High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C (Ascorbate) found to be "Remarkably Safe"

A study was conducted recently by the Molecular and Clinical Nutrition Section at the NIDDK on Vitamin C. It was designed to assess the use and safety of high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C administration by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners. The authors found that a) high-dose IV vitamin C  is widely used by CAM practitioners, most commonly in the treatment of patients with infection, cancer, or fatigue; and b) aside from already known complications of IV vitamin C in patients with renal impairment or glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, high-dose IV vitamin C use was  found to be "remarkably safe." Of 199 practitioners who responded to a survey, 172 administered IV vitamin C to their patients, totaling 11,233 in the year 2006 and 8,876 in the year 2008. On average, the dose administered was 28 grams every 4 days, with a total of 22 treatments per patient. Data from 9,328 patients was available, and of these patients, 101 were found to have mostly minor side effects including lethargy/fatigue in 59 patients, change in mental status in 21 patients, and vein irritation/phlebitis in 6 patients. Regarding serious adverse  events, the authors found that there had been 2 deaths, both in patients known to be at risk for IV vitamin C. The authors conclude, "Physicians should inquire about IV vitamin C use      in patients with cancer, chronic, untreatable, or intractable conditions and be observant of unexpected harm, drug interactions, or benefit."