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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells

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Published on: April 11, 2014

Vitamin C and Infections.

Harri Hemilä¹

¹Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland. harri.hemila@helsinki.fi.

|March 30, 2017

Summary

Vitamin C shows potential in preventing and alleviating various infections, including colds and pneumonia, particularly in physically active individuals. Further research is recommended to fully understand its therapeutic effects on infections.

Keywords:

ascorbic acid bacteria bacterial toxins common cold herpes zoster pneumonia protozoa respiratory tract infections tetanus viruses

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Published on: October 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Nutritional Science
Infectious Disease Research

Background:

Historically, vitamin C deficiency was linked to pneumonia.
Numerous studies have explored vitamin C's impact on various infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on vitamin C's effects on bacterial, viral, and protozoan infections.
To assess the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing and treating common infections like the common cold and pneumonia.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 148 animal studies investigating vitamin C's prophylactic and therapeutic effects.
Review of controlled human trials focusing on the common cold and pneumonia.
Examination of dose-response relationships for vitamin C in treating common cold symptoms.

Main Results:

Vitamin C may alleviate or prevent infections in animals.
In humans, vitamin C does not reduce common cold incidence but halves it in athletes and shortens duration.
High doses (6-8 g/day) showed a dose-response for symptom duration, unlike lower doses (3-4 g/day).
Evidence suggests vitamin C can prevent and treat pneumonia, and benefit tetanus patients.

Conclusions:

Vitamin C demonstrates a biological effect on infections, particularly in specific populations like athletes.
The effectiveness of vitamin C for common cold treatment remains unclear, possibly due to dosage.
Further investigation into vitamin C's role in combating infections is warranted.