High-dose Vitamin C: An Emerging Complementary Care Option from a Research Perspective
High-Dose Vitamin C as a Promising Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Layman’s Summary
Based on Zhao et al., 2025. Genes & Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101742
What’s the Big Idea?
Researchers are exploring high-dose vitamin C (HDVC) — much higher than what you’d get from food or supplements — as a potential cancer treatment. When given through intravenous (IV) injection, vitamin C behaves differently and may help kill cancer cells.
How Does It Fight Cancer?
- Creates Stress Inside Cancer Cells
At high doses, vitamin C produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) — unstable molecules that damage cancer cells from the inside out. - Targets Iron-Rich Tumors
Cancer cells often contain extra iron, which reacts with vitamin C to produce even more ROS. This makes them especially vulnerable. - Sneaks In Through Sugar Pathways
Cancer cells crave sugar and overproduce transporters (GLUT1/SVCT2) to absorb it. These same transporters also pull in vitamin C, which then overloads the cell and causes damage. - Reprograms Genes
Vitamin C helps reactivate tumor-suppressing genes by reversing abnormal DNA methylation. This slows cancer growth and promotes healthy cell behavior. - Boosts the Immune System
It strengthens immune cells like T cells and natural killer cells, helping the body fight cancer more effectively. It also works well with immunotherapy drugs.
What Have Scientists Found?
- In lab studies, HDVC kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
- Works especially well on cancers with KRAS or BRAF mutations.
- Helps immune cells become stronger cancer fighters.
- In clinical trials, HDVC is safe and may reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
- However, results on tumor shrinkage and survival are mixed.
What’s Next?
Researchers recommend:
- Using HDVC alongside standard treatments like chemo and immunotherapy.
- Finding ways to predict which patients will benefit.
- Running better-designed trials to prove its effectiveness.
Bottom Line
High-dose vitamin C isn’t a miracle cure, but it’s a promising tool in the cancer-fighting arsenal. With more research, it could become a valuable supportive therapy to help patients feel better and fight harder.
Disclaimer：
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor should it replace professional medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or integrative oncology specialist before making any changes to their diet, treatment plan, or lifestyle based on the content herein. Therapies and tests mentioned, including immune or integrative treatments, should always be…
All product names, test references, and therapy mentions are for informational context only and do not constitute endorsement. Results and experiences may vary among individuals.
Reference
- Zhao H, Fu W, Yang X, Zhang W, Wu S, Ma J, Zhang T, Yao H, Zhang Z. High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges. Genes & Diseases. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101742