Key Takeaway
Comprehensive review established vitamin C's essential roles in immune function, with deficiency impairing immunity and supplementation potentially beneficial during infection.
Summary
Detailed review of vitamin C's role in supporting various aspects of immune function.
Methods
- Narrative review
- Examined innate and adaptive immunity
- Deficiency and supplementation effects
- Mechanistic and clinical evidence
Key Results
- Essential for neutrophil function
- Supports epithelial barrier integrity
- Antioxidant protection during infection
- Deficiency impairs immune response
- Supplementation may shorten infections
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Limitations
- Optimal dose unclear
- Individual requirements vary
- Most data from deficient populations
- High-dose effects less clear