This secondary analysis of the LOVIT trial investigated whether the abrupt cessation of vitamin C administration contributed to increased mortality in the vitamin C group. Using Cox regression, the study found no difference in mortality between the vitamin C and placebo groups during the 4-day treatment period. However, a significant increase in mortality (RR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9; p = 0.004) was observed in the vitamin C group during the week following the abrupt termination of vitamin C. The authors conclude that the increased mortality is attributable to the abrupt cessation, not the vitamin C itself, and that the LOVIT trial's findings should not be interpreted as evidence against vitamin C therapy for critically ill patients.
