High Intakes of Vitamin C Associated With Lower Risk of Brain Cancer

Gliomas, a type of brain tumor, are rare but deadly. Making up around 80 percent of all adult malignant brain cancers, their high mortality rate makes them a major health concern. Seeking solutions, researchers have long been interested in whether antioxidant vitamins could help prevent these tumors. A new study examines this topic and confirms that people with high intakes of vitamin C have a lower risk of developing them.

What are gliomas?

A type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord, gliomas develop from glial cells, which support nerve cells. Although gliomas can vary in severity, some types, such as glioblastomas, are especially aggressive and difficult to treat. With reports suggesting that more than 97 percent of glioma patients die within 5 years of diagnosis, researchers are eager to understand whether lifestyle factors, such as diet, can lower the risk of developing them.

The role of antioxidant vitamins

Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Over time, free radical damage can lead to a number of diseases, including cancer. Vitamins A, C, and E are known for their antioxidant properties, so it makes sense that scientists are investigating whether they can help prevent gliomas.

To address this question, researchers from China recently conducted what is known as a ‘meta-analysis’ – an approach that combines the results of several previous studies with the aim of getting a clearer picture of the overall findings. The analysis included 15 studies on the intake of vitamins A, C, and E and their potential relationship with glioma risk. The studies involved a total of 3,608 glioma cases and 771,930 participants.

What the analysis found

Of the three vitamins examined, vitamin C stood out as having a strong protective effect against gliomas. People with a high intake of vitamin C were found to have a significantly lower risk of developing these tumors. The researchers say their findings provide compelling evidence that higher vitamin C intakes are associated with a reduced risk of glioma.

According to the researchers, the protective effect of vitamin C may in part be due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the body. The brain, in particular, is vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can contribute to tumor development. Vitamin C, being water-soluble, acts as a scavenger for harmful molecules, potentially protecting brain cells from damage.

Beyond its antioxidant role, vitamin C might also help prevent the formation of harmful compounds in the body, such as N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). These compounds have been found in brain tissue and are thought to play a role in the development of brain tumors. Additionally, research suggests that vitamin C could interfere with certain cellular pathways that contribute to the growth of gliomas, making it an even more valuable nutrient for brain health.

Surprisingly, however, the researchers say they found no significant connection between intakes of vitamins A or E and the risk of gliomas. This was in contrast to previous studies suggesting these nutrients may indeed play a protective role.

Dr. Rath’s Cellular Medicine approach to brain tumors

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans documenting the successful treatment of a brain tumor in a female patient using Dr. Rath’s Cellular Medicine approach

Similar to most other tumors, brain tumors spread by destroying the connective tissue that surrounds them. They primarily do this by releasing what are known as matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs). Increased levels of these enzymes are associated with the most aggressive tumors.

Based on this scientific understanding, scientists at the Dr. Rath Research Institute have studied the effects of a nutrient combination containing vitamin C, the amino acids lysine and proline, green tea extract, and other nutrients on the activity of MMPs using three different types of human glioblastoma cell lines. The results showed that, at higher doses, for all three cell lines, the nutrient combination was able to completely block MMP activity.

As the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on this page shows, we have documentary evidence showing that this approach can successfully treat brain tumors in patients. This is in sharp contrast to commonly used chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments which, in addition to being largely ineffective in returning patients to health, carry a high risk of serious side effects. The fact that natural approaches can potentially now prevent and eradicate brain tumors should give hope to many patients worldwide.

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Paul Anthony Taylor

Executive Director of the Dr. Rath Health Foundation and one of the coauthors of our explosive book, “The Nazi Roots of the ‘Brussels EU'”, Paul is also our expert on the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has had eye-witness experience, as an official observer delegate, at its meetings.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul's background was in the music industry, where he worked as a keyboard player and programmer with artists including Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas, and Primal Scream.

He first became interested in natural health after falling ill with a chronic fatigue syndrome-related disorder in 1991 and subsequently making a full recovery through the use of natural health therapies. After meeting Dr. Rath and Dr. Niedzwiecki at an anti-Codex rally in Berlin in 2002, Paul was inspired to make a life-changing decision to leave the music industry to work for the Foundation and help defend the right of patients worldwide to have free access to natural health approaches.

You can find Paul on Twitter at @paulanthtaylor

Der Executive Director der Dr. Rath Health Foundation ist einer der Koautoren des explosiven Buchs „Die Nazi-Wurzeln der Brüsseler EU“. Paul ist auch unser Experte zum Thema „Codex Alimentarius-Kommission“ und hat Augenzeugenerfahrung als offizieller beobachtender Teilnehmer bei diesen Treffen.

Bevor er seine Arbeit bei der Stiftung antrat war Paul in der Musikindustrie aktiv. Er arbeitete als Keyboard-Spieler und Programmierer mit Künstlern wie Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas und Primal Scream.

Sein Interesse an natürlicher Gesundheit wuchs, als er 1991 an Störungen erkrankte, die aus einem chronischen Erschöpfungssyndrom resultierten. Durch natürliche Gesundheitstherapien wurde er schließlich vollständig geheilt. Ein Treffen 2002 mit Dr. Rath und Dr. Niedzwiecki bei einer Anti-Codex-Demonstration in Berlin inspirierte ihn zu einer lebensverändernden Entscheidung und er verließ die Musikindustrie um für die Stiftung zu arbeiten und das Recht der Patienten zu verteidigen, weltweit freien Zugang zu natürlichen Gesundheitsverfahren zu haben.

Auf Twitter ist Paul unter @paulanthtaylor zu finden.

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