Thoughts about COVID- 19 and High Dose IV Vitamin C....
As I sit here in the comfort of my New York home on “vacation”, I can’t resist the urge to research root cause looking for the COVID-19 connection in those who succumb to the virus. What lands many in the hospital while others have mild cold symptoms or no symptom at all?
Those of us in Medicine have used IV vitamin C for years to combat a spectrum of ailments. Well known oncologists use high dose IV vitamin C in cancer patients to complement treatment.
We know Vitamin C possesses high antioxidant properties. These properties support the proper function of immunity as well as stimulate extracellular collagen production. Most anti-viral remedies on the shelves in your local pharmacies have a healthy dose of vitamin C. We all need it and many we find are deficient. Perhaps this is the link?
I am not advocating that taking large doses of Vitamin C orally is the cure. Most wouldn’t tolerate large doses without significant side effect. What I am saying is we should consider high dose IV vitamin C in our arsenal of treatment along with the proposed Zithromax and Plaquenil cocktail.
COVID-19 is unique in its ability to provoke an acute inflammatory response in its host. Many who are immunocompromised or suffer autoimmune disorders can not temper the inflammatory response. These individuals can swiftly progress to viral pneumonia and possibly an ARDS scenario.
Viral pneumonias trigger strong cytokine surges. When this occurs, neutrophils are recruited and fill the lungs. These neutrophils attack and destroy alveolar capillaries leading to increased fluid in the lungs making breathing difficult. Studies show using high dose IV Vitamin C can significantly reduce this process by
preventing neutrophil recruitment. ICU providers sometimes use IV Vitamin C in septic patients to temper the inflammation. Although viewed as controversial, several Chinese physicians are using high dose IV Vitamin C in COVID-19 patients.
One study by Dr. Mao treated 50 cases of moderate to severe COVID 19 with IV Vitamin C in doses of 10-20 grams daily for 5-7 days. Those treated improved and no mortalities were reported. Hospitalization of those treated was shortened by on average 5 days.
Currently, it seems as though the NIH is recruiting for an IV Vitamin C study as well. The study will be 12 grams of IV Vitamin C…a low dose in my opinion. Just ensure the patient doesn’t have G6PD, combat the hypoglycemia induced by IV Vitamin C, watch for kidney stones and give a dose like you mean it say around 20-50 grams. Bravo to you NIH for venturing out!
Despite what we know about strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C, using it in cancer settings and ICU settings for sepsis, it’s comical to hear the critics reject it.
Having practiced myself in traditional ICU settings and now Integrative Medicine, I can not understand the allopathic fear of any potential treatment considered “out of the box”. Is it our nature to reject the unfamiliar?
I’m disheartened by the approach of many authorities currently. The answer seems to be “make more ventilators” and “develop a vaccine”….Yup and the yearly Flu is still devastating despite that vaccine. Albeit ineffectiveness of the vaccine and/or too few receiving it to create herd immunity, prevention rates are still at a grim 30%.
Ventilators and vaccines are fine and should be explored. I would love to see us widen our scope as a medical community and consider other modalities. Perhaps other treatments such as high dose IV Vitamin C would prevent the need for ventilators if captured earlier in the disease process? Just food for thought.
Until this pandemic resolves, I will continue to wash my hands until they feel like steel wool, bathe in hand sanitizer, sufficiently distance myself from the world and continue to boss my bored, rather salty children in their confinement. Stay safe and be well!
Disclaimer:
These are my personal thoughts. There are many studies available and can easily
be researched on Google…You have the time enjoy!
