Linus Pauling, the Nobel prize winner, was the first to promote the benefits of Vitamin C in the 1970’s. Since then intravenous (IV) Vitamin C has been extensively researched and is commonly used as an effective adjunctive cancer treatment. In the IV form, it has been used for decades in Europe, Canada, USA and Mexico.

Research has shown that infusion of high-dose IV vitamin C is preferentially toxic to cancerous cells (acting as a ‘pro-oxidant’) while being protective of non-cancerous cells. Laboratory and clinical studies indicate that in high enough doses, one can maintain blood plasma concentrations of ascorbate high enough to selectively kill tumor cells. IV Vitamin C can also be taken before and after standard chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, which may improve overall results and may reduce the side effects of these therapies.

Additionally, intravenous vitamin C in combination with other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids can also be effective for a variety of health conditions.

Benefits of IV Vitamin C in Cancer Care May Include:

  • Improved quality of life
  • Improved energy
  • Enhanced appetite
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Faster recovery from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy
  • Reduction in tumour volume
  • Supports the immune system
  • Decreased infections
  • Improved life expectancy
  • Improves wound healing
  • Reduced inflammation

Besides Cancer, Vitamin C can be beneficial in the following conditions:

  • Low immunity
  • Acute and chronic infections
  • Chronic stress, burnout
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Inflammatory conditions eg autoimmune disease, arthritis
  • Support before and after surgery to improve healing time

Read more about the use of Vitamin C in Cancer Care from these resources:

Additional Studies on Vitamin C for Cancer:

Intravenous vitamin C in the supportive care of cancer patients: a review and rational approach

The effect of intravenous vitamin C on cancer- and chemotherapy-related fatigue and quality of life

Intravenously administered vitamin C as cancer therapy: three cases

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

Ascorbate exerts anti-proliferative effects through cell cycle inhibition and sensitizes tumor cells towards cytostatic drugs

Intravenous Vitamin C and Cancer: A Systematic Review

High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer

Intravenous vitamin C administration improves quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemo-/radiotherapy and aftercare: results of a retrospective, multicentre, epidemiological cohort study in Germany

Vitamin C and survival among women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis

Polyfunctional alkylating agents – oxazaphosphorines: Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Vitamin C Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

We use IV Vitamin C in patients with cancer to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects from conventional oncology treatments. Furthermore, IV vitamin C provides a host of other benefits such as improving quality of life, improving immune function and more.

Research has shown that IV Vitamin C does not reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy when administered at the proper dosage and time. When administered correctly it may enhance the effectiveness of these therapies and may reduce their side effects. 

This depends on numerous factors including your overall health, diagnosis and conventional oncology regimen. Most patients receive IV vitamin C infusions on a weekly basis, but the frequency may increase or decrease depending on your situation. 

There is no set time frame that an individual should be on IV vitamin C therapy. The duration that it will be recommended for you may change depending on the status of your disease. This includes how you feel, your lab results, imaging results and conventional treatment regimen. You may also be switched from IVC to an alternate IV therapy if your situation changes. Regular follow up visits with your naturopathic doctor will help inform us of any changes to your treatment plan and appropriately address the continued need for IV therapies.

Yes, they can. Our staff will do their best to ensure all treatments that are recommended for you, by one of naturopathic doctors, will be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Please be aware that in some instances certain IVs may not be administered on the same day and you may need to return to the clinic on a separate day.

Intravenous vitamin C is very safe with few reported side effects. One study found that side effects occur in only 1% of the patients who have had this therapy administered. Although rare, side effects can include increased urination, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, loss of appetite and dry skin or dry mouth. With any intravenous infusion there is risk of pain and inflammation at the injection site as well as risk of infiltration (IV fluid leaking outside of the vein).

There are no known contraindications to low dose IV Vitamin C therapy. A contraindication to high dose IVC therapy is G6PD deficiency. Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited condition in which patients lack the enzyme G6PD. This enzyme helps red blood cells function normally and without it high dose IVC infusion can cause your red blood cells to be destroyed. All patients undergoing high dose IVC therapy must have their G6PD levels checked.

Caution is advised in patients with diabetes, kidney failure, a history of kidney stone formation and iron storage diseases. Preliminary studies showed that high dose IVC may worsen these conditions. However, larger studies have found this to not be the case and, in some instances, can even improve these conditions.

Vitamin C shows tremendous value as a supportive measure in all cancers. 

-Ewan Cameron & Linus Pauling, authors of Cancer and Vitamin C