There is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking vitamin C will prevent against or cure COVID-19. Though studies are underway, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend taking vitamin C as part of a treatment for COVID-19 unless it is part of a study protocol.

A recent study of 214 adults explored the effect of high-dose (8000mg) vitamin C (ascorbic acid) both alone and in combination with zinc to see if either or both supplements lessened the severity or length of illness for patients with COVID-19. The researchers did not find a significant benefit for patients who received the study treatments of zinc or vitamin C (alone or together).

Vitamin C is still being tested as a possible combination therapy (a treatment used with other medications or therapies) for very ill patients with and without COVID-19- particularly those with major infections and sepsis. Studies of the effect of vitamin C supplements on patients with COVID-19 are ongoing. There is not currently enough scientific evidence to suggest that vitamin C supplementation will prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important vitamin that is part of natural processes that happen in the body that support immune function, maintain blood vessel structure, control inflammation, and help with healing. Vitamin C is naturally found in a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e. oranges, mangoes, peppers, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes), and it is also added to foods to help preserve them for a longer shelf-life. Vitamin C is commonly taken as a supplement (often as a pill or powder). While vitamin C supplements are typically considered to be safe, side effects can include nausea, cramps, acid reflux, and an increased risk of kidney stones. 

Vitamin C supplements are being evaluated for patients with COVID-19 because vitamin C has been shown to slightly shorten the length of time that someone has a cold, and may reduce the severity of a cold, but the research is unclear and most studies have only shown a benefit for patients who have a low vitamin C status (deficiency). There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that taking vitamin C prevents colds.

Vitamin C deficiency does affect how the immune system works and may reduce a person’s ability to fight infections. Vitamin C deficiency is not common for most people with a varied diet; however smokers, pregnant women, older adults, and people with major injuries (i.e. burns) are at increased risk.