Role of Vitamin C in Children having Pneumonia

Approximately 9 million children under 5 years of age die yearly in the world. About 2 million children under 5 years die of pneumonia yearly, mainly in the African and South-East Asia regions. It is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age in Pakistan. Childhood pneumonia is a primary cause of mortality under-five years of age in Pakistan with an estimated 10 million cases occurring annually. Standardized case management of pneumonia has resulted in a 30%-40% reduction in deaths from this disease. Therefore researchers are looking for therapies that can further reduce the mortality and improve survival in children with pneumonia. One such factor is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a physiological antioxidant, which protects host cells against oxidative stress caused by infections. The work done proves and recommends prophylactic supplementation of vitamin C for prevention of pneumonia especially if vitamin C intake is low in diet.

Autorentext

Dr Asma Yaqub profesor nadzwyczajny pediatrii, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad, MBBS, MCPS, FCPS (College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan).