In the face of the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) pandemic, it is surprising that key players in the medical fraternity, particularly the WHO (World Health Organisation), are so fixated o­n finding the cause of the disease, rather than prevention through individual protection. Virtually nothing is done to educate the public about how to minimise the risk of contracting the disease.

It is a scientific fact that Vitamin C plays a vital role in boosting the body against infection. Vitamin C is found in large quantities in leucocytes (white blood cells). During infection and the phagocytosis (destruction of bacteria and foreign bodies) process, much of the vitamin depletes from the cells very quickly. Vitamin C deficiency affects phagocytosis of bacteria by leucocytes (Cottingham & Mills, 1943). When leucocytes migrate into an injured or infected area, they absorb large amount of Vitamin C (Bourne, 1944).

To put it simply, the white blood cells depend o­n Vitamin C for their scavenging ability. Therefore it is a forgone conclusion that Vitamin C serves to protect us against infectious diseases, whether they be flu, tuberculosis, diphtheria, or Sars.

During this period of Sars epidemic, it would be wise for individuals to consume food rich in natural Vitamin C, such as lime juice, guava, papaya, and fruits which are high in citric acid and sour in nature. (It is pertinent to point out here that perhaps it is a big mistake for mankind, in particular the agriculturists, due to commercial appeal, to bio-engineer our fruits to become sweeter and sweeter, containing increasingly more fructose).

Taking natural Vitamin C as supplements is also advisable. However much can be wasted and passed out through urine if the level of sugar (glucose) is too high in our body. Vitamin C and glucose has similar molecular structure. Like calcium and phosphorus compete for positioning in our bones and teeth, sodium and potassium compete for positioning in our intra-cellular fluids, Vitamin C and glucose compete for positioning in our leucocytes.

If we consume too much sugar (all forms of sugars included - synthetic sweeteners, sweet fruits, carbohydrates), Vitamin C will be denied its rightful place in the leucocytes, hence threatening easy infection.

Regular exercise will also help because stored glucose as glycogen will be depleted, giving more space for Vitamin C into the leucocytes.

So, as a natural protection against Sars and all infectious diseases, which WHO for some insidious reasons omitted to advice, let us eat more food rich in Vitamin C, teach our children to eat no junk food and drinks which are high in refined sugar, rather than waiting for a patented vaccine or drug, and let our health authorities do their work of containment.