Thread by @__ice9, Anecdotal reports from NYC of improved outcomes in serious hospitalized COVID-19 cases [...]

Anecdotal reports from NYC of improved outcomes in serious hospitalized COVID-19 cases using 1.5 grams of vitamin C by IV, 3-4 times per day, based on similar early reports from China.

https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/new-york-hospitals-treating-coronavirus-patients-with-vitamin-c/

To be clear: this is a supportive measure, not a primary treatment.

New York hospitals treating coronavirus patients with vitamin C

Seriously sick coronavirus patients in New York state’s largest hospital system are being given massive doses of vitamin C — based on promising reports that it’s helped people in

https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/new-york-hospitals-treating-coronavirus-patients-with-vitamin-c/

Disregarding the quacks trying to hawk this as a miracle cure in its own right-- there is fairly strong evidence that vitamin C is useful in viral infections. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483

The antiviral properties of vitamin C

(2020). The antiviral properties of vitamin C. Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 99-101.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483

Further discussion of the role of vitamin C in the immune system-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6798581/

Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin C

Humans have lost their vitamin C-synthesizing capacities during evolution. Therefore, the uptake of this essential compound from external sources is mandatory in order to prevent vitamin C-deficient...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6798581/

High dose vitamin C appears to directly inhibit viral replication for influenza in vitro-- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22931805/

[An in Vitro Study on the Pharmacological Ascorbate Treatment of Influenza Virus] - PubMed

Pharmacological ascorbate (vitamin C) as a pro-drug eliminates or kills influenza virus, probable by producing steady-state concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in extracellular fluid.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22931805/

A few more examples: herpes simplex virus, polio, and influenza again-- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18813862/

Antiviral Effects of Ascorbic and Dehydroascorbic Acids in Vitro - PubMed

In the present study, ascorbic acid weakly inhibited the multiplication of viruses of three different families: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), influenza virus type A and poliovirus type 1....

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18813862/

A Chinese review paper also mentions several favorable results from experiments in preventing or reducing the severity of infections by coronaviruses, specifically:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.25707

Another overview of the role of vitamin C (ascorbate) in immune function:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/

Ascorbate levels are often depleted during acute infections.

Many studies also show marginally reduced symptom intensity and a lower probability of illness with adequate intake.

Vitamin C and Immune Function

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for humans, with pleiotropic functions related to its ability to donate electrons. It is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for a family of biosynthetic and...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/

Another study, reference courtesy of @paulg via @rivatez, showing ascorbate efficacy in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation: https://twitter.com/paulg/status/1244936140672598018?s=19

https://twitter.com/paulg/status/1244936140672598018?s=19

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