Sept. 12, 2005 -- Vitamin C may have some cancer-fighting potential, new research shows.
About the Study
Levine's team studied vitamin C (also called ascorbate or ascorbic acid) and cancer cells in lab tests. Vitamin C appeared to boost production of hydrogen peroxide, which killed cancer cells and left healthy cells unharmed.
The levels of vitamin C were so high that they could only be achieved through IV infusions.
"These findings give plausibility to IV ascorbic acid in cancer treatment, and have unexpected implications for treatment of infections where hydrogen peroxide may be beneficial," write the researchers.
Vitamin C's Role
Vitamin C didn't directly tackle cancer. Instead, it may set the stage for hydrogen peroxide production, says Levine.
"One would never want to give intravenous hydrogen peroxide," says Levine.
"If hydrogen peroxide formed in the blood or were given directly, either blood will destroy it or if enough hydrogen peroxide is given, hydrogen peroxide will break the red cells and cause havoc to the kidneys," he says.
When vitamin C is injected, it appears to diffuse outside of the bloodstream, allowing reactions to generate hydrogen peroxide.
"You don't want hydrogen peroxide in the blood itself," says Levine. "But if hydrogen peroxide is present outside the blood, there is the potential that it could work as a drug."