Professor Ian Brighthope, founding president of Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and its president for more than 26 years, has long been a supporter of high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) in cancer care.
How Vitamin C Works in Cancer Treatment
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells in the body. At normal levels, it works as a defense against damage.But when given in high doses intravenously, it turns into something even more powerful: a pro-oxidant.
Pro-oxidants are substances that can initiate or promote oxidative processes, leading to the production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species.
Vitamin C produces hydrogen peroxide, which can damage cancer cells and kill them without harming healthy cells.
“High-dose vitamin C can help trigger cancer cells to die, a process called apoptosis,” Brighthope said. “It also helps make more collagen, which can slow the growth and spread of cancer.”
The Benefits of High-Dose Vitamin C
While high-dose vitamin C doesn’t always shrink tumors, it’s known to improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.“Patients report feeling less tired, less nauseous, and less depressed,” Brighthope said. “They also experience better sleep, more appetite, and better bodily functions.”
These benefits are especially important for patients who are in palliative care, where the goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Safety of High-Dose Vitamin C
HDIVC is generally safe, even at high doses. The most common side effects are mild, and include nausea or dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but can include kidney stones or blood cell damage in patients with a specific genetic condition.Does High-Dose Vitamin C Interfere with Chemotherapy?
There’s still some debate about whether vitamin C affects chemotherapy, but Brighthope said he believes it can actually help.“Some studies show it might boost chemotherapy’s effectiveness,” he said.
What’s Next?
More research by experts in both nutrition and cancer care is needed to understand the best way to use HDIVC in cancer treatment.Conclusion
Brighthope said he believes that HDIVC should be part of every cancer patient’s treatment plan. It helps improve quality of life, reduces inflammation, and directly attacks cancer cells.With more research, it could become an even more powerful tool in the fight against cancer.
“Further research is needed to fully establish its clinical efficacy and optimal use in oncology, and this research should be performed by specialists in nutritional oncology and nutritional medicine,” Brighthope said.
