High dose ascorbic acid in Nigerian asthmatics

Forty-one asthmatic patients in remission were randomly allocated to two treatment groups in a double-blind trial. One group took 1 g, of ascorbic acid as one effervescent tablet once daily and the second group took a matching placebo. The asthmatics were selected from those attending the Asthma Clinic. One criterion for selection was the increase in exacerbation during the rainy season. These exacerbations were precipitated by respiratory infection. After 14 weeks, an assessment of the severity and rate of attacks showed that those on ascorbic acid suffered less severe and less frequent attacks of asthma during the study period. Plasma ascorbic acid astimations showed a significant rise in the level in those taking ascorbic acid over those on placebo. (P < 0.01). Cessation of ascorbic acid in the group taking it increased attack rates. It is concluded that high dose ascorbic acid is probably a good prophylaxis in some bronchial asthmatics.