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Review
. 2019 Aug 16;9(3):73-79.
doi: 10.1556/1886.2019.00016. eCollection 2019 Oct 3.

Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin C

Soraya Mousavi  1 , Stefan Bereswill  1 , Markus M Heimesaat  1
Affiliations
Review

Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Vitamin C

Soraya Mousavi et al. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). .

Abstract

Humans have lost their vitamin C-synthesizing capacities during evolution. Therefore, the uptake of this essential compound from external sources is mandatory in order to prevent vitamin C-deficient conditions resulting in severe morbidities such as scurvy. The potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiinfectious effects of vitamin C are known since the 1930s. We here (i) review the impact of vitamin C on innate and adaptive immune functions, (ii) provide an overview of its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties, and finally, (iii) discuss vitamin C as an adjunct treatment option for the combat of human infections by bacteria, particularly by emerging multidrug-resistant species.

Keywords: anti-microbial synergy; antibacterial effects; ascorbic acid; immunomodulatory properties; vitamin C.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest S.B. and M.M.H. are Editorial Board members.

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