Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, including mixed ascorbates) has been explored as an adjunct to chemotherapy to potentially reduce side effects and improve patient well-being. The scientific rationale is based on its antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate oxidative stress caused by certain chemotherapeutic agents. Some preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials suggest that high-dose intravenous vitamin C can decrease toxicity, fatigue, and inflammation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, results are inconsistent, and large, well-designed randomized controlled trials are lacking. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while vitamin C appears safe at moderate doses, there is limited and low-quality evidence to definitively support its routine use for reducing chemotherapy side effects. In some cancer types, there are concerns that antioxidants could interfere with the efficacy of chemotherapy by blunting oxidative mechanisms that contribute to cancer cell death. Mixed ascorbates (different mineral salts of ascorbic acid) are sometimes used for better gastrointestinal tolerance, but this does not significantly alter the evidence base. Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary positive findings, the evidence remains insufficient and inconclusive to strongly recommend vitamin C (including mixed ascorbates) for this purpose. Patients should consult their oncologist before using vitamin C supplements during chemotherapy.

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