Explore the possible benefits of Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C.
If your childhood was anything like mine, you were constantly encouraged to “get your Vitamin C.” Vitamin C is a well-known supplement, often used as an immunity booster and naturally found in foods such as oranges (orange juice), grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts, to name a few. In fact, the lack of vitamin c or ascorbic acid, has been known to cause serious health issues. Often referred to as Scurvy, vitamin c deficiency can lead to “anemia, debility, exhaustion, spontaneous bleeding, pain in the limbs, and especially the legs, swelling in some parts of the body, and sometimes ulceration of the gums and loss of teeth.” [1]
Fortunately, cases of scurvy are rare these days thanks to foods enriched with Vitamin C.
But, what if vitamin c could be used for more than just the common cold?
According to the National Institute of Health, “Ongoing research is examining whether vitamin C, by limiting the damaging effects of free radicals through its antioxidant activity, might help prevent or delay the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a causal role.”[2]
The world of alternative and integrative health has been exploring the benefits of vitamin-c intravenously. In fact, after searching www.clinicaltrials.gov, it would appear there are 1,081 studies revolving around vitamin-c.
According to another article from the National Institute of Health:
“High-dose vitamin C may be taken by mouth or given by an intravenous (IV) infusion (through a vein into the bloodstream). When taken by IV infusion, vitamin C can reach higher levels in the blood than when the same amount is taken by mouth. Some studies of IV high-dose vitamin C in patients with cancer have shown improved quality of life, as well as fewer side effects. In general, high-dose vitamin C given by IV has caused very few side effects in clinical trials. However, IV vitamin C may cause serious side effects in patients with kidney disease, G6PD deficiency, or hemochromatosis”[3]
This treatment may not be for everyone, and it is always important to check with your Doctor before engaging in any new therapy. Intravenous High Dose Vitamin-C has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer. However, according when researching the benefits of intravenous vitamin-c with cancer, there are some studies that suggest it may “boost the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.”[4]
Bottom line: it is always beneficial to be as informed as possible when it comes to making decisions regarding our health. What works for one person may not work for the next and therefore claims of a miracle cure should be approached cautiously.