Vitamin C May Help Treat Severe Coronavirus Cases: Study; Experts Suggest Eating These Foods

The role of vitamin C nutrient in strengthening the immune system to prevent Coronavirus has largely been advocated ever since the pandemic started. Many health experts emphasised the need to achieve sufficiency of the nutrient by increasing the consumption of vitamin C-rich foods. Building up on the premise, a recent study magnified the role of vitamin C in relation to COVID-19. An Otago University researcher has claimed that vitamin C may also help in the treatment of patients with severe Coronavirus cases. The study was published in the journal 'Nutrients'. 

Many past studies have established a strong relationship between vitamin C and prevention and treatment of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and sepsis. This laid the foundation for translation of these findings into patients with severe coronavirus disease. Many of the functions of vitamin C appear relevant to COVID-19-related sepsis and ARDS.

"Overall, vitamin C exhibits plausible mechanisms of action that are of relevance to severe respiratory infection, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and immuno-modulatory functions. Based on the findings from clinical trials of patients with pneumonia and sepsis, and preliminary observational and interventional studies of COVID-19 patients, it is likely that vitamin C administration will improve outcomes in COVID-19," said Otago's Associate Professor Anitra Carr, author of the study, while also clarifying that further studies need to be done to provide corroborative evidence. Vitamin C cannot be seen as a treatment or cure for Coronavirus. 

(Also Read: Vitamin D Deficiency Found In 80% COVID-19 Patients; Food Suggested By Experts)

Eat Vitamin C rich foods to boost immunity and aid quicker recovery from pneumonia.

Rupali Dutta, consultant nutritionist, asserts, "The most important function of Vitamin C is that it acts as an antioxidant and boosts the immune system, which can be extremely beneficial in the times of COVID-19. "

FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India) - the apex food regulator of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - suggested some foods with high vitamin C content, which you can include in your diet.

Vitamin C-rich foods for your diet:

Citrus Fruits -

There are a slew of seasonal citrus-rich fruits you can pick for your vitamin C requirement. Experts suggest that consuming even one lemon or orange in a day can be enough to get your daily vitamin C fix.

Tomato -

It's a good thing that vitamin C-rich tomatoes are a basic ingredient for almost all recipes. Curries, gravies, sandwich filling, salads and even chutney, there are several ways to include tomatoes in your diet.

Bell Pepper -

Addition of bell peppers in any dish gives ample vitamin C kick. Italian, Indian, Continental - pick any cuisine and add a dash of tangy bell peppers.

Guava -

As the monsoons pave way for winters, guavas start flocking the markets. Reap the benefits of this Vitamin C-rich seasonal fruit by eating it raw or juicing it or by making Indian amrood ki sabzi with it.

Amla

The Indian gooseberry is an excellent source of vitamin C. Amla ka murabba, amla chutney, amla juice - these are the best ways to incorporate amla in your daily diet.

Stay healthy and safe during the pandemic by including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet.
 

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)