Effect of Vitamin C on Cancer Process

Abstract

The diverse roles of vitamin C in combatting cancer through its antioxidative and pro-oxidative properties, as well as its immune-boosting functions, are significant. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for oxygenase enzymes containing iron or copper, aiding in two key processes: firstly, the stimulation of reactive oxygen species production, which selectively targets cancer cells, and secondly, the regulation of cellular metabolism and epigenetic processes involving DNA and histone demethylases, thereby diminishing tumorigenesis. Although various studies highlight the potential effectiveness of vitamin C against different cancer types in laboratory and animal studies, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with traditional chemotherapy and radiation, its role in clinical or non-clinical human studies remains unclear and contentious. Recent papers of randomized clinical trials or observational studies have not yielded conclusive evidence supporting vitamin C’s clinical efficacy in cancer treatment or prevention. In this review, vitamin C usage and its efficacy in cancer therapy approaches have been focused and discussed. In conclusion, it may be speculated that these complexities highlight the need for larger, high-quality randomized clinical trials to provide more definitive understanding of vitamin C’s anticancer potential and to establish appropriate clinical recommendations.