Pediatria pre prax 6/2019
The use of vitamin C in paediatrics – what is new?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble substance with an irreplaceable role (not only) in the organism of a child. Thanks to vitamin C, the correct function of several enzymes, course of redox reactions and protection against antioxidative and pro-oxidative processes are possible. New studies show that the spectrum of effects does not end with these traditional functions. The ascorbic acid affects the course of upper respiratory tract infections, viral myocarditis, development of autoimmune processes linked with diabetes, regulates endothelial dysfunction and reduces negative impacts of nicotinism on the developing foetus. It may be successfully used as a substitution for unavailable medication.
Keywords: vitamin C, methemoglobinaemia, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, myocarditis, smoking during pregnancy
