Relationship: Antibiotics (alternatives to) and vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been investigated as an adjunct to antibiotics or as a potential alternative in combating bacterial infections. The scientific rationale stems from its well-known antioxidant properties and its role in immune function. Experimental studies, particularly in vitro and in animal models, have demonstrated that vitamin C can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, enhance the activity of phagocytes, and potentially disrupt biofilms that protect bacteria from antibiotics. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics against resistant bacteria, making antibiotics more effective. Additionally, vitamin C's immune-boosting effects might help the body clear infections more efficiently. Clinical studies in humans, however, are limited and often yield mixed results. A few small trials have explored vitamin C as an adjunctive therapy in infections like tuberculosis and sepsis, with some reporting reduced oxidative stress or improved clinical outcomes, while others show no significant benefit. There is not enough robust evidence to recommend vitamin C as a standalone alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. Instead, its use is best considered as a supportive measure rather than a replacement for standard antibiotic therapy. Overall, the current scientific evidence supports a potential adjunctive role for vitamin C, especially in specific cases or populations, but does not validate its use as a primary alternative to antibiotics. More high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to clarify its effectiveness in this context.

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Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Ajoene
astragalus
bacillus clausii
bacillus subtilis
berberine
black cumin
black walnut
caprylic acid
caterpillar mushroom
clove
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus lactis
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
Lentinula edodes mycelia
Mastic gum
Monolaurin
oregano
oregon grape
oyster mushroom
phenolic compounds
plantain
butyric acid
rhizome
sage
shiitake mushroom
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
Zinc
Yellow root
papaya
Neem tree
Clerodendrum indicum
pistacia integerrima gall
paederia foetida
pau d'arco
Myrrh
Morinda
oriental arborvitae
melaleuca alternifolia
Algae
geranium
red root
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
Allicin
anamu
Alchornea
aucubin
andrographolide
Andrographis
Alstonia scholaris
Asteraceae
Allyl sulfide
Acemannan
Algal protein
Alliin
Alantolactone
bee propolis
Bacillus indicus
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
betulinic acid
Butea monosperma
Brazilian peppertree
bee hive
Basidiomycota
Bacillus licheniformis
Brevibacillus laterosporus
bee products
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
baicalin
coconut
capric acid
Calotropis gigantea
coconut oil
carvacrol
Chinese raisintree
cinnamic acid
citral
Centipeda
chalcone
Clostridium butyricum
cinnamaldehyde
copaiba oil
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Embelia
eugenol
flavonoids
Fomes fomentarius
fungus
gallic acid
glyceryl monolaurate
Guava
garlic
golden shower tree
honey
heal-all
Houttuynia
Helicteres isora
Herb Robert
isoquinoline alkaloids
Isatis
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Kefir
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
lichen
lysozyme
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lactobacillus
L. lactis
Lysimachia
Lauric arginate
Mushroom
Naphthoquinones
Nisin
Nigella seed
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
Oroxylum indicum
Oleuropein
Osha
Oligosaccharides
Onosma bracteatum
Phycocyanin
Propolis
Premna
polysaccharides
pagoda tree
polylysine
Paenibacillus polymyxa
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phlorotannins
Platycodon
Paris polyphylla
Pleurotus eryngii
Physalis angulata
Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
red alder
Rhus coriaria
Spilanthes
Sicklepod
Sophora
Sesbania
Spanish Needle
Streptomyces
Streptomyces cellulosae
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Solanum indicum
Streptomyces fradiae
Sarcandra glabra
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Streptomyces griseoflavus
saponins
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Terminalia
Thymoquinone
Tannins
Tamaricaceae
Thymol
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Tulbaghia
Trametes
Tagetes
Thiosulfinate
Tremella
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Abrasions
Abscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adrenal Fatigue
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
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Colds (prevention)
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Conjunctivitis
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Copper Toxicity
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Debility
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Denture Sores
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Pollution
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Problems
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Fatigue
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Free Radical Damage
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
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Hepatitis
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Infertility
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Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
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Knees (weak)
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Liver Detoxification
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
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Memory and Brain Function
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Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nose Bleeds
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type H
Pneumonia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prolapsed Uterus
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Radiation Sickness
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Scurvy
Shingles
Shock
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Spider Veins
Spinal Disks
Sprains
Strep Throat
Stretch Marks
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Teeth (loose)
Tendonitis
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Uric Acid Retention
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles

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Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin CFor the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)