During an infection, our immune system reacts against pathogens by both an immediate innate response and a slower adaptive response [1].
Since 1930s, vitamin C is known for its potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-infectious effects [2].
In clinical studies, since 1970s, researchers found that individuals with a higher intake of high levels of vitamin C produce more new lymphocytes and antibodies (IgG and IgM) [3]. High doses of vitamin C promote and enhance natural killer cell activities, and chemotaxis [5][6].
Taking high doses of vitamin C during a viral sickness treats the acute infection, also helps prevent secondary infections that may arise within a vitamin-depleted environment [7].
Today, we are going to look at how vitamin C can protect us from the microbial world, viruses, parasites, and fungus.
Anti-microbial
Vitamin C, when used in different concentrations, has antimicrobial effects that could effectively inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and reduce the sensitivity of E. coli MG1655 to streptomycin [8][9].
In combination with the use of lactic acid, vitamin C can be used as preservative to inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in food [10].
Anti-viral
Apart from the antimicrobial properties to bacterial cells, several studies reported that vitamin C has anti-viral effects on inhibiting the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1, poliovirus type 1, and influenza virus type A [11][12].
Investigators such as Irwin Stone, Linus Pauling, and Thomas Levy have provided abundant evidence that vitamin C acts as a potent antiviral and antibacterial substance at gram level doses [13][14][15].
In 1948, Frederick R. Klenner, MD cured all 60 cases that he treated in a polio epidemic in North Carolina by administering high doses of vitamin C by injection. No patients developed deformities associated with the disease, and even two advanced cases were reversed. He demonstrated that vitamin C is an ideal agent for killing viruses, bacteria, and other microbial pathogens, also recognized vitamin C's ability to neutralize and eliminate most toxins, including microbial products, chemical pollutants, and other poisons [16][17].
can be used as antiviral & antibiotics
In the 1960s, Robert Cathcart, MD also successfully used the vitamin as an antiviral. However, he also described the difficulty, faced by most of clinicians, of obtaining permission from ethics, university, pharmacy and other committees to use large doses of vitamin C in research studies [16][18].
William McCormick, MD also pioneered the use of gram dose vitamin C injections and declared vitamin C as a "specific antagonist of chemical and bacterial toxins" and advocated its use as an antiviral and an antibiotic [16][19].
In a 450-page volume, Dr. Thomas Levy assembled reports on high dose vitamin C treating and curing infectious diseases including polio, hepatitis, measles, mumps, viral encephalitis, herpes, influenza, tetanus, streptococcus, and staphylococcus, and significantly improving such formidable diseases as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis [15].
Anti-fungal & Anti-parasitic
Anti-fungal effects of vitamin C have also been reported. Studies showed vitamin C inhibited morphogenesis in Candida albicans [20].
In another animal study, vitamin C was shown to have antiparasitic activity. Vitamin C can act as an antioxidant (at
physiological concentrations) or as a pro-oxidant agent (at pharmacological concentrations). The harmful pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C is responsible for cell death and would account for the antiparasitic activity observed [21].
Oral water-soluble vitamin C is not suitable for large doses
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant compound directed against free radicals and Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the
enhancement of white blood cells to function, and has a pivotal impact on both innate and adaptive immune responses [9].
The potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal & anti-parasitic effects of vitamin C may find potential use in Orthomolecular Medicine - the practice of using natural
molecules at the appropriate doses, to prevent and reverse disease, which has a long history of success [22][23][24].
The studies mentioned above mostly conduct with the direct injection of high doses of vitamin C. Oral consumption of water-soluble vitamin C pill is different from direct injection or oral consumption of liposomal vitamin C. We must note that not all vitamin C supplements in the market are suitable for megadose consumption. Some vitamin C supplements may cause digestive discomfort when taken at high dosages [25][26][27].
High-dose liposomal vitamin C can reach pharmacological blood concentration
As there are few vitamin C injection services in Hong Kong, oral liposomal vitamin C can be a very effective method.
Liposomal vitamin C means that vitamin C is encapsulated in liposomes, and the entire molecule can bypass the intestinal tract and directly enter the blood and cells for absorption. This method boosts blood levels of vitamin C for a short period of time without causing any digestive discomfort even at high concentrations [26].
Liposomal vitamin C is found to be much more easily and effectively absorbed by our body that allow the concentration of vitamin C in the blood to be higher to achieve pharmacological purposes, as compared to conventional water-soluble vitamin C pills [28][29].
And when vitamin C is used together with quercetin, it can even produce a synergistic antibacterial effect [30].
Conclusion
Many people in our modern society are in deep fear with the epidemics of diseases and illnesses – fear that mostly come
from the unknowns and uncertainties.
When we have the knowledge, we would be able to consider possible solutions in our hands and have true freedom to make wise choices for the benefit of our body and family.
Food is made to fuel our body. Our body is like a vehicle to keep us moving and achieving life goals. However, if we don’t put in sufficient fuel – essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other essential biological molecules, our vehicle may not be able to take us where we are supposed to go and combat the turbulence that come against us.
When the nutritional deficiencies are corrected with proper diet and supplementation with optimal doses, many
progressive diseases can be prevented and reversed. This is especially relevant today with epidemics of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, eye disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic [14][24].
Important Disclaimer
This information is for reference and sharing only, not for diagnosis or treatment.
