Publication Date
4-2013
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Health Promotion: CHES Track; Health Promotion: Clinical Track
Primary Subject Area
Health Sciences, Oncology
Keywords
cancer, vitamin C, chemotherapy
Disciplines
Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Recommended Citation
McLaughlin, Amy C., "The Effects of Vitamin C on Cancer: A Cellular and Epidemiological Perspective" (2013). Senior Honors Theses. 371.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/371
Abstract
While vitamin C has been proven to benefit the immune system during acute infections, there are now many studies to support the findings that vitamin C may also contribute to more effective chemotherapy and lessened damage on the body as a result of chemotherapy. This thesis investigates the impact of vitamin C on many components of cancer such as C-reactive protein, interleukins, reactive oxygen species, and many types of antioxidants and examines vitamin C's ability to inhibit or promote these agents' functions in the body. In addition, this thesis evaluates the ability of vitamin C to keep tumor cells from developing, enhance the antioxidant abilities of other cellular components including vitamin E, lessen the carcinogenic environment produced by chronic inflammation, and diminish the effects of chemotherapy. This thesis concludes by comparing various methods of vitamin C administration and their varied levels of effectiveness in cancer treatment.
