5/4/2025
Last update
5/4/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
1,000 mg (1 g)
1,111%
Calcium (as Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate)
110 mg
8%
Citrus Bioflavonoids ComplexCitrus Bioflavonoids (Citrus sinensis) (fruit), Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Lime, Lemon, Acerola, Rutin, Hesperidin Complex (Citrus spp.) (fruit), Naturally Occurring Vitamin C Metabolites
200 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.
We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.
Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.
Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.
Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.
Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
8
We investigated whether vitamin C could help protect the liver from damage caused by electron beam therapy, a treatment often used for cancers in the abdomen. Our study involved male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups: one received electron irradiation, one was pre-treated with vitamin C, another received vitamin C alone, and the last group served as a control.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
8
Effective cold remedy
6 people found this helpful
I have been using the wonderful properties of vitamin C for a year now, and it truly works! I fell ill recently with ARVI, and at the most inconvenient time, I ran out of vitamin C. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant, supporting my body's cells so they can better resist unfavourable conditions while providing energy and promoting recovery. Despite claims that using high doses of vitamin C is ineffective, I find it helps me. For prevention, when sick individuals are around or I feel early symptoms, I take one tablet a day for three days, and all signs of the cold vanish. When I felt my throat sore again, I repeated the course, and it helped once more. I no longer doubt the efficacy of vitamin C.
Read More
6
Supports liver function
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C does not irritate the mucous membranes and must be continually obtained since it is not produced or stored in the human body. It is destroyed by heat, so Ester-C, a metabolite of vitamin C, is preferred as it maintains a neutral pH and does not harm the stomach. It regulates immune and nervous system functions and improves liver function. Ester-C is better absorbed, does not irritate, and does not interact with iron, which can create harmful free radicals. It also benefits stress management, skin properties, cardiovascular health, and protects against infections.
Read More
7
Faster recovery noted
2 people found this helpful
I take it twice daily at a good dosage, which includes bioflavonoids. I use it to maintain my immune system—one tablet per day—and when I feel a cold starting, I take up to four tablets. I notice a positive effect; I recover faster, or if I feel unwell, the illness does not escalate into a severe form. However, one downside is that the pill is large and not very convenient to swallow; a slightly smaller size would be ideal.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.9
- All Researches
9.5
Vitamin C enhances liver cancer treatment
We observed an intriguing case involving a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case focused on the potential benefits of incorporating high-dose intravenous vitamin C into the treatment regimen alongside atezolizumab and bevacizumab.
Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.
Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.
As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.
Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.
As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
Read More
9
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.
We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.
Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.
Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.
Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.
Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
8
In our exploration of the connection between dietary antioxidants and liver health, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2020. A key focus was on the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), which includes essential nutrients like vitamin C.
We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.
This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.
This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
Read More
8
We investigated whether vitamin C could help protect the liver from damage caused by electron beam therapy, a treatment often used for cancers in the abdomen. Our study involved male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups: one received electron irradiation, one was pre-treated with vitamin C, another received vitamin C alone, and the last group served as a control.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
8
Effective cold remedy
6 people found this helpful
I have been using the wonderful properties of vitamin C for a year now, and it truly works! I fell ill recently with ARVI, and at the most inconvenient time, I ran out of vitamin C. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant, supporting my body's cells so they can better resist unfavourable conditions while providing energy and promoting recovery. Despite claims that using high doses of vitamin C is ineffective, I find it helps me. For prevention, when sick individuals are around or I feel early symptoms, I take one tablet a day for three days, and all signs of the cold vanish. When I felt my throat sore again, I repeated the course, and it helped once more. I no longer doubt the efficacy of vitamin C.
Read More
6
Supports liver function
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C does not irritate the mucous membranes and must be continually obtained since it is not produced or stored in the human body. It is destroyed by heat, so Ester-C, a metabolite of vitamin C, is preferred as it maintains a neutral pH and does not harm the stomach. It regulates immune and nervous system functions and improves liver function. Ester-C is better absorbed, does not irritate, and does not interact with iron, which can create harmful free radicals. It also benefits stress management, skin properties, cardiovascular health, and protects against infections.
Read More
7
Faster recovery noted
2 people found this helpful
I take it twice daily at a good dosage, which includes bioflavonoids. I use it to maintain my immune system—one tablet per day—and when I feel a cold starting, I take up to four tablets. I notice a positive effect; I recover faster, or if I feel unwell, the illness does not escalate into a severe form. However, one downside is that the pill is large and not very convenient to swallow; a slightly smaller size would be ideal.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
8
Effective cold remedy
6 people found this helpful
I have been using the wonderful properties of vitamin C for a year now, and it truly works! I fell ill recently with ARVI, and at the most inconvenient time, I ran out of vitamin C. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant, supporting my body's cells so they can better resist unfavourable conditions while providing energy and promoting recovery. Despite claims that using high doses of vitamin C is ineffective, I find it helps me. For prevention, when sick individuals are around or I feel early symptoms, I take one tablet a day for three days, and all signs of the cold vanish. When I felt my throat sore again, I repeated the course, and it helped once more. I no longer doubt the efficacy of vitamin C.
7
Faster recovery noted
2 people found this helpful
I take it twice daily at a good dosage, which includes bioflavonoids. I use it to maintain my immune system—one tablet per day—and when I feel a cold starting, I take up to four tablets. I notice a positive effect; I recover faster, or if I feel unwell, the illness does not escalate into a severe form. However, one downside is that the pill is large and not very convenient to swallow; a slightly smaller size would be ideal.
6
Supports liver function
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin C does not irritate the mucous membranes and must be continually obtained since it is not produced or stored in the human body. It is destroyed by heat, so Ester-C, a metabolite of vitamin C, is preferred as it maintains a neutral pH and does not harm the stomach. It regulates immune and nervous system functions and improves liver function. Ester-C is better absorbed, does not irritate, and does not interact with iron, which can create harmful free radicals. It also benefits stress management, skin properties, cardiovascular health, and protects against infections.
8
In our exploration of the connection between dietary antioxidants and liver health, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2020. A key focus was on the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), which includes essential nutrients like vitamin C.
We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.
This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.
This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
7
We investigated the effects of vitamin C on liver health, particularly how it might help mitigate liver damage caused by methotrexate, a common chemotherapy drug. In our study, we observed Swiss albino mice divided into five groups, with one group receiving vitamin C along with omega-3 fatty acids.
The results were promising; pretreatment with both vitamin C and omega-3 showed a noteworthy ability to lessen liver damage. After assessing the levels of certain enzymes and antioxidants in the blood, we found that the combination treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers compared to those that received methotrexate alone.
While each treatment alone played a role, it was the combination that truly stood out. Our findings suggest that vitamin C, especially when paired with omega-3, could offer protective benefits against liver toxicity induced by medications like methotrexate. This adds a dimension to the conversation on managing liver health during such treatments.
The results were promising; pretreatment with both vitamin C and omega-3 showed a noteworthy ability to lessen liver damage. After assessing the levels of certain enzymes and antioxidants in the blood, we found that the combination treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers compared to those that received methotrexate alone.
While each treatment alone played a role, it was the combination that truly stood out. Our findings suggest that vitamin C, especially when paired with omega-3, could offer protective benefits against liver toxicity induced by medications like methotrexate. This adds a dimension to the conversation on managing liver health during such treatments.
7
Vitamin C supports liver health
We investigated the effects of vitamin C in protecting against liver injury induced by 2-Nitropropane using a controlled laboratory study with obese male mice models. The research involved administering vitamin C alongside other treatments to assess its potential as an antioxidant in reducing oxidative stress on the liver.
During the study, we observed that the vitamin C treatment was effective in lowering the levels of various harmful indicators associated with liver damage, such as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). These findings suggest that vitamin C can play a supportive role in liver health, particularly in conditions characterized by oxidative stress and liver insult.
Although the focus was also on a fruit extract, the results highlight vitamin C's potential benefits for maintaining liver function amid cellular damage. This encourages further exploration into how vitamin C might be incorporated into treatment strategies for managing liver disease more effectively. Overall, it seems that vitamin C may serve as a valuable ally in combating oxidative damage in the liver.
During the study, we observed that the vitamin C treatment was effective in lowering the levels of various harmful indicators associated with liver damage, such as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). These findings suggest that vitamin C can play a supportive role in liver health, particularly in conditions characterized by oxidative stress and liver insult.
Although the focus was also on a fruit extract, the results highlight vitamin C's potential benefits for maintaining liver function amid cellular damage. This encourages further exploration into how vitamin C might be incorporated into treatment strategies for managing liver disease more effectively. Overall, it seems that vitamin C may serve as a valuable ally in combating oxidative damage in the liver.
8
We investigated whether vitamin C could help protect the liver from damage caused by electron beam therapy, a treatment often used for cancers in the abdomen. Our study involved male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups: one received electron irradiation, one was pre-treated with vitamin C, another received vitamin C alone, and the last group served as a control.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
9
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
9.5
Vitamin C enhances liver cancer treatment
We observed an intriguing case involving a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case focused on the potential benefits of incorporating high-dose intravenous vitamin C into the treatment regimen alongside atezolizumab and bevacizumab.
Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.
Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.
As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.
Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.
As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
References
- Pedersen K, Poojari A, Colberg SF, Mechernsee SM, Iversen JF, et al. A Guinea Pig Model of Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Poor Vitamin C Status May Advance Disease. Nutrients. 2025;17. 10.3390/nu17020291
- Dong JX, Jiang LL, Liu YP, Zheng AX. Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study from NHANES. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024;24:465. 10.1186/s12876-024-03556-6
- Demyashkin G, Parshenkov M, Koryakin S, Skovorodko P, Shchekin V, et al. Targeting Oxidative Stress: The Potential of Vitamin C in Protecting against Liver Damage after Electron Beam Therapy. Biomedicines. 2024;12. 10.3390/biomedicines12102195
- Mohammed D, Al-Gareeb AM. Evaluation the effects of Omega-3 and vitamin C alone or in combination on Methotrexate-Induced hepatotoxicity (in mice). J Pak Med Assoc. 2024;74:S414. 10.47391/JPMA-BAGH-16-94
- Kian W, Remilah AA, Shatat C, Spector M, Roisman LC, et al. Case report: The efficacy of adding high doses of intravenous vitamin C to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in unresectable HCC. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1461127. 10.3389/fmed.2024.1461127
- Thadeus MS, Susantiningsih T, Muktamiroh H, Fauziah C, Citrawati M, et al. fruit extract as a potential antioxidant against liver injury by 2-Nitropropane induction in obese male mice model: pre-clinical study. F1000Res. 2023;12:300. 10.12688/f1000research.121695.2
- Ximenes JLS, Rocha-Filho JA, Galvão FHF, Lanchotte C, Kubrusly MS, et al. The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms25168833
- Chen HK, Lan QW, Li YJ, Xin Q, Luo RQ, et al. Association between Dietary Potassium Intake and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis in U.S. Adults. Int J Endocrinol. 2024;2024:5588104. 10.1155/2024/5588104
- Jaffey JA, Chamberlin T, Hu J. Acute manganese toxicosis related to joint health supplement ingestion in two dogs. Top Companion Anim Med. 2024;61:100877. 10.1016/j.tcam.2024.100877
- Liu XH, Chen HK, Luo J, He XP, Zhang WL, et al. Potassium affects the association between dietary intake of vitamin C and NAFLD among adults in the United States. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0295986. 10.1371/journal.pone.0295986
- Liu L, Lin L, Wang Y, Yan X, Li R, et al. L-AP Alleviates Liver Injury in Septic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation via Suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome/Caspase-1 Signal Pathways. J Agric Food Chem. 2024;72:8460. 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02781
