High-Dose Vitamin C in Cancer Care: A Simple Approach

Blood oranges are packed with vitamins C and A and contain a compound called anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant. Yusev/Shutterstock

Professor Ian Brighthope, founding president of Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and president for over 26 years, has long been a supporter of high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) in cancer care.

He believes it has been a life-saving treatment for many cancer patients and should be part of every cancer treatment plan.

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 defence 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 (ROS).

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,” explains Professor Brighthope. “It also helps make more collagen, which can slow the growth and spread of cancer.”

Vitamin C also stops cancer from growing new blood vessels, which are needed for the tumour to get bigger. It does this by affecting the genes that control blood vessel growth, making it harder for tumours to expand.

The Benefits of High-Dose Vitamin C

While high-dose vitamin C doesn’t always shrink tumours, it’s known to improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.

“Patients report feeling less tired, less nauseous, and less depressed,” says Professor Brighthope. “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.

Professor Brighthope also points out that vitamin C can reduce inflammation, which is often higher in cancer patients. By lowering inflammation, vitamin C can help ease pain and discomfort.

Safety of High-Dose Vitamin C

HDIVC is generally safe, even at high doses. The most common side effects are mild, such as 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.

“HDIVC has been shown to be safe when given under medical supervision,” Professor Brighthope says.

Does High-Dose Vitamin C Interfere with Chemotherapy?

There’s still some debate about whether vitamin C affects chemotherapy, but Professor Brighthope believes it can actually help.

“Some studies show it might boost chemotherapy’s effectiveness,” he explains.

“Cancer patients are often low on vitamin C because of the disease itself and the treatments they undergo. Vitamin C is crucial for the immune system, and it can help improve their overall health.”

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.

“We need more clinical trials to find the best ways to use vitamin C and make sure it becomes a standard part of cancer care,” Professor Brighthope says.

Conclusion

Professor Brighthope 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.

He concludes that, “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.”