Effects of High Doses of Vitamin C on Cancer Patients in Singapore: Nine Cases

Integr Cancer Ther. 2016 Jun;15(2):197-204. doi: 10.1177/1534735415622010. Epub 2015 Dec 17.

Abstract

Introduction Intravenous high-dose vitamin C therapy is widely used in naturopathic and integrative oncology; however, a study reviewing its effects has never been performed in Singapore. This article serves to document administration of supportive vitamin C therapy for cancer patients in Singapore.

Methods: The clinical response of 9 cancer patients of differing stages to the regular administration of large doses (25-100 g/d) of intravenous vitamin C (IVC; ascorbic acid) is outlined. Tumor pathology and patient health were verified by doctors who do not practice vitamin C treatment.

Results: Cases suggesting survival beyond prognosis, improvement in quality of life, safe coadministration with and improved tolerance of conventional therapy, and deterioration in clinical condition following withdrawal of vitamin C therapy are documented clinically. Some patients experience the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction-the release of endotoxin from microorganism death resulting in pimples, fever, and body odor-for a few hours after the therapy, but these are resolved quickly with no lasting effects.

Conclusion: Randomized trials of IVC therapy are recommended because it has minimal side effects and has shown promising results.

Keywords: ascorbic acid; cancer; high-dose vitamin C therapy; intravenous vitamin C; nutrition therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life
  • Singapore

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid