Vitamin C, sometimes sought after in the form of a vitamin C supplement or vitamin C infusion, (also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate) has long been hailed for its potent antioxidant properties and powerful ability to bolster the immune system.
The link between vitamin C and cancer care has been an area of interest for many.
High-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy, sometimes referred to as a vitamin C injection, for cancer, has been studied as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and has showcased numerous potential.
In this article we will take a deeper look at vitamins injection, its definition, benefits and how it can help the body in addition to highlighting vitamin C injection benefits.
What is a vitamin drip?
Vitamin drips (injections) are a medical treatment in which vitamins are delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This allows for faster and more effective absorption than oral vitamins, which are broken down by the stomach and digestive tract. Vitamin drips are typically administered by a trained medical professional and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
How do IV drips help the body absorb vitamins?
IV drips bypass the stomach and digestive tract, allowing for vitamins to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This results in a higher absorption rate, up to 40% higher than oral vitamins. IV drips can also deliver higher concentrations of vitamins at one time and allow for more precise dosing.
Vitamin C injection benefits
- Antioxidant properties
Vitamin C may help protect cells from harm caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can damage DNA and other cellular components - Immune system support
This can be crucial for cancer patients whose immune systems are often compromised by either the disease or by cancer treatments. - Tumor-specific cytotoxicity
High-dose vitamin C injections have been found in some studies to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, more research is needed in this area, and the evidence is not from top-flight randomized, double-blind controlled trials. - Synergy with chemotherapy
Some research suggests that a vitamin C supplement, particularly in high doses, may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, potentially making them more effective at killing cancer cells. However, more research is needed in this area, and the evidence is not from top-flight randomised, double-blind controlled trials. - Improving Cancer patients’ quality of life
High-dose vitamin C injections may also help to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy.
What are the benefits of IV administration vs oral administration?
- When taken orally
The effectiveness of vitamin C supplements can be hindered by many factors, such as intestinal absorption, tissue accumulation and renal reabsorption/excretion. This means it may be metabolized or excreted before fully absorbed.
- Injecting vitamin C
Injecting vitamin C directly into the bloodstream, or vitamin C infusion, bypasses these metabolic pathways, ensuring that higher concentrations of the vitamin are delivered to the body. Bypassing the gastrointestinal system can also avoid unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea that can occur with oral vitamin C supplements. IV administration of high doses has been shown to have greater cytotoxicity to cancer cells than oral vitamin C, thus making it overall a more effective option in treating cancer.
It is important to note that high-dose vitamin C should not be used as a substitute for standard cancer treatments. It is always advised to consult a doctor before taking any supplement or alternative treatment.
