Question
I have read about the use of high dose vitamin C injections being used to treat people with coronavirus infection. Could this also be used to treat ME?
Answer
In our current state of knowledge I would not recommend the use of high-dose vitamin supplements, including Vitamin C, as a treatment for ME/CFS. Taking high doses of vitamin C can also cause a number of side effects:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Insomnia
There is no reliable evidence to indicate that people with ME/CFS have vitamin deficiencies (with the exception of vitamin D) and no evidence from clinical trials to indicate that vitamins are a safe and effective form of treatment. The situation regarding the use of intravenous Vitamin C as a possible treatment for Covid-19 remains very speculative and unproven.
More information
- The ME Association has a range of detailed information written by Dr Shepherd and its dietary advisers available to download from the Free Literature, including:
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.