THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF VITAMIN-C SUPPLEMENTATION IN ELDERLY HOSPITALIZED-PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS

A randomised double-blind trial involving vitamin C/placebo supplement ation was conducted on 57 elderly patients admitted to hospital with a cute respiratory infections (bronchitis and bronchopneumonia). Patient s were assessed clinically and biochemically on admission and again at 2 and 4 weeks after admission having received either 200 mg vitamin C per day, or placebo. This relatively modest oral dose led to a signif icant increase in plasma and white cell vitamin C concentration even i n the presence of acute respiratory infection. Using a clinical scorin g system based on major symptoms of the respiratory condition, patient s supplemented with the vitamin fared significantly better than those on placebo. This was particularly the case for those commencing the tr ial most severely ill, many of whom had very low plasma and white cell vitamin C concentrations on admission. Various mechanisms by which vi tamin C could assist this type of patient are discussed.