Published online Nov 24, 2014. doi: 10.5410/wjcu.v3.i3.344
Revised: May 28, 2014
Accepted: September 6, 2014
Published online: November 24, 2014
Processing time: 205 Days and 21.1 Hours
As one of the most important water-soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants, vitamin C consists of ascorbic acid and its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid. Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients have a generally lower plasma vitamin C level compared with general population. Moreover, dialysis patients also exhibit a low plasma vitamin C level, which is largely related with increased inflammation, refractory anemia and oxidative stress. In this review, we described, in great detail, the vitamin C deficiency in MHD patients and its effects on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-oxidation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, we described the possible potential value of vitamin C in anemia, and the side effects of over-doses of vitamin C supplementation in this particular population. In summary, MHD patients may benefit from vitamin C administration. However, further research should be carried out to confirm its potential beneficial effects, optimal dosage and side effects from vitamin C supplementation.
Core tip: In this review, we described the vitamin C deficiency in maintenance hemodialysis patients and its effects on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-oxidation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, we described the possible potential value of vitamin C in anemia, and the side effects of over-doses of vitamin C supplementation in this particular population.