Vitamin C supplements 'could blunt' cancer drug affects
Life science
2nd October 2008
The benefits of a wide range of anti-cancer drugs could be affected by vitamin C supplements, it has been claimed.
According to a US report, tests found the growth of tumours in mice accelerated when pre-treated with the vitamin, reports the BBC.
Dr Mark Heaney, a lead researcher, commented: "Vitamin C appears to protect the mitochondria from extensive damage, thus saving the cell.
"And whether directly or not, all anti-cancer drugs work to disrupt the mitochondria to push cell death."
Pamela Mason, a scientific advisor to Health Supplements Information Service, said no conclusions could be drawn from the findings until the research was carried out involving humans.
The NHS Knowledge Service said people should not be concerned about their normal everyday intake of vitamin C.
According to Pulse, GPs need to be made more aware that vitamin C deficiency is common among those on low incomes.
