Ascorbic acid, also called vitamin C, has many effects on your body and may be included as part of the treatment of various types of cancer. Ascorbic acid may also play a role in the prevention of cancer, although more research is needed to determine the extent of vitamin C's effects on your body's resistance to cancer cells. Ascorbic acid is not meant to replace traditional medical treatment for cancer, and you should always consult your physician or oncologist before using any vitamin or nutritional supplement while undergoing any type of cancer treatment.
Immune System
Ascorbic acid helps your immune system to function more efficiently by promoting the growth and repair of cells throughout your body and protects your body from cellular damage by acting as an antioxidant. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food into energy, and over time, can contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases. Ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals so that they cannot damage your cells.
Cancer Prevention
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that ascorbic acid intake is associated with a decreased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, vocal cords, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and lung. According to a study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," men who consumed the recommended daily intake of vitamin C were 64 percent less likely to develop lung cancer than men who did not consume the recommended daily intake.
Tumor Growth
Multiple studies suggest that ascorbic acid has an inhibitory effect on tumor growth and the spread of cancer in your body. A 2010 study published in the journal "In Vivo" found that ascorbic acid suppressed tumor growth in rats with prostate cancer. A 2009 study published in the "International Journal of Oncology" found that vitamin C inhibits the spread of tumors in humans without damaging healthy cells around the tumor.
Recommendations
Citrus fruit is high in natural ascorbic acid, as well as many different vegetables and berries. Ascorbic acid is also widely available as a nutritional supplement that comes in a variety of forms. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking vitamin C supplements two to three times daily with meals for a total of at least 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. However, up to 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid daily appears to be safe and has no side effects.
References
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Williams; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- "Linus Pauling Institute"; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon; 2006
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Essential Micronutrients in Relation to Carcinogenesis; D. Kromhout; May 1987
- "In Vivo"; Pharmacological Ascorbic Acid Suppresses Syngeneic Tumor Growth and Metastases in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer; H.B. Pollard et al.; May-June 2010
- "International Journal of Oncology"; Fucoidan-Vitamin C Complex Suppresses Tumor Invasion Through Basement Membrane...; Y. Saitoh et al.; November 2009
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