Intravenous (IV) vitamin C has gained attention in recent years as a potential complementary therapy for cancer. It is believed that IV vitamin C can selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This blog post will discuss the mechanisms of action of IV vitamin C in cancer, with references to peer-reviewed journals.
One proposed mechanism of action of IV vitamin C in cancer is its pro-oxidant effects. Cancer cells have higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than healthy cells, and IV vitamin C can increase ROS levels further. ROS are molecules that can damage cells and cause oxidative stress. In healthy cells, antioxidants neutralize ROS and protect against oxidative damage. However, cancer cells have lower levels of antioxidants and are more vulnerable to oxidative stress. IV vitamin C can exploit this vulnerability by increasing ROS levels to a point where cancer cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) while sparing healthy cells.
Studies have shown that IV vitamin C can induce apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. One study investigated the effects of IV vitamin C on colorectal cancer cells and found that it induced apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. The authors also found that IV vitamin C inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in mice with colorectal cancer.
Another proposed mechanism of action of IV vitamin C in cancer is its effects on immune function. Vitamin C is known to enhance immune function, and IV vitamin C can achieve higher plasma concentrations than oral vitamin C. High plasma concentrations of vitamin C have been shown to stimulate the production of interferons, which are antiviral proteins that can also inhibit tumor growth. IV vitamin C has also been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that can recognize and kill cancer cells.
A study investigated the effects of IV vitamin C on patients with ovarian cancer and found that it enhanced immune function. The authors found that IV vitamin C increased natural killer cell activity and stimulated the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules involved in immune function. The authors also reported that IV vitamin C improved quality of life in these patients.
IV vitamin C may also have effects on signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. One study investigated the effects of IV vitamin C on pancreatic cancer cells and found that it inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The NF-κB pathway is involved in inflammation and cell survival and is often dysregulated in cancer cells. Inhibition of this pathway can lead to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
Another study investigated the effects of IV vitamin C on angiogenesis, which is the process by which new blood vessels are formed. Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. The authors found that IV vitamin C inhibited angiogenesis by reducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a protein that promotes angiogenesis.
IV vitamin C has gained attention as a potential complementary therapy for cancer. The mechanisms of action of IV vitamin C in cancer are not entirely clear, but several hypotheses have been proposed. IV vitamin C may induce apoptosis in cancer cells by increasing ROS levels, enhance immune function by stimulating the production of interferons and natural killer cells, and inhibit signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of IV vitamin C in cancer and to determine its potential as a therapeutic agent.
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Intravenous Vitamin C for the Treatment of Infection: Evidence and Potential Benefits Home > Blogs Author Dr. Gaurang Ramesh Date July 16, 2023 Intravenous (IV) vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has been used in medicine for decades as a treatment for various infections. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key […]
Intravenous Vitamin C’s Mechanisms of Action in Cancer: Exploring the Evidence Home > Blogs Author Dr. Gaurang Ramesh Date July 16, 2023 Intravenous (IV) vitamin C has gained attention in recent years as a potential complementary therapy for cancer. It is believed that IV vitamin C can selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This […]
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