Coronavirus and vitamin C: let's clarify!

In this difficult and surreal period for our country, there are those who, unfortunately, do not fail to spread fake news. A few days ago there were posts on social media that affirmed the importance of vitamin C (however, some specific brands), to counteract the symptoms of COVID-19 the infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV-2.

Pharmacies have been stormed to grab products based on Vitamin Cwhich, not only, would help the symptoms, but would even be used in hospitals to treat patients.

The female voice that spread this voice message would also have said that vitamin C was coming

administered to children and the elderly in doses of 1-2 grams per day and which had already given results in the hospitals of San Gerardo in Monza, at the Sacco and at the Policlinico of Milan.

It was also advised to drink at least one juice of kiwi, orange, lemon per day and, moreover, the girl, referred to "We hospitalists" to give even more authority to the news.

Well, as the major newspapers, the news and the same hospitals mentioned have already stated, it is a hoax!

 At the moment, many patients with the virus are being treated with experimental therapies (antiretrovirals already in use to fight HIV, an immunosuppressant known to give benefits to arthritis sufferers and an antiviral known to contrast SARS).

La vitamin C, famous ally in the fight against seasonal flu ailments, absolutely does not fit in preventive treatments and treatments planned against Covid-19, so it is essential to deny false news about its use!

Furthermore, there is also no scientific evidence to support the use of vitamin C in preventing other infections such as colds and flu.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C supplements are fine, but only if a sufficient portion of the same is not reached through nutrition.

On average, through the diet, it is absorbed in percentages varying between 75 and 90% and should not exceed 2 g per day, otherwise side effects may also occur including:

• Risk of kidney stones, for predisposed subjects, due to the increase in urinary excretion of oxalates
• Risk of iron overload in the blood, since vitamin C increases the intestinal absorption of food iron
• Risk of distorted urine tests various analytes, including glucose, bilirubin, nitrites and leukocytes, could give different values ​​compared to reality

A varied and balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables (not only kiwis, oranges and lemons!) Combined with a healthy lifestyle (physical activity, avoiding cigarette smoke and excess alcohol) certainly allows the body to face infections with less risk!

HOW TO PREVENT COVID-19

In this delicate moment, the only indications to protect and prevent, are those indicated by the Ministry of Health:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with a normal soap; if you don't have it, use a hand rinse disinfectant hand gel
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with improperly washed or disinfected hands
• Stay at home and go out only for basic needs (in this case always keep the safety distance of at least one meter with other people)

Sport is missing for all of us, but, as we have already started doing in our previous articles, even in the next few days, we will not fail to select some exercises to do at home!

Meantime STAY HOME, enjoy time with your family, try not to overdo the culinary delights and you will see that EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.