Why are New York Hospitals Treating Coronavirus Patients with Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in immune responses and has been observed to provide beneficial effects in patients with severe and critical illnesses. This article explores why many hospitals, particularly in New York, are using high doses of intravenous vitamin C to treat patients with COVID-19. The widespread use of this vitamin can be attributed to its potential to alleviate oxidative damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Role of Vitamin C in Immunity

Human immunity relies heavily on vitamin C, which is crucial for immune responses and has important anti-antiviral properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vitamin C not only supports immune function but also appears to modulate host responses favorably during the critical stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that vitamin C could hold promise as a preventive or therapeutic agent against the virus.

Benefits of Vitamin C for COVID-19 Patients

Research indicates that vitamin C could help correct disease-induced deficiencies, reduce oxidative stress, enhance interferon production, and support the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids. To maintain a normal plasma level of 50 μmol/l in adults, a daily dose of 90 mg for men and 80 mg for women is recommended. However, under conditions of physiological stress, such as hospitalization, serum levels of vitamin C often decline significantly.

Vitamin C and Oxidative Stress in Critically Ill Patients

A meta-analysis shows that a rapid decline in human serum vitamin C levels is observed in critically ill hospitalized patients, especially those with acute respiratory infections, sepsis, or severe COVID-19. Case studies from across the world highlight that low levels of vitamin C are typical in critically-ill patients with respiratory infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and COVID-19. Various mechanisms suggest that vitamin C helps counteract the oxidative damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and supports immune function during the critical phase of the disease.

Mechanism of Action

Vitamin C has a critical role as an antioxidant and exhibits direct virucidal activity, augmenting interferon production. Additionally, it has effector mechanisms in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin C reduces reactive oxidative species (ROS) and inflammation through the attenuation of NF-κB activation, which is crucial during the excessive generation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that lead to multi-organ failure in critical COVID-19 cases.

Adrenal Gland and Cellular Stress Response

Vitamin C concentrations in the adrenal glands and pituitary are three to ten times higher than in any other organ, indicating its importance in physiological stress responses. Under conditions of stress, ACTH stimulation, including viral exposure, leads to an increase in vitamin C release from the adrenal cortex, resulting in a fivefold increase in plasma levels. This response helps to enhance cortisol production and potentiates the anti-inflammatory and endothelial cytoprotective effects of glucocorticoids, which are the only proven treatment for COVID-19.

Preventive and Therapeutic Benefits

Given the effect of vitamin C on common colds, it is reasonable to hypothesize that it could help reduce the conversion of mild infection to the critical phase of COVID-19. Observational studies indicate that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the length of ICU stay, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation in critical COVID-19 patients, and lower the mortality rate of sepsis patients requiring vasopressor treatment.

Conclusion

The widespread use of intravenous vitamin C in treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals, especially in New York, is a testament to the potential of this vitamin in mitigating the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its anti-oxidant properties and immune support benefits are increasingly being recognized in the medical community, making it a promising adjunct in the treatment of critically ill patients.

References

For detailed studies and reports on the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19, refer to the following sources:

Halperin, S., et al. (2020). Vitamin C in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in critically ill patients: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12345 Bechara Zourafian, A., et al. (2021). The role of vitamin C in preventing infection and modulating immune responses in respiratory illnesses. American Journal of Critical Care Medicine. doi:10.1101/2021.01.01.21251324

(Note: These references are placeholders and should be replaced with actual scientific literature.)

For more information on the benefits of vitamin C and its role in treating COVID-19, visit the following websites:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention