VITAMIN C

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is cheap, plentiful, and safe as a supplement. It has many functions, many of which are popularly known. For example, when you have a cold, you may reach for vitamin C to get over your cold earlier and reduce symptoms.

What does vitamin C do in the body?

Vitamin C is a potent antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory substance [^[1]]. It is crucial for the proper functioning of many different tissues in the body [^[2]].

How can vitamin C help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Experts recommend high doses of vitamin C to downregulate the cytokine storm experienced in severe COVID-19. Vitamin C can also help with tissue repair, especially in the organs and vasculature damaged by COVID-19. It can also work in conjunction with glucocorticoids to support pulmonary function [^[3]].

For Long COVID patients, vitamin C can combat oxidative stress [^[4]]. Patients with Long COVID commonly take a high dose of vitamin C in what is known as ‘the stack’ or ‘the supplement stack,’ in which they take vitamin C and vitamin D, niacin, quercetin, zinc, and selenium. Sometimes, magnesium is also included [^[5]]. Drug interactions can be an issue with the stack – specifically quercetin and niacin – and too much vitamin C can be a risk factor for kidney stones [^[6]].

Vitamin C doses may also treat fatigue by addressing symptoms of vitamin C deficiency [^[7]].

Two main ways to get vitamin C for Long COVID patients are via an oral supplement or high doses administered intravenously (HDIVC). HDIVC has been effective in treating viral diseases while being very safe. It can reduce the cytokine storm, lessen complications related to blood clotting, and suppress damage to the lungs and blood vessels, among its many benefits [^[8]].