Vitamin C has numerous protective health benefits

2014-10-01 11:03:20

A recent review study was published that summarized the various roles of vitamin C ^[1]. One of its functions is mitigating oxidative injury-induced microcirculatory impairment, which is associated with organ failure in ischemia (which means either there is lack of oxygen) or sepsis (which means there is bacteria). Preclinical studies have shown that high-dose vitamin C can prevent or restore microcirculatory flow by activating various pathways in the body, causing the release of nitric oxide synthase (which promotes vasodilation) and by decreasing the formation of free radicals (which cause damage to cells). High-dose vitamin C can also increase antibacterial defenses. The protective effects can also be seen in critically ill patients and in combination with other antioxidants. It is unclear what the optimal dose is, as well as the optimal timing and combinations with other antioxidants. By combining vitamin C with other antioxidants, it may allow for a synergistic effect. Vitamin C is also extremely cost-effective. Given as early as possible after injurious events (or even before, if feasible, for example before surgery), is most effective. This means vitamin C could be used prior to things like cardiac surgery, organ transplant, or major gastrointestinal surgery.