Vitamin C in Health: Scientific focus on its anti-cancer efficacy

M. W. Roomi, N Shanker, A Niedzwiecki, M Rath

Journal of Cellular Medicine and Natural Health, June 2016

 

Abstract:

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an undisputable essential vitamin for human health with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties among others. It is a cofactor for a number of metabolic enzymes and has enormous health benefits. Extensive epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies consistently and strongly suggest the benefits of Vitamin C use in cancer treatment. Epidemiological studies have shown that people consuming a diet rich in Vitamin C are less likely to develop cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that vitamin C kills cancer cells while simultaneously supporting normal cells and tissues. Clinical data indicates that intravenous administration of vitamin C is much more effective in achieving higher plasma levels, compared to oral administration, making the former the preferred means of administering Vitamin C to achieve sustainable therapeutic effect in cancer treatment. There are a wide variety of mechanisms by which vitamin C kills cancer cells and prevents their spread which include its roles as an anti-oxidant, an inhibitor of metalloproteinases and a supporter of collagen formation and tissue architecture. The therapeutic effect of Vitamin C is accompanied by the lack of cytotoxicity induced by conventional chemotherapy making it the most desirable anti-cancer therapy and one of the safest substances available to physicians. It has been observed through several studies that the anti-carcinogenic characteristics of Vitamin C are further enhanced in combination with other micronutrients such as lysine, arginine, proline and green tea extract. The synergistic effect of these nutrient mixtures can thus be considered in preventive and therapeutic aspects of cancer.

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