Positive effects:
- A 15 g vitamin C infusion has a pro-oxidative effect. It has a cytotoxic effect through the Fenton reaction. Vitamin C reduces iron(III) ions to iron(II) ions. The iron(II) ion reacts with oxygen to form superoxide. The decomposition of superoxide leads to H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide reacts with iron(II) ions to form hydroxyl radicals.
- High-dose vitamin C therapy has a therapeutically paradoxical effect. Healthy cells are protected by its antioxidant effect. Malignant cells are attacked by its pro-oxidative effect (H2O2 formation) and driven into apoptosis. The activity of the hypoxia-induced factor HIF is reduced, tumor suppressor proteins are up-regulated, and an increase in TET2 activity is possible, which can reduce fermentative metabolism.
- Oncology patients often have reduced antioxidant capacity even before chemotherapy. In advanced cancer, vitamin C levels are often drastically reduced. High-dose vitamin C therapy can reduce the risk of secondary tumors, enhance the effect of antineoplastic therapy, and prevent resistance.
- Inflammatory processes can be significantly reduced.
- Quality of life improvement: EORTC-QLQ 30, especially tissues that are sensitive to oxidative stress, such as mucous membranes (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite) and nerve tissue (fatigue, depression, sleep disorders), benefit from high-dose vitamin C.
Therapy recommendations: There is evidence that the properties of the substances contained in the product can have a positive effect on health disorders related to the stated indications:
- as an adjunct to tumor therapy
- pro-oxidative therapy
- stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis
- in the early stages of bacterial and viral infections: The oxidative, immunomodulating effect of vitamin C can alleviate the course of the illness, reduce fever, and shorten the recovery time
- detoxification: Toxins from food and the environment can be mobilized under high doses of vitamin C; support the detoxification organs, use binders or chelation
Contraindications: Do not use in children under 6 years of age. In cases of impaired kidney, liver, or heart function, and in albumin deficiency, an adjustment of the individual dose is recommended. Patients taking beta-blockers have an increased risk of a decompensated cardiovascular reaction, as beta-blockers inhibit the effect of adrenaline (emergency medical treatment). Patients with a tendency to allergic reactions and/or with histamine-mediated diseases (e.g., asthma) should be questioned about known allergens in accordance with the principles of therapeutic due diligence.
Contraindications: Hyperthyroidism, thalassemia, hemochromatosis. A high-dose vitamin C infusion can promote the release of iron from the body's stores. G6PDH deficiency can lead to acute hemolytic anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. Laboratory parameters must be checked. There should be no history of asthma.
CAVE: Bronchoconstriction due to vitamin C is possible. With impaired kidney function, high doses of vitamin C can have a nephrotoxic effect.
Tip: To prevent vascular spasms, oral administration of 500–1,000 mg of calcium with 1 liter of water 30 minutes before the infusion is recommended. In addition, parenteral administration of Magnesium Injekt 200 mg or Magnesium Injekt 1,000 mg is recommended.
Application: i.v., dilute 15 g in 250 ml of body-temperature Ringer's lactate solution. To prevent vascular spasms, supplement the carrier solution with Magnesium Injekt 200 mg. Dilute 30 g of vitamin C in 500 ml of carrier solution and Magnesium Injekt 1,000 mg. The vitamin C dose can be gradually increased up to a vitamin C plasma level of 300–500 mg/dl (measured on the day of the infusion). With 150 g of vitamin C, a vitamin C plasma level of over 500 mg/dl was measured. The carrier solution should be reduced by the volume of liquid in which the vitamin C is dissolved. The infusion must always be prepared fresh. Dosage: 1–3 g of vitamin C per kg of body weight.
Note for doctors and therapists: In principle, the doctor/therapist determines the indication for individual prescriptions. The proposal is merely a recommendation for a therapy option, whereby the dosage and frequency of application are solely at the discretion of the doctor/therapist. The treating therapist is responsible for the treatment and must individually check and assess the respective application for each patient before the start of treatment.
