Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen and immune health. Supplements help most when diet is restricted or during intense physical stress.
Overview
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant.
The human body cannot produce vitamin C, so it has to be acquired through dietary sources which include citrus fruits, peppers and many other fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C is required for natural collagen production and helps the body to absorb iron from foods.
Taking vitamin C supplements can reduce the severity and duration of colds in people undergoing intense physical stress or exercise, but does not appear to be beneficial in the general population.
Dosage
The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is 75-95 mg for women and 90-110 mg for men.
Higher doses may have additional benefits and necessary for those with greater body weight. A study has recommended a minimum daily dose of 110 mg + 10 mg per 10 kg above 60 kg of body weight.
Previous changes to the RDA from 75-90 mg have been implemented due to the dual role of vitamin C as an antioxidant as well as for protection from deficiency.
Daily Recommended Dietary Allowances
Men: 90-110 mg
Women: 75-90 mg
Pregnant: 85 mg
Lactating: 120 mg
Children: 15-75 mg per day, depending on age
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
29 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most vitamin c research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Sepsis accounts for 30 of 148 studies (20%).
- Common cold accounts for 19 of 148 studies (13%).
- COVID-19 accounts for 15 of 148 studies (10%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), Atherosclerosis, Breast cancer.
Case Studies
The following cases illustrate how vitamin C’s evidence profile may apply across different clinical presentations. They are composites based on common real-world scenarios, not individual patient records.
Persona 1: Aisha, Endurance Athlete, Age 34
Marathon training · Age 34
Aisha is preparing for a marathon and trains 6 days a week. She usually eats well but tends to under-eat fruit during heavy training blocks. She wants to know whether vitamin C will stop her from catching colds before race day.
Should Aisha take vitamin C?
Patient History
- History: Healthy endurance athlete with frequent training load spikes.
- Diet: Generally balanced; fruit intake drops during peak weeks.
- Verdict: Prevention of colds in the general population is not well supported, but vitamin C is more useful for people under heavy physical stress. A short course of about 1 g/day in the days surrounding a major training block or race is a reasonable trial. Food-first intake should still be the baseline.
Persona 2: Ken, Post-Cardiac Surgery, Age 62
Cardiac surgery recovery · Age 62
Ken is scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery. His cardiologist mentioned postoperative atrial fibrillation as a common complication. Ken asks whether vitamin C before and after surgery is worth discussing.
Should Ken take vitamin C?
Patient History
- History: Upcoming cardiac surgery; otherwise stable.
- Diet: No major restrictions.
- Verdict: Several meta-analyses suggest perioperative vitamin C may reduce postoperative AF risk, though U.S.-only analyses are mixed. Ken should only use it if his surgical team agrees. Typical studied regimens are 1–2 g/day starting 1–3 days before surgery and continuing briefly afterward.
Persona 3: Mei, Restricted Diet, Age 27
Plant-forward diet · Age 27
Mei eats a mostly processed, low-produce diet while finishing graduate school. She feels run down and wonders if a vitamin C supplement is useful.
Should Mei take vitamin C?
Patient History
- History: Low fruit/vegetable intake for several months.
- Diet: Irregular meals; little fresh produce.
- Verdict: Vitamin C is most clearly useful when dietary intake is inadequate. Mei should prioritize produce, but a modest daily supplement near the RDA (about 75–110 mg) or a bit higher is a practical bridge while she rebuilds diet quality. Mega-doses are unnecessary for this goal.
Dietary Sources
Top dietary sources
Daily Value: 90 mg per day
Ranked by amount per 100 g
Vitamin C is found in vegetables, fruits and in fortified milk and cereals. Many other foods contain vitamin C in high quantities including swiss chard, turnip greens, edamame, brussel sprouts, grapefruit juice, pomelo, acai, jujube and taro.
- 1678 mg100 g1864% DV
- 426 mg100 g473% DV
- 242 mg100 g269% DV
- 228 mg100 g253% DV
- 184 mg100 g204% DV
- 181 mg100 g201% DV
- 160 mg100 g178% DV
- 144 mg100 g160% DV
Safety
Vitamin C is well tolerated and safe at the recommended doses.
Dose windows
Short-term
Vitamin C has been used at doses of up to 2,000 mg per day to support immunity during prolonged exercise. Doses of up to 8 g/day for 10 days have been found to result in stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea [10314].
Long-term
Vitamin C is likely safe at doses of up to 2,000 mg per day.
Side effects
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Special populations
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Likely safeIn pregnant or lactating women, respective doses of 85 mg/day or 120 mg/day are well tolerated.
Children
Likely safeIn children, doses of 15 to 75 mg per day are well tolerated depending on age.
Other notes
Higher doses than 2,000 mg per day have not been adequately proven to reduce cold symptoms and may be inferior to lower doses. Doses above 2,000 mg per day may increase the risk of oxalate nephropathy, potentially leading to kidney failure. Vitamin C from food sources is less likely to result in side effects compared to supplements. Studies typically use a dose of 1000-2000 mg per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources140 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
1.SupplementDEX Database: Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) — The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis of 5 hemodialysis trials found adjuvant ascorbic acid raised hemoglobin 0.96 g/dL and transferrin saturation 8.3% in erythropoietin-hyporesponsive anemia.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) — Ascorbic acid for anemia management in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis2009
A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs in 326 hemodialysis patients found ascorbic acid increased hemoglobin ~0.9 g/dL and lowered erythropoietin dose versus standard care.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Atrial fibrillation (Post-operative) — Vitamin C for preventing atrial fibrillation in high risk patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis2017
A meta-analysis of 15 cardiac surgery trials (2,050 patients) found vitamin C prevented post-operative AF outside the US (RR 0.56) but not in US trials.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Atrial fibrillation (Post-operative) — Efficacy and safety of vitamin C for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials2017
A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (1,060 cardiac surgery patients) found vitamin C reduced post-operative atrial fibrillation (OR 0.47) with moderate-quality evidence.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Atrial fibrillation (Post-operative) — Antioxidant supplementations for prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: an updated comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials2014
A meta-analysis of 23 cardiac surgery trials (4,278 patients) found vitamin C (OR 0.50), NAC, and PUFA each reduced post-operative atrial fibrillation.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Atrial fibrillation (Post-operative) — A randomized controlled trial to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation by antioxidant reinforcement2013
In 203 on-pump cardiac surgery patients, combined n-3 fatty acids 2 g/day plus vitamins C and E reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation to 9.7% versus 32% with placebo (p<0.001).
SupplementDEX Database · Cataracts
5 references7.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Smoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2022
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Association of vitamin C with the risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis found highest vs lowest vitamin C intake (RR 0.81) and serum ascorbate (RR 0.70) associated with lower age-related cataract risk.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Association of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no. 92001
AREDS Report No. 9 in 4,757 participants (ages 55–80) found high-dose antioxidant supplementation did not significantly prevent cataract progression or reduce cataract-related vision loss.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Vitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study2000
In 3,089 Beaver Dam Eye Study participants, multivitamin or vitamin C/E supplement use >10 years lowered 5-year nuclear and cortical cataract risk ~40–60%.
SupplementDEX Database · Common cold
19 references12.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 10 double-blind RCTs (≥1 g/day vitamin C) found vitamin C reduced common cold severity 15%, with greater benefit on severe symptoms.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. See external source2013
A Cochrane systematic review assessing vitamin C for both prevention and treatment of colds. Routine supplementation did not reduce incidence in the general population but consistently shortened duration and reduced severity of colds. Among individuals under heavy physical stress (e.g., marathon runners), incidence was significantly reduced. A meta-analysis found that doses of at least 200 mg Vitamin C per day reduced the odds of acquiring a cold, but only in people undergoing strenuous physical exercise. Taking vitamin C in the days leading up to a marathon halved the risk of acquiring a cold. Subgroup analysis in the above meta-analysis (24 entries including 10,708 participants) found that ongoing supplementation of vitamin C did not reduce the incidence of colds (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00). Analysis restricted to vitamin C doses ≥ 1 g/day (17 entries including 6661 participants) found no reduction in the risk of acquiring a cold (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.01). Cold Severity Results (Ongoing Vitamin C Consumption, 31 comparisons, 9745 episodes): - In adults: Doses of ≥ 0.2 g/day vitamin C reduced common cold duration by 8% (3% to 12%). - In children: Doses of 1 to 2 g/day vitamin C reduced common cold duration by 18%; doses ≥ 0.2 g/day vitamin C reduced common cold duration by 14% (7% to 21%). - Stratified by gender: One study included in the meta-analysis found that vitamin C significantly reduced common cold duration in male adolescent swimmers (-47%) but not in female swimmers .
View source201314.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Intake of vitamin C and zinc and risk of common cold: a cohort study2002
A cohort of 4,272 Spanish workers followed 1 year found vitamin C and zinc intake were not associated with common cold incidence.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Mega-dose vitamin C in treatment of the common cold: a randomised controlled trial2001
An RCT in 400 healthy adults found megadose vitamin C (1–3 g at cold onset) did not shorten cold duration or severity versus low-dose placebo over 18 months.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold2000
A Cochrane review of 30 trials found regular high-dose vitamin C did not prevent colds but modestly reduced cold duration (~8% fewer symptom days).
17.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections1999
A study of 715 students found hourly 1,000 mg vitamin C at cold onset reduced flu and cold symptoms 85% versus control over one winter.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C supplementation and common cold symptoms: factors affecting the magnitude of the benefit1999
An analysis of 23 vitamin C cold trials found greater benefit in children than adults and at doses ≥2 g/day versus 1 g/day.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake1999
A review proposed an RDA of 120 mg/day vitamin C based on nine criteria, with 5 daily fruit/vegetable servings providing ~200 mg.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C supplementation and the common cold—was Linus Pauling right or wrong?1997
A review concluded Pauling was correct that vitamin C affects colds but overestimated benefit magnitude based largely on one Swiss skiing camp trial.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C intake and susceptibility to the common cold1997
A pooled analysis of six trials (>5,000 episodes) found vitamin C did not reduce cold incidence overall but halved incidence in British male schoolchildren (RR 0.70).
22.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C, the placebo effect, and the common cold: a case study of how preconceptions influence the analysis of results1996
A reanalysis argued the placebo explanation for Karlowski's 6 g/day vitamin C cold trial was inconsistent with the data, supporting a real therapeutic effect.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C supplementation and common cold symptoms: problems with inaccurate reviews1996
A review argued three influential reviews misrepresented evidence that vitamin C alleviates common cold symptoms in placebo-controlled trials.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold?—a review of current evidence1994
A review of 21 placebo-controlled trials found vitamin C reduced cold duration and severity ~23% on average but clinical significance remained unclear.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Co-twin control studies: vitamin C and the common cold1982
A co-twin control study of vitamin C and the common cold; the abstract provided insufficient outcome detail for a definitive conclusion.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C and the common cold: using identical twins as controls1981
A double-blind trial in 95 identical twin pairs found vitamin C shortened average cold duration 19% over 100 days versus placebo.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — The vitamin C controversy1980
An editorial on the vitamin C controversy; the abstract provided insufficient outcome detail for a definitive conclusion.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Ascorbic acid and the common cold: reviewing the evidence1979
A review concluded large vitamin C cold trials show only modest, inconsistent benefits likely reflecting placebo effects or minor physiologic changes.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C prophylaxis in marine recruits1979
An RCT in 674 marine recruits found 2 g/day vitamin C for 8 weeks did not reduce cold incidence, supporting no prophylactic benefit.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Common cold — Vitamin C and the common cold1979
A brief report on vitamin C and the common cold; the abstract provided insufficient outcome detail for a definitive conclusion.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation in preventing and treating complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) in Orthopedic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis2024
A 2024 meta-analysis of 8 limb-surgery trials found vitamin C may reduce CRPS-I incidence but pooled effect was not statistically significant.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Effect of Perioperative Vitamin C on the Incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 8 orthopedic surgery trials found perioperative vitamin C reduced CRPS-I risk (OR 0.33) without improving function or pain scores.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Efficacy of vitamin C in preventing complex regional pain syndrome after wrist fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis2017
A meta-analysis of 3 wrist fracture trials (875 patients) found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 50 days reduced 1-year CRPS-I risk (RR 0.54).
34.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Vitamin C to Prevent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2015
A meta-analysis of 3 distal radius fracture trials (890 patients) found vitamin C did not significantly reduce CRPS risk (RR 0.45; low-quality evidence).
35.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Role of vitamin C in prevention of complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis2015
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs found vitamin C significantly lowered CRPS prevalence after distal radius fracture (RD 0.41), though heterogeneity was moderate.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — The influence of vitamin C on the outcome of distal radial fractures: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial2014
An RCT in 336 adults with distal radius fractures found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 50 days did not improve DASH scores or reduce CRPS at 1 year versus placebo.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Efficacy and safety of high-dose vitamin C on complex regional pain syndrome in extremity trauma and surgery--systematic review and meta-analysis2013
A meta-analysis of 4 extremity surgery trials found daily vitamin C ≥500 mg for 45–50 days reduced CRPS risk (RR 0.22) versus placebo.
38.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Can vitamin C prevent complex regional pain syndrome in patients with wrist fractures? A randomized, controlled, multicenter dose-response study2007
An RCT in 416 wrist fracture patients found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 50 days reduced CRPS prevalence to 1.8% versus 10.1% with placebo.
39.SupplementDEX Database: Complex regional pain syndrome — Effect of vitamin C on frequency of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in wrist fractures: a randomised trial1999
An RCT in 115 wrist fracture patients found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 50 days reduced reflex sympathetic dystrophy risk (7% vs 22%).
SupplementDEX Database · Gout
5 references40.SupplementDEX Database: Gout — Effects of vitamin C supplementation on gout risk: results from the Physicians’ Health Study II trial2022
A study including 14,641 male physicians (avg age 64) found that vitamin C (500 mg/day) significantly reduced the rate of new gout diagnoses by 12% (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.99; P = 0.04). Greater effects were seen in those with a BMI below 25 kg/m². Vitamin E (400 IU every other day) had no effect on the rate of new gout diagnoses (HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.19; P = 0.48).
42.SupplementDEX Database: Gout — Clinically insignificant effect of supplemental vitamin C on serum urate in patients with gout: a pilot randomized controlled trial2013
An RCT in 40 gout patients found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 8 weeks did not meaningfully lower serum urate versus allopurinol adjustment.
43.SupplementDEX Database: Gout — Vitamin C intake and the risk of gout in men: a prospective study2009
A large prospective cohort study of U.S. men showing that higher vitamin C intake was associated with a lower risk of developing gout. Risk reduction appeared dose-dependent, with ≥1500 mg/day linked to substantially lower incidence. A study of 46,994 male participants with no history of gout found that compared to vitamin C intake of less than 250 mg/day: - 500 to 999 mg/day led to a 17% reduction in gout risk - 1000 to 1499 mg/day led to a 34% reduction in gout risk - 1500 mg/day or higher led to a 45% reduction in gout risk This was a long-term study with a follow-up period of 20 years.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Gout — Vitamin C intake and serum uric acid concentration in men2008
In 1,387 men, higher total vitamin C intake was inversely associated with serum uric acid and hyperuricemia risk.
41.Ascorbic Acid Supplements and Kidney Stone Incidence Among Men: A Prospective Study. See external sourceExternal source
SupplementDEX Database · High cholesterol
1 reference45.SupplementDEX Database: High cholesterol — Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials2008
A meta-analysis of 13 hypercholesterolemia trials found ≥500 mg/day vitamin C for ≥4 weeks lowered LDL 7.9 mg/dL and triglycerides 20.1 mg/dL.
SupplementDEX Database · High blood pressure
6 references46.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis2024
A network meta-analysis of 23 hypertension trials (2,218 participants) found only vitamin E significantly lowered systolic BP; vitamin C did not.
47.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effects of vitamin C supplementation on essential hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis2020
A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs in 614 adults with essential hypertension found vitamin C reduced systolic BP 4.1 mmHg and diastolic BP 2.3 mmHg.
48.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2012
A meta-analysis of 29 BP trials found vitamin C reduced systolic BP 3.8 mmHg and diastolic BP 1.5 mmHg over a median 8 weeks.
49.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2005
An RCT in hypertensive adults found vitamin C alone lowered systolic BP, but combined vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols raised BP.
50.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Ascorbic acid reduces blood pressure and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes2002
An RCT in 30 type 2 diabetes patients found 500 mg/day oral ascorbic acid for 4 weeks lowered brachial BP ~10 mmHg and arterial stiffness.
51.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Treatment of hypertension with ascorbic acid1999
A double-blind RCT reported ascorbic acid lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients; the abstract provided limited quantitative detail.
SupplementDEX Database · Lead toxicity
3 references52.SupplementDEX Database: Lead toxicity — The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on the blood lead levels of smokers1999
An RCT in 75 male smokers found 1,000 mg/day ascorbic acid lowered blood lead 81% after one week; 200 mg/day had no effect.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Lead toxicity — Relationship of ascorbic acid to blood lead levels1999
In NHANES III, higher serum ascorbic acid was associated with 65–89% lower odds of elevated blood lead in youth and adults.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Lead toxicity — Relation of nutrition to bone lead and blood lead levels in middle-aged to elderly men. The Normative Aging Study1998
In 747 older men, higher vitamin C intake was inversely associated with blood lead in cross-sectional analysis.
55.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Liver Health and Associated Parameters in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial2021
An RCT in 84 NAFLD patients found 1,000 mg/day vitamin C for 12 weeks improved liver enzymes and glucose metabolism more than lower doses.
56.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — Association between Dietary Vitamin C Intake and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study among Middle-Aged and Older Adults2016
A cross-sectional study including 3471 patients found that a higher dietary intake (> 146.07 mg/day) of vitamin C was associated with a significant reduction (Odds Ratio 0.71 95%CI: 0.53–0.95) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk compared to a lower intake (<74.80 mg/day). Stratification by sex or obesity status found that this association remained valid in the male and non-obese population but not in the female or obese population.
57.SupplementDEX Database: Skin health & appearance — Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies2001
Formulation studies found topical L-ascorbic acid penetrates skin best at pH <3.5 and 20% concentration; common derivatives did not raise skin vitamin C.
58.SupplementDEX Database: Skin health & appearance — Topical melatonin in combination with vitamins E and C protects skin from ultraviolet-induced erythema: a human study in vivo1998
A human photo-protection study found topical melatonin plus vitamins C and E reduced UV-induced erythema more than either antioxidant alone.
SupplementDEX Database · Wrinkles
5 references59.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of a lipophilic pro-vitamin C derivative, tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid2021
A split-face trial in 69 women found 1–3% tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid cream for 8 weeks reduced periorbital wrinkles versus placebo.
60.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study2016
A double-blind trial in 23 adults found ascorbic acid microneedle patches improved crow's-feet photodamage versus placebo without irritation.
61.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — An Open Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerance of a Retinol and Vitamin C Facial Regimen in Women With Mild-to-Moderate Hyperpigmentation and Photodamaged Facial Skin2016
A 12-week open-label trial in 44 women found a retinol plus 30% vitamin C regimen improved hyperpigmentation and photodamage with mild dryness.
62.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — Topical activity of ascorbic acid: from in vitro optimization to in vivo efficacy2004
Placebo-controlled studies found 3% topical ascorbic acid reduced oxidative stress, increased dermal papillae, and reduced facial wrinkles over 1–12 weeks.
63.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography1999
An RCT of 19 adults found that topical ascorbic acid applied daily for 3 months significantly improved photodamaged skin topography, fine wrinkling, and tactile roughness versus vehicle.
SupplementDEX Database · Acute bronchitis
1 reference64.SupplementDEX Database: Acute bronchitis — Azithromycin for acute bronchitis: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial2002
An RCT in 220 adults with acute bronchitis found 5-day azithromycin was no better than low-dose vitamin C (1.5 g total) for symptom recovery or return to usual activities by day 7.
SupplementDEX Database · All-cause mortality
6 references65.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — Association of Oral or Intravenous Vitamin C Supplementation with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 44 RCTs (26,540 participants) found vitamin C reduced sepsis mortality 26% but overall mortality benefit was not confirmed by sequential trial analysis.
66.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies2018
A dose-response meta-analysis of 69 prospective studies found higher dietary vitamin C intake and blood levels associated with lower cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality.
67.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases2012
A meta-analysis of 78 antioxidant trials (296,707 participants) found no overall mortality effect (RR 1.02), but low-bias trials showed increased mortality with beta-carotene (RR 1.05) and vitamin E (RR 1.03).
68.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals2004
In 13,017 French adults followed 7.5 years, daily antioxidant vitamins plus 100 mcg selenium did not reduce total cancer or ischemic cardiovascular disease versus placebo.
69.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — The MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study: preliminary results2002
The Heart Protection Study in 20,500 high-risk adults found simvastatin reduced vascular events but a cocktail of 650 mg vitamin E, 250 mg vitamin C, and 20 mg beta-carotene showed no benefit.
70.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition2001
In 19,496 adults followed 4 years in EPIC-Norfolk, higher plasma ascorbic acid was associated with ~20% lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality per 20 µmol/L rise.
SupplementDEX Database · Asthma
4 references71.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Vitamin C for asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction2013
A Cochrane review of 11 asthma trials (419 participants) found insufficient evidence that vitamin C improves asthma exacerbations or quality of life.
72.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Observational studies on the effect of dietary antioxidants on asthma: a meta-analysis2008
A meta-analysis of 10 observational studies (13,653 subjects) found higher dietary vitamin C, E, or beta-carotene intake was not associated with lower asthma risk.
73.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Low maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma in 5-year-old children2006
A cohort of 1,861 children followed to age 5 found higher maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy associated with lower wheeze and asthma risk.
74.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Serum vitamin C levels and use of health care resources for wheezing episodes2000
In 19,760 US adults, serum vitamin C level was not associated with wheezing episodes or healthcare use for wheezing after adjustment for confounders.
SupplementDEX Database · Atherosclerosis
2 references75.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Six-year effect of combined vitamin C and E supplementation on atherosclerotic progression: the Antioxidant Supplementation in Atherosclerosis Prevention (ASAP) Study2003
The ASAP trial in 520 hypercholesterolemic adults found combined vitamin E (136 IU) and C (250 mg) twice daily for 6 years slowed carotid atherosclerosis progression 26%.
76.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Antioxidant Supplementation in Atherosclerosis Prevention (ASAP) study: a randomized trial of the effect of vitamins E and C on 3-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis2000
The ASAP trial in 520 adults found combined vitamin E and slow-release vitamin C for 3 years slowed carotid intima-media thickening, especially in men (74% less progression).
SupplementDEX Database · Breast cancer
2 references77.SupplementDEX Database: Breast cancer — Vitamin C supplement intake and postmenopausal breast cancer risk: interaction with dietary vitamin C2016
In 57,403 postmenopausal women, vitamin C supplement use was associated with higher breast cancer risk among those with high dietary vitamin C (HR 1.32).
78.SupplementDEX Database: Breast cancer — Serum antioxidant nutrients, vitamin A, and mortality in U.S. Adults. See external source2013
In 16,008 US adults followed 14 years, higher serum vitamin C was associated with lower cancer and all-cause mortality; vitamin A and E showed U-shaped mortality associations.
View source2013
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
7 references79.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce2022
WFSBP/CANMAT 2022 guidelines rated acetyl-L-carnitine as not recommended for ADHD based on Grade A evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs.
80.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Ascorbic acid intake is inversely associated with prevalence of depressive symptoms in US midlife women: A cross-sectional study2022
A study of 3,088 midlife women found higher dietary ascorbic acid intake inversely associated with depressive symptoms (OR 0.70, highest vs lowest quartile).
81.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Vitamin C supplementation promotes mental vitality in healthy young adults: results from a cross-sectional analysis and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2022
A manufacturer-funded study including 46 healthy subjects with low serum vitamin C levels found that 1000 mg/day vitamin C did not have a significant effect on depression or mood but did improve work absorption (P=0.03) and attention (P=0.03) after 4 weeks. Vitamin C showed a trend towards improving fatigue (P = 0.06). The earlier cross-sectional analysis (n =214, 20-39 yrs) performed in this study found no significant association between serum vitamin C levels and anxiety, depression and mood.
82.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Dietary Vitamin C and Vitamin C Derived from Vegetables Are Inversely Associated with the Risk of Depressive Symptoms among the General Population2021
Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data (2007-2018) including 25,895 adults showing higher dietary vitamin C intake and vitamin C derived from vegetables were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR ≈ 0.73 for highest vs lowest intake). Depression was least likely at 126 mg/day intake of vitamin C (U shaped response).
83.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Tablets on Vitality in Adults with Low Vitamin C Levels2020
A manufacturer-funded (Zespri) study of healthy adults who were not deficient in vitamin C found that 250 mg/day vitamin C did not improve anger, depressive symptoms or anxiety after 4 weeks. However it did lead to a small increase in energy levels. Participants given kiwifruit (2 SunGold kiwifruit/day) had similar but greater improvements in well-being and vitality.
84.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Vitamin C as an adjuvant for treating major depressive disorder and suicidal behavior: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial2015
An RCT in 43 adults with major depression found adding vitamin C to citalopram did not improve depression scores versus citalopram plus placebo.
85.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Efficacy of vitamin C as an adjunct to fluoxetine therapy in pediatric major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study2013
A pilot RCT in 24 pediatric depression patients found fluoxetine plus 1,000 mg/day vitamin C improved depression ratings more than fluoxetine alone.
86.SupplementDEX Database: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — Supplementing vitamins C and E to standard triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori2012
An RCT in 200 H. pylori patients found adding vitamins C and E to triple therapy raised eradication rate to 82.5% versus 45% with triple therapy alone.
87.SupplementDEX Database: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis of 6 H. pylori trials found vitamins C and E did not significantly improve eradication rates versus standard therapy.
SupplementDEX Database · Leukemia
1 reference88.SupplementDEX Database: Leukemia — Vitamin E and C supplementation and risk of cancer in men: posttrial follow-up in the Physicians' Health Study II randomized trial2014
Post-trial follow-up of Physicians' Health Study II found neither 500 mg/day vitamin C nor 400 IU vitamin E every other day affected cancer mortality.
SupplementDEX Database · Miscarriage
1 reference89.SupplementDEX Database: Miscarriage — Vitamin supplementation for preventing miscarriage2016
A meta-analysis of 276820 participants found that multivitamin supplementation There was evidence of a decrease in the risk for stillbirth among women receiving multivitamins plus iron and folic acid compared iron and folate only groups (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.99, 10 trials, 79,851 women; high-quality evidence).
SupplementDEX Database · Pre-eclampsia
5 references90.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy2015
A Cochrane review of 29 trials (24,300 pregnant women) found vitamin C did not prevent preterm birth, preeclampsia, or stillbirth overall.
91.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Supplementation with vitamins C and E during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia and other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and metaanalysis2011
A meta-analysis of 9 trials (19,810 women) found vitamins C and E during pregnancy did not prevent preeclampsia and increased gestational hypertension.
92.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Prevention of pre-eclampsia with low-dose aspirin or vitamins C and E in women at high or low risk: a systematic review with meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis of 15 trials found neither aspirin nor vitamins C/E prevented preeclampsia in high- or low-risk women.
93.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women2009
A meta-analysis of 7 trials (5,969 women) found combined vitamins C and E increased gestational hypertension and low birth weight without reducing preeclampsia.
94.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Effect of antioxidants on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk: a randomised trial1999
An RCT in 283 high-risk pregnant women found vitamins C (1,000 mg) and E (400 IU) reduced preeclampsia (8% vs 17% with placebo).
95.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — A double-blind, randomized, prospective trial to evaluate topical vitamin C solution for the prevention of radiation dermatitis. CNS Cancer Consortium1993
An RCT in 65 brain tumor patients found topical ascorbic acid lotion did not prevent radiation dermatitis versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · COVID-19
15 references96.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — The Efficacy of Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Supplements in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and Long-COVID: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials2024
A meta-analysis found vitamin and multivitamin supplementation did not consistently reduce COVID-19 severity or mortality across trials.
97.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Intravenous Vitamin C for Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: Two Harmonized Randomized Clinical Trials2023
Two coordinated RCTs in hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that intravenous vitamin C did not significantly improve primary clinical outcomes, though some secondary measures showed small, non-definitive trends toward benefit. Two prospectively harmonised clinical trials including 1568 critically ill and 1022 non-critically COVID-19 patients, found that vitamin C (4,000 mg Intravenous vitamin C every 6 hours for 96 hours) was associated with fewer organ support-free days compared to placebo (increased duration on life-support). Among non-critically ill patients, the rate of survival to hospital discharge was 85.1% for the vitamin C group vs. 86.6% for the control group. Among critically ill patients, survival to hospital discharge was 61.9% for the vitamin C group vs. 64.6% for the control group.
98.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — A Pilot of a Randomized Control Trial of Melatonin and Vitamin C for Mild-to-Moderate COVID-192022
A pilot RCT of 98 mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients found 10 mg/day melatonin for 14 days accelerated symptom resolution and improved quality of life vs placebo and vitamin C.
99.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — High-dose intravenous vitamin C decreases rates of mechanical ventilation and cardiac arrest in severe COVID-192022
An observational study in severe COVID-19 found high-dose IV vitamin C associated with lower mechanical ventilation and cardiac arrest rates.
100.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Pharmacologic Ascorbic Acid as Early Therapy for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial2022
An RCT in 66 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found high-dose IV ascorbic acid did not meet the primary 72-hour clinical improvement endpoint.
101.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Vitamin C Supplementation for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 19 COVID-19 trials found vitamin C reduced in-hospital mortality (OR 0.59 in RCTs) but lengthened ICU stay.
102.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on Physical Performance, Endothelial Function, and Persistent Fatigue in Adults with Long COVID: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial2022
An RCT in 46 adults with long COVID found l-arginine plus 500 mg vitamin C twice daily for 28 days improved walk distance and reduced fatigue.
103.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial2021
An open-label, non-placebo controlled study including 214 patients with COVID-19 assigned either zinc gluconate (50 mg/day for 10 days), vitamin C (8 g/day for 10 days), a combination of zinc gluconate and vitamin c or standard care, found no treatment led to significant changes in COVID symptom duration as measured by the number of days required to reach a 50% reduction in symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. The group taking vitamin c only, had a significantly increased rate of nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
104.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Vitamin C May Increase the Recovery Rate of Outpatient Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection by 70%: Reanalysis of the COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial2021
A reanalysis of the COVID A to Z trial reported high-dose vitamin C may increase outpatient SARS-CoV-2 recovery rate; original abstract provided limited detail.
105.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Pilot trial of high-dose vitamin C in critically ill COVID-19 patients2021
A pilot RCT in 56 critically ill COVID-19 patients found 12 g/day IV vitamin C did not improve ventilator-free days but improved PaO2/FiO2.
106.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Ascorbic acid as an adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a propensity score matched study2021
A propensity-matched study of 739 critically ill COVID-19 patients found adjunctive ascorbic acid did not lower mortality but reduced thrombosis.
107.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — An investigation into the Effects of Intravenous Vitamin C on Pulmonary CT Findings and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Randomized Clinical Trial2021
An RCT in 44 COVID-19 pneumonia patients found IV vitamin C improved oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and lung CT findings versus standard care.
108.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — The Effect of Vitamin C on Pathological Parameters and Survival Duration of Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial2021
An RCT in 120 critically ill COVID-19 patients found 500 mg/day vitamin C for 14 days improved survival duration but not glucose or kidney function.
109.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Therapies to Prevent Progression of COVID-19, Including Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3 With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C: An International, Multicenter, Randomized Trial2021
An international RCT in 237 hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported 99.6% recovery; adding IV vitamin C shortened time to discharge (15 vs 45 days).
110.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — The Role of Vitamin C as Adjuvant Therapy in COVID-192020
An RCT in COVID-19 patients found IV vitamin C (50 mg/kg/day) shortened symptom resolution and hospital stay but did not reduce mortality.
SupplementDEX Database · Sepsis
30 references111.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — High-dose vitamin C improves norepinephrine level in patients with septic shock: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial2024
An RCT in 58 septic shock patients found IV vitamin C increased catecholamine synthesis markers and reduced norepinephrine dose but not mortality.
112.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — IV Vitamin C in Adults With Sepsis: A Bayesian Reanalysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial2023
A Bayesian reanalysis of the 872-participant LOVIT trial found IV vitamin C (50 mg/kg) associated with high probability of harm for 28-day death or persistent organ dysfunction.
113.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — The outcome of IV vitamin C therapy in patients with sepsis or septic shock: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023
A meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (3,364 sepsis patients) found IV vitamin C improved SOFA score and reduced vasopressor duration but not short-term mortality.
114.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — IV Vitamin C in Sepsis: A Latest Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 24 sepsis RCTs found IV vitamin C may reduce mortality (RR 0.82) and significantly improve SOFA scores after 72+ hours.
115.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Hydrocortisone Combined with Vitamin C and Thiamine in the Treatment of Sepsis/Septic Shock: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (1,572 patients) found hydrocortisone plus vitamin C and thiamine did not reduce sepsis mortality or improve major outcomes.
116.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone Combination Therapy: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2023
A meta-analysis of 9 HAT therapy RCTs found no mortality benefit but significantly shorter vasopressor duration with ascorbic acid, thiamine, and hydrocortisone.
117.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial2023
An RCT in 30 septic shock patients found single mega-dose sodium ascorbate (60 g) did not significantly increase 24-hour urine output but reduced vasopressor dose over time.
118.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Association of Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone Infusion With Long-term Cognitive, Psychological, and Functional Outcomes in Sepsis Survivors: A Secondary Analysis of the Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Steroids in Sepsis Randomized Clinical Trial2023
A VICTAS secondary analysis in 213 sepsis survivors found vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone did not improve and may worsen 6-month cognitive outcomes.
119.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Intravenous vitamin C for vasoplegia: A double-blinded randomised clinical trial (VALENCIA trial)2023
The VALENCIA RCT in 71 vasoplegic shock patients found IV vitamin C (1.5 g every 6 h) did not significantly reduce vasopressor duration versus placebo.
120.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Evaluating Vitamin C in Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Vitamin C Monotherapy2022
An RCT in 124 septic shock patients found IV vitamin C monotherapy did not significantly reduce 28-day mortality (26.7% vs 40.6%; p=0.10).
121.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Intravenous Vitamin C in Adults with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit2022
A study of 863 patients who had been in the ICU for no longer than 24 hours, who had proven or suspected infection found that IV vitamin C (50 mg/kg/bw every 6 hours for 96 hours) increased the risk of death or persistent organ dysfunction by 21% (risk ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.40; P = 0.01) after 28 days. Patients were sourced from 35 adult medical-surgical ICUs in Canada, France, and New Zealand. The primary outcome was a composite of death or persistent organ dysfunction (Use of vasopressors, invasive mechanical ventilation or new renal-replacement therapy). The primary outcome occurred in 191 of 429 patients (44.5%) in the vitamin C group and in 167 of 434 patients (38.5%) in the control group. After 28 days, patients taking vitamin C had a 17% greater risk of death and a 30% greater risk of persistent organ dysfunction.
122.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone in the Treatment of Sepsis: A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2022
A meta-analysis of 839 sepsis patients found vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone did not reduce mortality but lowered day-3 SOFA score.
123.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Clinical efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the treatment of septic shock patients: systematic review and meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 13 studies (1,423 sepsis patients) found IV vitamin C did not reduce hospital or ICU mortality or improve 72-hour SOFA scores.
124.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — IV Vitamin C in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 15 trials (2,490 critically ill patients) found high-dose IV vitamin C monotherapy may reduce mortality (RR 0.70); low-dose showed no benefit.
125.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — The impact of vitamin C-containing treatment on the mortality of patients with sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022
A meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (2,985 sepsis patients) found adjunctive vitamin C did not reduce 28-day, ICU, or in-hospital mortality.
126.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Parenteral Vitamin C in Patients with Severe Infection: A Systematic Review2022
A systematic review of 41 RCTs (4,915 patients) found parenteral vitamin C may reduce early mortality in low-certainty analyses but not in low-bias trials.
127.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Vitamin C in Critically Ill Patients: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 48 studies found IV vitamin C associated with 19% lower in-hospital mortality and 0.76 fewer ICU days in critically ill patients.
128.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Efficacy of intravenous vitamin C intervention for septic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials2021
A meta-analysis of 10 sepsis RCTs (1,400 patients) found IV vitamin C monotherapy may reduce short-term mortality (RR 0.61) and improve SOFA at 72 hours.
129.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Effect of IV High-Dose Vitamin C on Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2021
A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (1,737 sepsis patients) found high-dose IV vitamin C did not lower mortality but shortened vasopressor use and improved SOFA at 72–96 hours.
130.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid, and thiamine (HAT) for sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis with sequential trial analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 9 HAT RCTs (1,427 sepsis patients) found the combination improved SOFA at 72 hours and reduced vasopressor duration but not mortality.
131.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Effect of Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone on Ventilator- and Vasopressor-Free Days in Patients With Sepsis: The VICTAS Randomized Clinical Trial2021
The VICTAS trial in 501 sepsis patients found vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone did not increase ventilator- and vasopressor-free days versus placebo.
132.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Combination therapy of vitamin C and thiamine for septic shock: a multi-centre, double-blinded randomized, controlled study2020
The ATESS trial in 111 septic shock patients found early vitamin C plus thiamine did not improve organ failure scores versus placebo over 72 hours.
133.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Hydrocortisone-Ascorbic Acid-Thiamine Use Associated with Lower Mortality in Pediatric Septic Shock2020
An observational study reported hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid, and thiamine associated with lower mortality in pediatric septic shock; abstract provided limited detail.
134.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Effect of Vitamin C, Hydrocortisone, and Thiamine vs Hydrocortisone Alone on Time Alive and Free of Vasopressor Support Among Patients With Septic Shock: The VITAMINS Randomized Clinical Trial2020
The VITAMINS trial in 216 septic shock patients found adding vitamin C and thiamine to hydrocortisone did not shorten time alive and vasopressor-free over 7 days.
135.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Combined Treatment With Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial2020
An RCT in 80 sepsis patients found hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine did not reduce 28-day mortality but improved 72-hour SOFA scores.
136.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Effect of Ascorbic Acid, Corticosteroids, and Thiamine on Organ Injury in Septic Shock: The ACTS Randomized Clinical Trial2020
The ACTS trial in 205 septic shock patients found ascorbic acid, corticosteroids, and thiamine did not reduce SOFA score, kidney failure, or 30-day mortality.
137.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Outcomes of Metabolic Resuscitation Using Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Glucocorticoids in the Early Treatment of Sepsis: The ORANGES Trial2020
The ORANGES trial in 137 sepsis patients found HAT therapy shortened shock reversal time (27 vs 53 hours) but did not improve SOFA or mortality.
138.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure: The CITRIS-ALI Randomized Clinical Trial2019
The CITRIS-ALI trial in 167 sepsis/ARDS patients found 96-hour IV vitamin C did not improve organ failure scores or inflammatory markers versus placebo.
139.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study2017
A retrospective before-after study in 47 sepsis patients reported IV vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine associated with lower mortality (8.5% vs 40.4%).
140.SupplementDEX Database: Sepsis — Hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in critically ill patients despite recommended enteral and parenteral intakes2017
In 44 critically ill patients, 74% had low vitamin C despite standard nutrition; septic shock patients had lower levels than non-septic patients.