VITAMIN C

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a critical role as an antioxidant, in collagen synthesis, immune support, and energy metabolism.

Oral absorption is limited, while IV administration achieves significantly higher plasma levels.

Some benefits of Vitamin C include:

Correction of deficiency and supportive care.
Replenishes low levels during illness, supporting immune function and wound healing.
May reduce fatigue, malaise, and inflammation.

Research

There are some studies suggesting that vitamin C may assist with recovery post Covid 19.(1)

Vitamin C may be useful in post viral fatigue. Not as useful in post operative recovery. (2)

May be useful in immunity as it has an effect on Type 1 interferons and Vitamin C has also been shown to upregulate natural killer cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity both of which are involved in the immune cascade.

VItamin C is not recommended for critical illness or sepsis.

Reduction in fatigue scores have been reported in sleep quality, concentration, mood and pain within days to weeks after starting IV vitamin C

Limited evidence

Current research on studying effect of intravenous Vitamin C and Covid.

Research as to whether there is less requirement for corticosteroids and antibiotics in respiratory illness.(3)

1. Ideo Yamasaki *, Hideyuki I., Atsuko T., and Joji MO., Pleitropic Functions of Nitric Oxide Produced by Ascorbate for the Prevention and Mitigation of COVID 19; A revaluation of Pauling's Vitamin C Therapy, Microorganisms 2023, 11, 397. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020397

2. Vollbracht C, Kraft K. Feasibility of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Post Viral Fatigue with Focus on Long COVID, Based on a Systematic Review of IV Vitamin C on Fatigue. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 31;13(4):1154. doi: 10.3390/nu13041154. PMID: 33807280; PMCID: PMC8066596.

3. Ba X. Hoanga, Graeme Shawb, Willian Fangc, Bo Hana, Possible application of high-dose vitamin C in the prevention

and therapy of coronavirus infection, Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance 23 (2020) 256–262

Why Consider Infusions?

Studies to date have been poor in construction and inconclusive.

However there have been attempts to summarise findings of small Multiple IV Vitamin C fatigue trials (summarised in Vollbracht & Kraft, Nutrients 2021).

Across controlled and uncontrolled trials, most reported significant reductions in fatigue scores.

Several also reported improvements in sleep quality, concentration, mood, and pain. Effects generally observed within days to weeks after starting IV vitamin C.

Many studies were small, non-randomised, or lacked blinding.

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Risks and Side Effects

Vitamin C may have an interaction with chemotherapeutic agents and advice should always be sought by Oncologists.
IV infusions may result in a cold feeling near the site of insertion with some associated numbness.
Can interfere with blood glucose point of care.

Varied Effects

Improved sense of energy.
Support during times of illness or fatigue.
Potential skin-brightening effects.
Possible short-term benefits in some neurological and heart-related situations.

Recommendations

Vitamin C requires a test for G6P deficiency particularly for high doses.

Treating doctors/specialist advice should always be sought prior to infusions in patients with medical conditions

To comply with TGA regulations, Vitamin C infusions must not be advertised as treating, preventing, alleviating or curing medical conditions.Claims including the following are prohibited under TGA Advertising Code and are not supported by robust clinical evidence.