Vitamin C is known to have numerous benefits such as helping with heart health, prenatal health problems, and protection against immune system deficiencies. But now it possibly has another hidden advantage that is creating a lot of buzz.
A new study shows that vitamin C might be helpful in fighting tumor cells.
NBC explains, “Tests in the lab, in mice and finally in real patients suggest a special intravenous formulation of the vitamin may enhance chemotherapy, and may reduce side effects at the same time. Tests on ovarian tumor cells in lab dishes showed it busted up DNA in cancer cells but not in other cell types. Adding chemotherapy accelerated the effect. Not only did the treatment appear to do no harm, but it also seemed to kill the tumor cells better and reduce side effects from the chemotherapy.”
The experts involved in the study were quite excited by the results. They were surprised at the fact that vitamin C was helpful in ovarian cancer patients as ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. One expert who was not involved in the study told Reuters, “Ascorbate (vitamin C) could be a useful addition to existing therapy as a combination agent because of its low toxicity profile.”
The study’s lead author issued a statement saying, “We believe that the time has arrived for research agencies to vigorously support thoughtful and meticulous clinical trials with intravenous vitamin.” Physicians cannot use vitamin C alone to treat cancer but the vitamin is useful in combatting certain cancers when it is coupled with existing treatment.