Vitamin C in disease prevention and therapy

Abstract

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in many biological and biochemical processes as an antioxidant. As oxidative damage is implicated in the development of various diseases, vitamin C could have a preventive or even therapeutic effect. Fruits and vegetables are the recommended sources of vitamin C. Five servings of fruits and vegetables are protective against cancer and cardiovascular disease, however not because of vitamin C alone. On the other hand, oral vitamin C supplements in amounts higher than Recomended Daily Allowance (RDA) are beneficial in wound healing, reducing the duration of common cold symptoms, but also in prevention of common cold in heavily physically stressed persons. Furthermore, vitamin C is effective in decreasing serum fibrinogen, which is related to increased cardiovascular risk. Positive effects may be also achieved by intraarterial or intravenous administration of vitamin C in patients with diabetes mellitus and cancer. However, positive effects frequently depend on many factors, such are dose, age, health habits, etc.