Systematic review finds limited evidence for high-dose vitamin C in trauma patients, calls for larger trials

4d ago· 13 min readenInsight

Summary

This systematic review evaluates the evidence for intravenous high-dose vitamin C in adult trauma patients. Registered on PROSPERO and following PRISMA guidelines, the review searched six databases up to December 2025. Six studies (three RCTs and three cohort studies) met inclusion criteria. Findings suggest potential benefits including lower mortality, reduced ICU and hospital stays, and lower rates of sepsis and organ failure. However, the evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes, resulting in low certainty. The authors conclude that high-quality, adequately powered RCTs with standardized protocols are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.

Source

Twitter / XSystematic review finds limited evidence for high-dose vitamin C in trauma patients, calls for larger trialsmilitaryhealth.bmj.com

Key quotes

· 5 pulled

This review identifies the potential benefit of intravenous high-dose vitamin C in trauma patients, supported by a strong biological rationale.

The studies included are heterogeneous, which limits their strength and results in low certainty of our presented evidence.

High-quality, adequately powered RCTs with standardised protocols, including dosing regimen and timing, are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.

The included studies suggest patients receiving high-dose vitamin C may have a significantly lower mortality with significantly reduced intensive care unit and hospital stays.

Vitamin C, which has a role in vasopressor synthesis, endothelial function and antioxidant defence, is rapidly depleted in critical illness.

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Background Major trauma and polytrauma are leading causes of mortality, driven by haemorrhagic shock and a dysregulated inflammatory response. Vitamin C, which has a role in vasopressor synthesis, endothelial function and antioxidant defence, is rapidly d

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