Is Vitamin C The Key To Cancer Survival? Study Answers (Image Credits: iStock)
The potential remedy for cancer might be closer than we think—right in our refrigerators. A study led by Dr Joseph J. Cullen from the University of Iowa reveals that high-dose intravenous vitamin C, when combined with chemotherapy, significantly increases the survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Dr Cullen, a professor of Surgery and Radiation Oncology, stated, “Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with extremely poor outcomes. The median survival is typically just eight months with treatment and even less without it. Our trial results were remarkable—we doubled the survival rate to 16 months. This success was so evident that we ended the trial early.”
Study Findings
The study involved 34 patients diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, split into two groups. One group underwent standard chemotherapy, while the other received chemotherapy supplemented with intravenous infusions of 75 grams of vitamin C, three times a week.
The results were promising. The vitamin C group exhibited a median survival of 16 months compared to just eight months in the standard treatment group. Patients receiving the vitamin C infusions not only survived longer but also reported feeling better and tolerating the treatment more effectively.
Vitamin C and Brain Cancer
Dr Cullen and his colleague, Dr Bryan Allen, also explored the benefits of vitamin C in treating glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. In their study, high-dose vitamin C infusions showed the potential to improve survival rates in this challenging condition as well.
Dr Cullen noted a particularly encouraging outcome in pancreatic cancer cases. “In some instances, vitamin C infusions saved lives,” he said. “Three participants from our trial are still alive after nine years—a remarkable milestone considering the bleak prognosis typically associated with pancreatic cancer.”
A Glimmer of Hope
This research offers hope for patients battling some of the most deadly cancers. While more studies are needed to establish the broader applicability of high-dose vitamin C, these findings suggest it could be a powerful adjunct therapy in extending survival and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
How to Include Vitamin C in Your Daily Diet
Vitamin C, an essential nutrient, is not only crucial for boosting immunity but may also offer benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Here are some easy ways to ensure you get your daily dose of Vitamin C:
1. Load Up on Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are some of the best sources of Vitamin C. Start your day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or add slices of lemon to your water for a refreshing boost.
2. Enjoy Vitamin C-Rich Vegetables
Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts into your meals. Bell peppers, in particular, contain more Vitamin C per serving than oranges! Add them to salads, stir-fries, or roasted vegetable dishes.
3. Snack on Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are not just tasty but also high in Vitamin C. Add them to your breakfast cereal, yogurt, or as a midday snack.
4. Include Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits like papayas, kiwis, and pineapples are excellent sources of Vitamin C. These can be eaten fresh, added to smoothies, or mixed into fruit salads for a tangy treat.
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