From the Research
Vitamin C supplementation, at a dose of 1000 mg/day, should be considered as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of viral hepatitis, as it has been shown to improve liver function profile and antiviral treatment response in Hepatitis C patients. The role of vitamin C in viral hepatitis is primarily based on its antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. During viral hepatitis, patients often experience increased oxidative damage and may have lower vitamin C levels, which can worsen liver injury. Supplementation with vitamin C may help support immune function, promote liver cell regeneration, and potentially reduce viral replication, though it should not replace standard medical treatments for hepatitis, such as antivirals for hepatitis B and C 1.
Key Points
- Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals produced during the inflammatory response to viral infection, potentially limiting hepatocyte damage.
- Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, which is important for liver tissue repair.
- Patients with viral hepatitis can obtain vitamin C through diet by consuming citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and leafy greens, or through supplements if dietary intake is insufficient.
- Those with advanced liver disease should consult healthcare providers before starting supplements, as high doses may occasionally cause digestive discomfort.
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2022, found that vitamin C supplementation improved liver function profile and antiviral treatment response in Hepatitis C patients 1.
Considerations
- While some studies suggest benefits of vitamin C supplementation in viral hepatitis, it should be considered complementary to conventional treatments, not a replacement.
- The use of vitamins, including vitamin C, in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis has been evaluated in several studies, but the results are largely inconclusive due to heterogeneous study designs and populations 2.
- Direct-acting antiviral agents have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C, with treatment response rates above 90% in most cases, including those with unsuccessful pretreatments 3, 4.