Vitamin C in Health and Disease: A Companion Animal Focus

Top Companion Anim Med. 2020 Jun:39:100432. doi: 10.1016/j.tcam.2020.100432. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Abstract

Vitamin C is synthesized in the liver in most species, including dogs and cats, and is widely distributed through body tissues. Vitamin C has an important physiologic role in numerous metabolic functions including tissue growth and maintenance, amelioration of oxidative stress, and immune regulation. It is also a co-factor in the production of important substances such as catecholamines and vasopressin. Decreased vitamin C levels have been documented in a wide variety of diseases, and in critically ill human patients may be associated with increased severity of disease and decreased survival. Intravenous supplementation with vitamin C has been proposed as a potential life-saving treatment in conditions such as septic shock, and results of small some human trials are promising. Data in companion in animals is very limited, but the possible benefits and , seemingly low risk of adverse effects , and the low cost of this treatment make vitamin C therapy a promising area of future investigation in critically ill dogs and cats.

Keywords: Ascorbate; Critical Illness; Oxidative Stress; Sepsis; Vitamin C.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cats
  • Critical Illness
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Pets

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid