IV Vitamin C Trauma Benefit Review

A review published in BMJ Military Health suggests that high doses of intravenous (IV) vitamin C may reduce death and sepsis risks, and shorten hospital stays for trauma patients. Researchers from the Academic Department of Military Trauma and Orthopaedics in Birmingham and Imperial College London Centre for Blast Injury Studies conducted the systematic review of six studies involving 5,171 patients. While the findings show possible benefits, including lower 30-day mortality and reduced sepsis rates, the quality of evidence is not yet sufficient to recommend its routine use. The study highlights the need for more rigorous, high-quality randomized clinical trials to determine optimal dosing and timing before clinical adoption, especially considering its potential application in contexts like the war in Ukraine.