Due to the small number of included studies and very low quality of the existing evidence , we are uncertain of the effect of vitamin C supplementation for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia .
BACKGROUND According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 , lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of infectious disease death , and the fifth most common cause of death overall .
Vitamin C has a role in modulating resistance to infectious agents , therefore vitamin C supplementation may be important in preventing and treating pneumonia .
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of vitamin C supplementation to prevent and treat pneumonia in children and adults .
The clinical effects of vitamin C supplementation in elderly hospitalised patients with acute respiratory infections.
A r and omised double-blind trial involving vitamin C/placebo supplementation was conducted on 57 elderly patients admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections ( bronchitis and bronchopneumonia ) . Patients were assessed clinical ly and biochemically on admission and again at 2 and 4 weeks after admission having received either 200 mg vitamin C per day , or placebo . This relatively modest oral dose led to a significant increase in plasma and white cell vitamin C concentration even in the presence of acute respiratory infection . Using a clinical scoring system based on major symptoms of the respiratory condition , patients supplemented with the vitamin fared significantly better than those on placebo . This was particularly the case for those commencing the trial most severely ill , many of whom had very low plasma and white cell vitamin C concentrations on admission . Various mechanisms by which vitamin C could assist this type of patient are discussed
Due to the small number of included studies and very low quality of the existing evidence , we are uncertain of the effect of vitamin C supplementation for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia .
BACKGROUND According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 , lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of infectious disease death , and the fifth most common cause of death overall .
Vitamin C has a role in modulating resistance to infectious agents , therefore vitamin C supplementation may be important in preventing and treating pneumonia .
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of vitamin C supplementation to prevent and treat pneumonia in children and adults .