Vitamin C," on p. 20), and later finds that it helps patients with AIDS.
1995: Hugh D. Riordan, MD, in Kansas, describes successes in treating cancers with intravenous vitamin C during two decades of clinical practice.
Because clinical trials have not been able to consistently replicate these results, the curative power of vitamin C has been discounted, or even labeled as quackery. However, such trials haven't replicated the successful methods of the pioneering doctors: customized dosages based on individual responses and symptoms.
Studies show that our needs for vitamin C skyrocket during times of illness or stress, notes Saul. As an example, some of Cathcart's patients required 100 grams (100,000 milligrams) of vitamin C during a 24-hour period to reduce their most severe cold symptoms. And in those situations, such high doses did not produce the C-overdose side effect of diarrhea. Yet the same patients, when in good health, may have required little or no vitamin C supplementation.
Today's placebo-controlled human trials, considered the gold standard, aren't designed to evaluate this type of treatment, but typically test a pre-determined dosage on a large group of people. In addition, the dramatic results produced by vitamin C don't mean that it is the only factor in disease, or that every ill person will benefit to the same degree.
Despite lack of customized dosages, modern studies have begun to validate some of vitamin C's benefits, including improved immune function, less risk or progression of heart disease and diabetes, reduced symptoms of allergic conditions, and healthier gums. And customized, high-dose, intravenous vitamin C is beginning to be recognized in cancer treatment, especially as a way to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
American HealthEster-C Effervescent, Natural Lemon Lime flavor provides 1,000 mg of Ester-C (nonacidic) per packet, plus B vitamins.
Doctor's BestBest Vitamin C contains Quali-C, a proprietary form of vitamin C known for its reliability. One capsule has 1,000 mg of vitamin C.
Rainbow LightGummy Vitamin C Slices, Tangy Tangerine flavor offer 250 mg of vitamin C in 3 gummies.
Modern studies have begun to validate some of vitamin C's benefits, including improved immune function, less risk or progression of heart disease and diabetes, reduced symptoms of allergic conditions, and healthier gums.
How to Use Vitamin C
Clinical experience shows that vitamin C is most effective when taken in doses up to "bowel tolerance," which doesn't necessarily mean diarrhea or loose stools. If you experience gas or a rumbling in your stomach, says Saul, you've reached bowel tolerance.
Equally important, he adds, "Take enough C to be symptom-free, whatever that amount may be." It could take several days of high doses, or longer, for cold symptoms to subside.
In addition to pills or chewable forms, pure powdered vitamin C is another option. Powder typically provides 1,000 mg of C in one-quarter teaspoon, and mixes easily with water or juice. If you're concerned about acidity, Saul recommends taking C with food, using a buffered form, or adding a tiny bit of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to your vitamin C powder. However, he says, "Normal stomach acid is 45-50 times as strong as vitamin C-if you can have vinegar on a salad, you can handle vitamin C acidity." To find physicians who treat patients with vitamin C, visit acam.org.
Vera Tweed has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living since 1997. She specializes in covering research and expert knowledge that empowers people to lead better lives. She is the author of numerous books, including Hormone Harmony and The User's Guide to Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine.