SEATTLE -- Vitamins C and E are known to boost the immune system. Now, there's evidence massive doses of these antioxidants may help the body recover after a traumatic injury.

Kellie Cosner and her husband, Jason, were on their way to celebrate their first anniversary when a fierce wind snapped two giant trees.

"One of them just fell right on our moving vehicle. It was very much a freak accident," Kellie said. Jason died instantly. Kellie spent nearly a month in a drug-induced coma.

For the first week, she was given massive doses of vitamins C and E.

"I'm sure they were pumping a lot of synthetic stuff into me, as well, to keep me alive, and it's nice to know that they were pumping nutrients and vitamins in me as well," Kellie said.

When the body is severely injured, it quickly uses up its own supply of antioxidants, fighting off harmful chemicals that attack internal organs.

"What we do with this therapy is to replace those antioxidants and raise them back to high-normal or even super-normal levels to help fight oxidants," said Dr. Ronald Maier, of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

In a study of 600 trauma patients, those who received the vitamin therapy were 50 percent less likely to suffer organ failure and 50 percent less likely to die.

"They are well-proven. They are mandatory in a normal diet, and there is no side effects to these doses," Maier said.

Kellie believes the vitamins helped in her recovery, but said her doctors, nurses, family, and prayer contributed, too.

Patients in the study were given 10 to 100 times the daily recommended doses of vitamins C and E. Although there are no known side effects from these large doses in adults, doctors said that under normal conditions, people should stick to the recommended doses.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Tess Dannaher
Research Coordinator
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, WA
(206) 731-3564

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