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Can an Orange a Day Keep Cancer Away?

No, but study finds vitamin C injections may slow tumor growth

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 5, 2008 8:17 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Injections of high doses of vitamin C may help the body fight tumors, a new study has found. While previous tests have shown that oral doses don't provide much cancer-fighting help, the high concentrations injected into lab mice resulted in only half as much tumor growth as in the control group, Reuters reports.

"The key finding here is that this is ascorbic acid used as a drug that appears to have some promise in treating some cancers," said the study's lead researcher. Scientists speculate that the vitamin creates toxic hydrogen peroxide within cancer cells. Comparable doses of vitamin C are likely safe for humans.

When in the body, ascorbic acid creates higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, which kills cancer cells more readily than other cells.
When in the body, ascorbic acid creates higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, which kills cancer cells more readily than other cells.   (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)
Previous studies that found little improvement in people given vitamin C involved oral doses; injections of ascorbic acid had more marked effects on lab mice with tumors.
Previous studies that found little improvement in people given vitamin C involved oral doses; injections of ascorbic acid had more marked effects on lab mice with tumors.   ((c) Gaetan Lee)
Injections of high doses of vitamin C kill cancer cells but not healthy body cells, though researchers aren't sure why.
Injections of high doses of vitamin C kill cancer cells but not healthy body cells, though researchers aren't sure why.   ((c) kokopinto)
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Abstract of the journal article
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

But vitamin C can interfere with other treatments
BBC

Other studies have found poorer results
Independent (UK)

 
cancer • medical breakthrough • tumor • medical study • vitamin C • healthy living

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