Vitamin C effective against COVID-19: Expert

Vitamin C is a simple yet effective molecule in fighting the novel coronavirus, according to an expert.

"Our most important agents are hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir. Besides these, we also have high-dose vitamin C treatment,” Professor Mutlu Demiray, a scientific advisor at the Health Sciences University in Istanbul, told Anadolu Agency.

"Vitamin C does not interact with these drugs, has no side effects and is safe," Demiray added.

Stressing that vitamin C is effective in treating COVID-19, Demiray cited a study in scientific journal JAMA that "pointed out that administering vitamin C to intensive-care patients with lung damage reduced the risk of death by approximately 20%."

Also, in a study conducted in 50 mid-serious COVID-19 patients in Shanghai, China, no patients who were treated with high doses of vitamin C were reported to have died, he added.

Considering how COVID-19 causes disease, it is highly important that the immune system functions in an orderly and proper manner, added Demiray.

Demiray went on to say that vitamin C was known to help the immune system in fighting any disease.

"Vitamin C deficiency in COVID-19 patients further disrupts the immune system which then starts to harm the body."

- Global pandemic

Since the virus emerged last December in the Chinese city of Wuhan, it has spread to at least 185 countries and regions.

There are over 1.99 million confirmed infections globally with over 127,600 deaths, according to the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

More than 500,800 have recovered.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur in Ankara.