Vitamin C

Antioxidant and metabolic support

Intravenous vitamin C therapy allows ascorbic acid to be administered directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the limitations of digestive absorption.

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin with a role in numerous physiological processes. It contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress, to the normal function of the immune system and of energy metabolism, and it is necessary for the normal formation of collagen.

When may it be recommended?

Depending on the medical assessment and on individual requirements, intravenous vitamin C therapy may be considered for:

• supporting the body's antioxidant mechanisms
• supporting the normal function of the immune system
• supporting energy metabolism and reducing tiredness and fatigue
• supporting the normal formation of collagen, important for the health of the skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage
• situations in which dietary intake or digestive absorption are insufficient

Why intravenous administration?

Intravenous administration bypasses the stage of gastrointestinal absorption and makes it possible to reach higher plasma concentrations than those achievable through oral administration.

The choice of the route of administration, the dose and the protocol is made individually, according to the requirements and the medical context of each patient.

Personalized administration

Intravenous vitamin C therapy is recommended after medical assessment, and the dose and administration protocol are established individually, according to the patient's medical history, requirements and profile.

Depending on the dose used and on the clinical context, the physician may recommend additional investigations before administration.

Precautions

When higher doses of vitamin C are administered, particular attention is required in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, because of the risk of hemolysis.

Also in the case of higher doses, caution is required in patients with renal conditions, a history of kidney stones or disorders of iron metabolism, including hemochromatosis.

Depending on the dose used and on the clinical context, the physician may recommend determining G6PD activity and evaluating renal function before administration.

The therapy is carried out on the physician's recommendation, within the clinic and under medical supervision.

Scientific references

• Padayatty SJ, Sun H, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;140(7):533–537.
• Levine M, Padayatty SJ, Espey MG. Vitamin C: a concentration-function approach yields pharmacology and therapeutic discoveries. Advances in Nutrition. 2011;2(2):78–88.
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
• Juneja D, Jain R, Nasa P. Vitamin C-induced Hemolysis: Meta-summary and Review of Literature. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine. 2022;26(2):224–227.