An orange, which is a good source of vitamin C, is being sliced and prepared for eating. (Photo : YouTube/ Lavanya K)
Vitamin C is considered by many as one of the safest and most effective nutrients for immune system boost and protection. However, recent studies revealed that the C vitamin may also be helpful in directly influencing the body's fight against cancer.
Experts from University of Iowa recently found out that high dose of the C vitamin greatly affects cancer cells found in human tissues. The said vitamins according to their research tends to break down to generate hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue and DNA.
Moreover, the damaging impact of hydrogen peroxide generated by vitamin C does not affect normal tissues of the body. However, tumor cells with low levels of catalase enzyme activity are more likely to susceptible to damage and even death, according to Science Daily.
"In this paper we demonstrate that cancer cells are much less efficient in removing hydrogen peroxide than normal cells," the publication quoted professor at the University of Iowa Garry Buettner as saying. "Thus, cancer cells are much more prone to damage and death from a high amount of hydrogen peroxide. This explains how the very, very high levels of vitamin C used in our clinical trials do not affect normal tissue, but can be damaging to tumor tissue."
In view of the given facts, the research promises a more potent solution or medication for cancer once perfected. However, since it is still a trial, it is good to note that vitamin C should still be taken within a safe level to avoid severe side-effects of an overdose.
According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, as cited by Live Strong, the suggested tolerable upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day, or 2 g. If one goes beyond it, it is already considered as an overdose that could eventually result to gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones, and even hemochromatosis.
Watch a clip about foods with vitamin C here:
