Vitamin C: Promises Not Kept

Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2016 Mar;71(3):187-93. doi: 10.1097/OGX.0000000000000289.

Abstract

Vitamin C has been suggested as beneficial in preventing and curing the common cold, decreasing the incidence of preterm delivery and preeclampsia, decreasing risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and improving the quality of life by inhibiting blindness and dementia. In this article, we review the hypothesized mechanisms of these purported health benefits and the evidence behind such claims.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / adverse effects
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / chemistry
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / complications
  • Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Common Cold / prevention & control
  • Dementia / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control
  • Pre-Eclampsia / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Vision Disorders / prevention & control
  • Vitamins / adverse effects
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamins
  • Ascorbic Acid