The Use of Vitamin C for Prophylaxis and Management of COVID-19 in G6PD Deficiency; A Case Report in Nigeria

Abstract

The rationale behind this case report is to identify some adverse effects, if any, in the use of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) by those living with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, an enzymopathy affecting about 400 million people globally. The study was done to ascertain the prophylactic efficacy of ascorbic acid among Nigerians towards contacting COVID-19. There was a case of a G6PD deficient caregiver who agreed for the use of the information voluntarily provided based on his experience in the use of vitamin C between March 15, 2020, and October 30, 2020.  The only time the subject had heartburn, it was quelled using vitamin C enriched fruits. The caregiver experience as a deficient patient of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the use of Vitamin C for COVID-19 prophylaxis without any serious contraindication shows that vitamin C is equally very good in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 in G6PD deficient subjects.