TOP 3 REASONS THAT VITAMIN C IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST COVID-19

The pandemic has affected the entire world for approximately two years now. Some people say that precaution and isolation are primary factors to cure disease, while others argue that our immune system should be strong enough to combat the virus.

The fundamental functions of vitamin C that are effective against Covid-19 include antioxidant activity, virus killing activity, and improvement in the immune system.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY:

The data from the meta-analysis reveal that vitamin C works as oxygen free radical scavenger and restores other antioxidants. This happens because vitamin C facilitates redox reactions, reducing stress in the lungs and improving the immune system. In an experiment, lung fibrosis was induced by a specific chemical, and vitamin C was injected later on. The result showed that the number of antioxidants was increased in the lung tissue; thereby, the immunity was amplified.

IMMUNOMODULATION:

Some cells are naturally present in the human body, preventing foreign antigens like viruses and bacteria. This may occur since the first line of defense is the barrier produced by epithelial cells and is made stronger by vitamin C. This essential vitamin helps to maintain normal hemostasis and increases the activity of specific immune cells. Furthermore, many studies reported that virus removal is directly related to the amount of vitamin C.

Covid-19 adversely affected elderly patients according to the statistical data, and many above 60 have deceased. Vitamin C levels can clarify this because they reduce with age. Therefore, the activity of the immune system is also suppressed, and a daily dose of vitamin C can help overcome this effect.

VITAMIN C- VIRAL KILLER:

Multiple in-vitro studies have reported the virus-killing effect of vitamin C. The studies claim although viruses replicate massively in a short period, their multiplication was halted in the presence of a specific amount of vitamin C. An article reported that vitamin C suppressed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) activation in the laboratory; thus, the viral load was decreased. Many clinical types of research stated that viral replication did not occur in influenza type A virus, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), rhinovirus, and poliovirus type 1 due to vitamin C. Moreover, its effect is also investigated against coronavirus in broiler chicks, which revealed that vitamin C's resistance against the covid-19 virus is dose-dependent.

DOSE:

While different studies report different doses, vitamin C should not be taken in high quantities because of toxicity. The amount mostly recommended is 90mg/day for all individuals to increase immunity. The doses above 2g/day are lethal and toxic, so a doctor should be consulted before taking any medication. China has already started to induce IV vitamin C to covid-19 infected patients. A randomized clinical trial conducted showed promising results, and the hospitalization duration of corona patients was reduced compared to those who did not get vitamin C intravenously.

In conclusion, only one drug has been approved by FDA, and the treatment of covid-19 mainly depends on supportive drugs and nutritional enhancement. Many clinical trials are still undergoing, but vitamin C has shown anti-viral properties. The countries like China and the USA have favored its use during and before the disease. We should start the daily dose after being prescribed by the doctor to prevent and fight against the pandemic.