title: Is Vitamin C Beneficial to Patients with CAP?
abstract: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly and children. Vitamin C is known as a physiological antioxidant, regulating innate immune system in the lung. Vitamin C has been used to prevent and treat CAP. However, the use of vitamin C for preventing and treating CAP has been a subject of controversy. We aim to review the most significant findings about vitamin C supplementation in patients with pneumonia based on literature from the PubMed. First, we reviewed recent advances about the role of oxidative stress in CAP. Oxidative stress is a crucial component of the host defense system and inflammatory response. However, excessive oxidative stress can cause a systemic inflammatory response leading to tissue damage. The degree of oxidative stress has been associated with the severity of CAP. Vitamin C is beneficial to the host defense system by regulating the innate immunity in the lungs. We also discuss the prophylactic use of vitamin C for pneumonia. Vitamin C supplementation decreased the pneumonia risk in patients with vitamin C deficiency. However, it is not beneficial for prophylactic use of vitamin C to prevent pneumonia in the well-nourished population. Finally, we summarize the effect of vitamin C on mechanical ventilation used during respiratory failure. Administration of vitamin C decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation by decreasing oxidative stress.
authors.affiliation: The First Clinic College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Inflammations and Allergic Diseases Research Unit in Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China. lzlgp@163.com.
authors.forename: Guoping
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li
keywords: Community-acquired pneumonia; Oxidative stress; Vitamin C