The effect of prophylactic vitamin C use on COVID-19 infection

Year 2022, , 13 - 17, 17.01.2022

Hafize Kızılkaya , Vedat Gençer

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.948014

Abstract

Aim: In vitamin C deficiency, the immune system deteriorates and the body becomes more susceptible to infections. Since vitamin C levels will decrease significantly in infectious conditions due to increased metabolic requirements, the daily need for vitamin C increases. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of 500 mg and more vitamin C intake on COVID-19 infection during the pandemic process.
Material and Method: A group consisting of 100 participants who received vitamin C supplements at a daily dose of at least 500 mg daily for a minimum of 1-3 months in their diet and a control group of 100 people who did not receive vitamin supplements were included in the study. While determining the amount of Vitamin C intake of the participants; The amount of Vitamin C in oral food supplements or foods containing vitamin C in their diets (orange, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, lemon, red and green peppers, tomatoes, arugula, parsley, greens such as lettuce, fresh rosehip, broccoli, cabbage, spinach) The vitamin level was calculated according to the amount of vegetables (such as vegetables). None of the participants had side effects suggestive of vitamin C toxicity. Besides the height, weight, gender, age, known illness and other demographic data of all participants; COVID-19 disease status, contact with COVID-19 patients, and whether or not they had a COVID infection after contact were examined. In addition, data on the presence of symptoms, severity and duration of the disease were noted in patients with COVID-19 infection, and both groups were compared statistically in terms of results.
Results: In the group receiving less than 500 mg daily; COVID-19 infection symptoms, respiratory distress, disease severity were found to be higher, and the symptoms were found to be more aggressive. While total contact and high-risk contact at all levels was higher in the group that received more than 500 mg of vitamin C daily, the rate of being COVID was lower compared to the other groups.
Conclusion: One of the most effective precautions to be taken to increase body resistance against COVID-19 is adequate vitamin C intake. In the study, it has been shown that adequate vitamin C taken with both food and nutritional supplements reduce the risk of getting COVID-19, reduce the risk of severe respiratory distress on COVID-19, as well as reduce both symptoms and symptom duration.

Keywords

Covid-19 Violence, Prophylactic Vitamin C, Covid-19

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