Therapeutic potential of mega-dose vitamin C to reverse organ dysfunction in sepsis and COVID-19.

Abstract

Sepsis induced by bacteria or viruses can result in multi-organ dysfunction, which is a major cause of death in intensive care units. Current treatments are only supportive and there are no treatments that reverse the pathophysiological effects of sepsis. Vitamin C has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and immune modulatory actions, so is a rational treatment for sepsis. Here we summarise data that support the use of megadose vitamin C as a treatment for sepsis and COVID-19. Mega-dose intravenous sodium ascorbate (150 g/40 kg over 7-h) dramatically improved the clinical state and cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic and renal function and decreased body temperature, in a clinically relevant ovine model of gram-negative bacteria-induced sepsis. In a critically ill COVID-19 patient, intravenous sodium ascorbate (60 g) restored arterial pressure, improved renal function and increased arterial blood oxygen levels. These findings suggest that megadose vitamin C should be trialled as a treatment for sepsis and COVID-19.