Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient that plays an essential role in the growth and repair of tissues in the body. While it's commonly known for its antioxidant properties and role in immune function, high-dose vitamin C has been studied as a potential adjunctive treatment for cancer.
When taken by mouth, vitamin C is absorbed by the intestines and used by the body. However, when given intravenously, much higher levels of the vitamin can reach the blood, potentially making it more effective against cancer cells. Some studies suggest that high-dose vitamin C may slow the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells and that it can enhance the effect of certain anticancer drugs.
Intravenous vitamin C is used in doses of 25 to 30 mg to support the immune system. At higher doses of 1.1 gram per Kg body weight per infusion cancer cells can be damaged via oxidative injury. Cancer cells do not limit the amount of vitamin C they take up while normal cells can control this. The chemical structure of vitamin C is very similar to glucose. Cancer cells do not differentiate between vitamin C and glucose and take it up in very high amounts. The very high doses within the cancer cells are metabolised to metabolites that are damaging to the cancer cell.
When combined with fasting the differential uptake by cancer cells is likely to be exaggerated.
High-dose vitamin C is generally well tolerated and has fewer side effects than conventional cancer therapies. However, oral vitamin C can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. It's also important to note that people with certain conditions, like a deficiency of the G6PD enzyme, should not take high-dose IV vitamin C due to potential health risks.
- High dose intravenous vitamin c treatment in a patient with lung cancer: A case report
- High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer
- Diverse antitumor effects of ascorbic acid on cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment
- Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C With Chemotherapy for Cisplatin Ineligible Bladder Cancer Patients - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
- High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer
- Clinical Evidence Showing High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C (IVC) Can Kill Cancer Cells
