Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) is commonly used in traditional and complementary medicine to support respiratory health, including conditions like bronchitis. The rationale stems from vitamin C’s well-known antioxidant properties and its role in immune function. Historically, vitamin C has been suggested to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, and some practitioners have extrapolated these effects to bronchitis. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting vitamin C supplementation for the treatment or prevention of bronchitis is limited.

Most clinical research on vitamin C has focused on the common cold and general immune support rather than bronchitis specifically. A few studies have explored vitamin C for respiratory infections, but results are mixed and generally do not show strong or consistent benefits for bronchitis. For example, a Cochrane review on vitamin C for preventing and treating pneumonia and respiratory infections did not find sufficient evidence to recommend routine use for bronchitis. The use of sodium ascorbate, a buffered form of vitamin C, is primarily based on its gentler effect on the stomach rather than any unique efficacy against bronchitis.

In summary, the use of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) for bronchitis is primarily based on tradition and the general belief in its immune-boosting effects. There is weak scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for bronchitis, meriting a low evidence rating.

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