A new method of treating cancer is on the rise. The combination of vitamin C and antibiotic is seen as a very potent cancer treatment.
A new study revealed that a therapy involving vitamin C and antibiotic Doxycycline is very effective in killing cancer stem cells. The combination of both is said to be efficient in fighting cancer as compared to the currently used anti-cancer agent in clinical trials.
This new study shows that the cancer stem cells or CSCs are capable of being killed by vitamin C, which is boosted with the help the antibiotics. The effect is said as such for antibiotic induces "metabolic flexibility."
This would mean that cancer cells' ability to switch fuel source in order to survive is inhibited. Thus, leaving CSCs with just one source of energy, glucose.
By following up antibiotic Doxycycline administration with doses of vitamin C, the remaining glucose from CSCs is effectively removed. Therefore, starving cancer cells to death.
"This is further evidence that vitamin C and other non-toxic compounds may have a role to play in the fight against cancer. Our results indicate it is a promising agent for clinical trials, and as an add-on to more conventional therapies, to prevent tumor recurrence, further disease progression, and metastasis," WebMD quoted Prof. Michael Lisanti, of the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom as saying.
Seeing that, the more experts are encouraging people to consume food rich in vitamin C. This would be doubly beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Aside from the improvement in cancer therapy, vitamin C consumption could also aid in improving skin health and immune system function. Intake of such vitamin has been associated with a decrease of wrinkles and skin dryness. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also noted that high levels of the C vitamin decrease the risk of stroke.
Watch here below foods rich in vitamin C: