Vitamin C in sepsis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review summarizes recent insights into the role of vitamin C in sepsis.

RECENT FINDINGS: Septic shock remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Although many nutritional supplements have previously been tested unsuccessfully, vitamins are still being explored as a therapeutic option in septic patients. In particular, vitamin C-containing regimens as adjunctive therapy in sepsis have received much attention.

SUMMARY: In-vitro evidence supports a critical role for vitamin C in cellular mechanisms relevant to the pathophysiology of sepsis. However, whether this justifies therapeutic use of vitamin C in septic patients remains uncertain.