…Ascorbic acid or vitamin C was reported to be necessary for the proper function of the immune system. During acute viral infections, serum and leukocyte levels of vitamin C decreases, and the patients’ requirement for vitamin C increases along with the progression of the infection ( 7 , 8 ). It is reported that high doses of vitamin C might have an antiviral effect through the inactivation of viral multiplication, thereby reducing the viral load ( 8 ).…”

“…It is reported that high doses of vitamin C might have an antiviral effect through the inactivation of viral multiplication, thereby reducing the viral load ( 8 ). Previous studies have reported that vitamin C inhibited replication of some viruses such as herpes simplex virus, poliovirus, and influenza ( 7 , 9 ). A recent study reported that a high-dose intravenous vitamin C had positive effects in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 ( 10 ).…”

Beneficial Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, and Bioactive Peptides on Strengthening the Immune System Against COVID-19 and the Role of Cow’s Milk in the Supply of These Nutrients

“…Based on the above results, and given that COVID-19 is often much more severe than normal URTIs, and while COVID-19 is highly prevalent, a regular increase in daily vitamin C intake may be justifiable. Experimental results show that serum and leukocyte levels of vitamin C decrease in the acute phase of infection [ 46 , 47 ]. Therefore, this deficiency must be compensated for the proper functioning of the immune system.…”