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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and cofactor for enzymatic reactions, and at high doses may generate reactive oxygen species to selectively target cancer cells.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and cofactor for enzymatic reactions, and at high doses may generate reactive oxygen species to selectively target cancer cells. Used for Adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment (investigational), General nutritional supplementation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Vitamin C group |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Drug class | Antioxidant / Micronutrient |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a reducing agent and electron donor in multiple metabolic pathways, supporting collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant defense. At pharmacological concentrations achieved through intravenous administration, it may generate hydrogen peroxide that preferentially damages cancer cells while sparing normal tissues, and may enhance chemotherapy efficacy or modulate tumor microenvironment.
Approved indications
- Adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment (investigational)
- General nutritional supplementation
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Kidney stone formation (chronic high-dose use)
- Hyperoxaluria
Key clinical trials
- Toddler Biomarker of Nutrition Study (NA)
- The Physiological Responses and Adaptation of Brown Adipose Tissue to Chronic Treatment With Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (PHASE1)
- Regenerative Potentials of Mature Mandibular Molars With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Enhanced With Different Scaffolds (NA)
- Urine and Ultrasound Screening for Kidney Disease in Children (NA)
- The Body's Affect on Vitamin C (PHASE1)
- A Phase 2 Study Adding Ascorbate to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for NSCLC (PHASE2)
- Vitamin C for Acute Kidney Injury in ACLF With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- Effects of L-arginine and Liposomial Vitamin C on Severe Copd Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation. (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |