Vitamin C in the critically ill-indications and controversies

摘要

Ascorbic acid(vitamin C)elicits pleiotropic effects in the body.Among its functions,it serves as a potent antioxidant,a co-factor in collagen and catecholamine synthesis,and a modulator of immune cell biology.Furthermore,an increasing body of evidence suggests that highdose vitamin C administration improves hemodynamics,end-organ function,and may improve survival in critically ill patients.This article reviews studies that evaluate vitamin C in pre-clinical models and clinical trials with respect to its therapeutic potential.