cancer center

Is Vitamin C an Anticancer Agent?

Reviewed on 12/9/2022
Is Vitamin C an Anticancer Agent?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from free radical damage.

Some in vitro (test tube) and in vivo studies have reported that vitamin C is a potent anticancer agent, which enhances the cytotoxic action against cancer cells by promoting the activity of the immune system, creating a destructive barrier for cancer progression, including metastasis.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that may help scavenge reactive oxygen species, preventing DNA damage and other effects important in cancer transformation.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, ascorbate) is an essential micronutrient, which belongs to the water-soluble group of vitamins and is delivered either through diet or as a supplement.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from free radical damage and synthesizes important substances, such as collagen protein, in the body.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by gum bleeding, loss of teeth, and increased skin bruising.

Some conditions that may increase the risk of vitamin C deficiency include:

What Are the Nutritional Requirements of Vitamin C Each Day?

Table 1. The daily requirement of vitamin C, depending on age, gender, and overall health
Age group Gender Recommended daily intake Pregnancy Breastfeeding
0 to 6 months Males 40 mg
Females 40 mg
7 to 12 months Males 50 mg
Females 50 mg
1 to 3 years Males 15 mg
Females 15 mg
4 to 8 years Males 25 mg
Females 25 mg
9 to 13 years Males 45 mg
Females 45 mg
14 to 18 years Males 75 mg
Females 65 mg 80 mg 115 mg
19 years and older Males 90 mg
Females 75 mg 85 mg 120 mg
Smokers Males Recommended daily amount + 35 mg
Females Recommended daily amount + 35 mg

What Are the Dietary Sources of Vitamin C?

Certain fruits and vegetables that have a good amount of vitamin C include:

  • Citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruits, and limes)
  • Peppers (red and green)
  • Kiwi
  • Watermelon
  • Papaya
  • Tomatoes
  • Pineapple
  • Berries 
  • Leafy greens
  • Broccoli
  • Cantaloupe
  • Brussels sprout
  • Potatoes

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Excess Vitamin C?

Excessive vitamin C intake can lead to some side effects, such as:

It is recommended that vitamin C supplements should be used with caution in people who:

What Are the Other Functions of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C plays a key role in various functions of the body, such as:

  • Promoting healthy and strong bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums
  • Improving immune system function 
  • Protecting body cells against the damaging effects of free radicals
  • Promoting wound healing by producing collagen
  • Helping in iron absorption from the gut
  • Enhancing the production of neurotransmitters in the brain and nerves
  • Promoting the adrenal glands to produce crucial hormones
  • Reducing the effects of skin aging
  • Maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels
  • Improving brain health
  • Maintaining eye health

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

From WebMD Logo

Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Reviewed on 12/9/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Pro- and Antioxidant Effects of Vitamin C in Cancer in correspondence to Its Dietary and Pharmacological Concentrations NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6942884/#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20was%20shown%20to,in%20CRC%20cells%20%5B107%5D.

Intravenous High-Dose Vitamin C in Cancer Therapy National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/ras-central/blog/2020/yun-cantley-vitamin-c

Therapeutic Use of Vitamin C in Cancer: Physiological Considerations Frontiers https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00211/full

Is it possible to take too much vitamin C? Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-c/faq-20058030