Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size5 studies · 2 beneficial · 3 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 5 studies, 2 reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of Vitamin C on reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), while 3 studies found neutral effects. The predominant effect size is mixed, as only a minority of studies showed benefit. The median study duration was 42 days, and the most-studied dose range was 250-1000 mg/day, primarily in clinical populations (e.g., septic shock patients, hemodialysis patients, older women with sarcopenia).
- Effective dose range: 250-1000 mg/day
- Studied populations: clinical populations (septic shock patients, hemodialysis patients, older women with sarcopenia) and healthy young males
Caveats: Many of the included studies did not reach statistical significance — effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests. Evidence base is small (only 5 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Two studies showing benefit were in acute/severe clinical settings (sepsis), while studies in chronic conditions (hemodialysis, sarcopenia) showed no effect, suggesting benefits may be context-dependent.
Generated Jul 14, 2026