Introduction:

In previous updates, we’ve explored the remarkable role that vitamin C plays in supporting immune system function and its potential to combat the life-threatening cytokine storm associated with severe respiratory tract infections. In this article, we delve into a groundbreaking publication from the Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases, titled “Comprehensive treatment and management of coronavirus disease 2019: expert consensus statement from Shanghai,” which introduces a fascinating element to the arsenal against COVID-19 – intravenous vitamin C therapy.

Shanghai’s Expert Consensus on COVID-19

The Shanghai Clinical Treatment Expert Group for COVID-19, drawing from a wealth of experience in preventing and controlling the virus, has meticulously fine-tuned their treatment approach. Their expert consensus statement encompasses the etiology, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.

 The Intriguing Role of Vitamin C

Of particular interest within their comprehensive treatment protocol is the integration of intravenous vitamin C therapy. This innovative approach is recommended not only for patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms but also for those grappling with moderate to severe cases. The foundation for this recommendation arises from a pivotal study they conducted, involving a cohort of 358 COVID-19 patients, among whom fifty exhibited moderate to severe infections.

 Promising Results of Intravenous Vitamin C

The study’s findings offer an encouraging glimpse into the potential of intravenous vitamin C in COVID-19 treatment. Every patient who received this therapy experienced significant improvement, with no fatalities recorded. What’s more, their hospital stay was abbreviated by 3-5 days compared to those who did not receive vitamin C treatment.

Dosing Recommendations

The consensus panel advocates for a specific dosing regimen involving intravenous vitamin C. For hospitalized COVID-19 patients, they recommend administering 50-100 mg/kg of body weight continuously over a 24-hour period. However, when dealing with patients in the throes of a cytokine storm and more severe disease, the dosage is elevated to 200 mg/kg, following the same continuous infusion schedule. To put this into perspective, a person weighing 154 lbs (70 kg) would receive a daily intravenous vitamin C dosage of up to 7,000 mg (7gm). In cases where a cytokine storm rages, the dosage might escalate to 14,000 mg (14 gm). It’s noteworthy that some authorities combating respiratory infections with vitamin C suggest even higher daily intravenous dosages, reaching up to 25,000 mg (25 gm).

Insights into Vitamin C’s Mechanism of Action

To appreciate why vitamin C exhibits such promise in COVID-19 treatment, it’s essential to understand its role in immune function. Numerous immune cells heavily rely on vitamin C for optimal performance. During infections, vitamin C is rapidly consumed, leading to depletion. This depletion weakens the immune system, heightening oxidative damage within the lungs and internal organs. Moreover, it triggers the release of neutrophil extravascular traps (NETs), known culprits behind cytokine storms. Therefore, the continuous intravenous infusion of vitamin C serves as a lifeline for immune cells, ensuring an uninterrupted supply to enhance their viral-fighting capabilities. This approach minimizes lung tissue damage from free radicals and curtails the secretion of NETs from neutrophils, thereby mitigating the onset of a cytokine storm.

 A Glimpse into the Future

As COVID-19 studies unfold in North America and other Western developed nations, it will be intriguing to observe how widely the Chinese recommendations regarding intravenous vitamin C are adopted into treatment protocols. The impact of vitamin C on bolstering immune defences and its potential to subdue cytokine storms make it a powerful contender in the battle against this formidable virus.

Conclusion: A New Frontier in COVID-19 Treatment

In conclusion, the inclusion of intravenous vitamin C therapy in the expert consensus statement from Shanghai marks a significant advancement in COVID-19 treatment strategies. The compelling results from their study offer a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that this readily available nutrient may play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of the disease and expediting recovery. As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, embracing innovative approaches like intravenous vitamin C therapy could be a game-changer in our quest to conquer COVID-19.

References:

1. Comprehensive treatment and management of coronavirus disease 2019: expert consensus statement from Shanghai. Chinese J Infect Dis, 2020                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              [Read more](http://rs.yiigle.com/yufabiao/1189815.htm)
2. Intravenous ascorbic acid for supportive treatment in hospitalized Covid-19 patients. International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine 2020, 35 (1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        [Read more](https://isom.ca/article/intravenous-ascorbic-acid-for-supportive-treatment-in-hospitalized-covid-19-patients/)

Dr. Meschino