IV Vitamin C Might Boost Recuperation Among Trauma Patients

A review of existing research, this study suggests that high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C could improve outcomes for people hospitalized with severe traumatic injuries. Published in the BMJ Military Health journal, the analysis examines six studies involving nearly 5,200 patients. The researchers found that vitamin C treatment was associated with lower rates of sepsis and death, while also showing potential to shorten hospital stays.

Traumatic injuries trigger a complex inflammatory response that rapidly depletes the body’s vitamin C stores. Researchers believe replenishing these levels may help stabilize blood pressure, improve blood flow to tissues, and reduce damage caused by harmful free radicals. Impressively, across the six studies reviewed, patients receiving high-dose IV vitamin C experienced a reduction in mortality ranging from 28 percent to 86 percent. Some evidence even suggests the treatment more than doubled the likelihood that patients could be discharged from hospital within a month.

To read about research suggesting that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could play a key role in healing traumatic brain injury, see this article on our website. To learn more about the use of micronutrients in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, see this news story on our website.