Unwinding the potentials of vitamin C in COVID-19 and other diseases: An updated review.

Background

The discovery of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is related to the ancient history of persistent research on the origins of the haemorrhagic disease scurvy. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that aids in a variety of biological and physiological processes. Scientists have been researching the function of vitamin C in the prevention and ailment of sepsis and pneumonia for decades. This has created a potential platform for applying these results to individuals suffering from severe coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Vitamin C's ability to activate and enhance the immune system makes it a promising treatment in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Vitamin C also aids in the activation of vitamin B, the production of certain neurotransmitters, and the transformation of cholesterol into bile acids. Hence, vitamin C is used for the treatment of many diseases. Aim: This review highlights the Vitamin C investigations that are performed by various researchers on patients with COVID 19 infection, the clinical studies and their observations. The authors have additionally updated information on the significance of vitamin C insufficiency, as well as its relevance and involvement in diseases such as cancer, wound healing, iron deficiency anaemia, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we discuss them with the references.

Methods

The method used in order to perform literature search was done using SciFinder, PubMed and ScienceDirect.

Results

There is a potential role of vitamin C in various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, COVID-19 and other diseases and the results are highlighted in the review with the help of clinical and preclinical data.

Conclusion

More research on vitamin C and the undergoing clinical trials might prove a potential role of vitamin C in protecting the population from current COVID-19 pandemic.