Published online Oct 16, 2018. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v7.i5.52
Peer-review started: June 25, 2018
First decision: July 9, 2018
Revised: August 4, 2018
Accepted: August 21, 2018
Article in press: August 21, 2018
Published online: October 16, 2018
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) elicits pleiotropic effects in the body. Among its functions, it serves as a potent anti-oxidant, a co-factor in collagen and catecholamine synthesis, and a modulator of immune cell biology. Furthermore, an increasing body of evidence suggests that high-dose vitamin C administration improves hemodynamics, end-organ function, and may improve survival in critically ill patients. This article reviews studies that evaluate vitamin C in pre-clinical models and clinical trials with respect to its therapeutic potential.
Core tip: An increasing body of evidence suggests that high-dose vitamin C administration improves hemodynamics, end-organ function, and may improve survival in critically ill patients. This article reviews studies that evaluate vitamin C in pre-clinical models and clinical trials with respect to its therapeutic potential.