IV Vitamin C
IV Vitamin C and Cancer Care
There is much research regarding the use of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in cancer therapy. However, most of the research focuses on oral rather than the more effective intravenous (IV) route of administration. IV vitamin C has a significantly greater effect on immune enhancement than the conventional oral route of administration.
Oral doses of vitamin C can only achieve maximum blood concentrations of 220 micromoles per liter. At this concentration, vitamin C acts as an anti-oxidant, protecting healthy cells from oxidative stress and against some bacteria and viruses. It remains good advice to take your vitamin C at the first sign of a cold.
Research shows that blood levels greater than 1,000 micromoles per liter are toxic to cancer cells. These levels cannot be achieved by taking oral vitamin C.
How IV Vitamin C Therapy Works Against Cancer Cells
When given intravenously, high levels of vitamin C in the blood generate the production of hydrogen peroxide, a known toxin to cancer cells. Whereas normal cells have the ability to reduce the effects of hydrogen peroxide, cancer cells do not have the same mechanism of action in this regard.
In laboratory experiments of human lymphoma cancer cells, hydrogen peroxide exposure results in cell death. When high doses of vitamin C is added to human lymphoma cancer cells, cell death was identical and due to the generation of hydrogen peroxide from the vitamin C2.
These experiments show vitamin C at high concentrations does not actually work as an anti-oxidant as it does when given orally at lower doses, but as a pro-oxidant. Pro-oxidants cause cancer cell death due to the low levels of anti-oxidant properties present in tumor cells. Vitamin C at high doses only acts as a pro-oxidant, similar in mechanism to some cancer medication therapies but without the toxic side effects.
Our current intravenous vitamin C protocols for cancer care, suggest maximum benefit from one to two infusions of 50 - 75 grams per week for about 6 months, then a reassessment with your practitioner.
Vitamin C for Wellness and Immunity:
Vitamin C is an essential water soluble vitamin; since our body cannot produce it, we need to get it through our diet or supplementation. At lower doses than that used to treat cancer, Vitamin C plays a host of impressive roles in enhancing wellness, reducing the aging process and increasing our immune responses to diseases and infections. As a powerful anti-oxidant, Vitamin C protects all our cells and tissues from the oxidative stress damage and ensuing inflammation caused by circulating free radicals. Chronic diseases are often linked to the accumulated stress from free radicals, and by increasing our Vitamin C levels we can help our body maintain a state of wellness. Vitamin C is essential for the normal growth and repair of connective tissue, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and healthy skin and is also linked to shortened wound healing. Vitamin C is widely known for boosting our immunity, as it is involved in many parts of our immune system, including encouraging the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, thereby protecting us from infections. Further, Vitamin C helps white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them against free radical damage.
Studies have shown that the inflammation from oxidative stress in central nervous system tissue, may be linked to symptoms of dementia , including poor memory and therefore increasing vitamin c may improve these conditions.
Integrative Treatment Options
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Integrative Medicine
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