Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Symptoms often include a persistent cough, weight loss, breathlessness and coughing up blood. If untreated it may spread to other parts of the body causing weakness, dizziness and seizures. You can help to prevent lung cancer by not smoking and eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Vitamin C may also help to prevent lung cancer, although evidence to prove this is limited. Talk to your health-care provider before taking supplemental vitamin C.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in numerous physiological and biochemical processes, including collagen production and protein synthesis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it might also play a role in the treatment of a number of ailments, including the common cold, bronchitis, asthma, Parkinson's disease, hypertension and glaucoma. It is also sometimes used to help prevent or treat cancer and may induce cancer cell death.
Sources and Administration
A number of foods and beverages contain vitamin C in varying amounts, including citrus fruits, berries, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and orange juice. It is also available as a dietary supplement in tablets or capsules. Guidance regarding the dosage required to help treat or prevent lung cancer is unclear, but your doctor may be able to advise you.
Effectiveness
The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin C can help to reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds and improve immune response. Studies evaluating the efficacy of vitamin C as a lung cancer treatment are limited, although the results of a study published in the March 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine" show that taking a vitamin C supplement does not help to prevent lung cancer.
Considerations
Taking a vitamin C supplement is unlikely to cause any serious adverse events, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, but it may cause mild side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Don't take a vitamin C supplement if you are undergoing active treatment for lung cancer, as it may interfere with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
References
- NHS Choices: Lung Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Vitamin C
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine"; Long-Term Use of Supplemental Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Folate Does Not Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer; C.G. Slatore, et al.; March 2008
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