Vitamin C…please!
Vitamin C has gotten a lot of attention recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are asking if this vitamin, which has been well known in medical literature for years for its immune-building properties, is a possible miracle drug in the midst of this crisis.
Currently, there is no scientific research supporting the claim that taking high doses of vitamin C could help prevent or cure COVID-19. However, there is reason to speculate that certain vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and others, could reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19 based on the benefits seen for other viral or respiratory diseases, and preliminary and anecdotal reports of patient treated for COVID-19.
Vitamin C has been shown to help reduce the severity of cold and flu illnesses in clinical trials. Vitamin C infusion has also shown promise as treatment in patients who had overwhelming infection in the body (sepsis) and also acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has been a hallmark clinical presentation for COVID-19. Specifically, for COVID-19, however, there has been no published data. A research team in Wuhan, China, began a study on vitamin C treatments (high dose, through the vein therapy) for COVID-19 in February 2020. In this study, very high doses of IV vitamin C (12g) is being tested. The program is expected to be completed at the end of September.
In the meantime, we do know that vitamin C is essential. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is essential for protein metabolism, wound healing, and absorption of iron. Vitamin C lessens harmful reactions and by-products in the body by protecting cellular components from free-radical damage which can lead to cell death and inflammation; the basis for many chronic diseases such as heart disease and even cancer. It also helps enzymes build collagen, which is necessary for supporting our body’s tissues. Research has also shown it can help the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Immune cells need vitamin C to produce proteins that activate the immune system throughout the body against virus attacks.
Like many other medication and supplements, vitamin C should not be viewed as a miraculous cure-all. However, due to the many benefits of vitamin C, and the overall safety in its use, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially at a time like this.
Our bodies do not make vitamin C. Sufficient levels of vitamin C should be obtained in our eating, and food represents our best source of vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin C is plentiful in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits like oranges, and others such as green vegetables. I recommend “eating the rainbow”, meaning, making your plate as colorful as possible which represents fruits and vegetables abundant in vitamin C and other antioxidant and immune building nutrients. You also get the benefit of fiber when getting nutrients directly from food versus supplements. Supplementation with oral forms, such as pills or other, are often used if not getting enough through eating. This vitamin is relatively non-toxic, and its high water solubility makes it easy to excrete from the body. However, excessive supplementation doses can result in unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and cramps. The recommended daily allowance is roughly 80 mg a day, however, higher doses, up to 2,000 mg or more a day have been used. People who use it short term for immune building purposes average 1,000 mg a day. The current research for its use for COVID-19 is at a dose greater than 10x times that, and it is given directly into the bloodstream as opposed to going through the digestive system which limits absorption into the bloodstream. It’s also being given by mouth, doses averaging up to 3000 mg a day for treatment. It’s not recommended to take higher doses over a long period of time due to the potential of side effects.
As with any other medications or supplements, please discuss with your physician and check for any interactions with other medications you may be taking. As for me, vitamin C supplementation has been a part of my normal routine. My personal goal is to meet my nutritional needs through eating a nutrient-dense diet; focusing on foods that provide my body with the right energy it needs to carry out essential body functions, including building immunity. These are your vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Processed, high salt, high fat, and sugary foods do not provide enough good nutrients and could also increase inflammation and other damage in the body. This damage and inflammation in the body on a cellular level attributes to illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and several others. Vitamin C, in addition to other well-known essential nutrients that can be found in natural food sources or supplementation, are important for the health and function of our bodies. We need our bodies working for us not against us more than ever now.
Written by: Tamiko Foster, MD, MPH