How Vitamin C Evidence Was Censored Because of Covid

Part One: Low-risk treatment offers potential even as it stirs controversy

Vitamin C has collected a long list of studies looking into its effects on a range of conditions and biological processes, from immune response to neurodegenerative disease. leonori/Shutterstock

Many of us reach for vitamin C for any cold or flu. But doctors who administer, or even promote, this nutrient to treat COVID-19 risk intimidation and censorship.

On April 23, FBI agents raided the Allure Medical Clinic in Shelby Township, Michigan. The visit came soon after Allure announced that it was treating COVID-19 patients using intravenous vitamin C therapy, “with great results.”

In a press release, the clinic’s founder, osteopath Dr. Charles Mok, offered free, high-dose vitamin C treatments to anyone working closely with the public: hospital staff, police, first responders, and grocery store workers. Anyone else who had been exposed to the virus or exhibiting symptoms was also welcome to try the treatment. Mok said his aim was to support people’s immune systems and help those with the COVID-19 virus recover quicker.

“We want to provide this treatment to those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay,” he said.

Mok was charged with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Michigan claims that Mok took “advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19 to profit illegally” by offering high-dose intravenous vitamin C infusions to patients at risk of contracting COVID-19, and those who tested positive for the virus.

“In multiple launch videos, Dr. Mok claimed that Allure offered the infusions because vitamin C reduces the severity of symptoms, duration of illness, and therefore the contagiousness of COVID-19 and significantly increases the immunity system of those who have a high risk for contracting the virus. There are currently no known U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines or drugs to treat COVID-19,” says the statement.

Dr. Andrew W. Saul says he’s taken heat for suggesting that vitamin C may help treat and protect people from COVID-19, and he knows doctors across the country who are facing similar examples of intimidation and censorship for stating that vitamin C can help patients suffering from COVID-19, and protect others from getting sick.

“These so called raids are deliberately done to intimidate doctors because they are afraid of losing their medical license. But it’s more of a political than a medical situation,” Saul said.

Saul is the founder and editor of the Orthomolecular News Service (ONS)—an organization that promotes the use of substances natural to the body to address illness. Since January, Saul has sent out several press releases to share studies and clinical evidence demonstrating the success of treating COVID-19 with Vitamin C. But he says his message is repeatedly censored.

Vitamin C has collected a long list of studies looking into its effects on a range of conditions and biological processes, from immune response to neurodegenerative disease. While the vitamin doesn’t always prove effective, it often shows promising results across several conditions largely thanks to its antioxidant status.