Vitamin C and its action in cancer cells

Abstract

Introduction: vitamin C is a water–soluble substance that has been in debate since a long time ago due to its wide demonstrated use. In some cases, its usage have ranged from prophylaxis and shortening the duration of colds, to studies of its action in diseases, such as cancer; Its mechanisms of action have been evaluated in the form of monotherapy or in combination with the chemotherapy to demonstrate or rule out its usefulness in cancer. Objective: to demonstrate whether the effects of vitamin C were effective and whether its use, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is useful. Method: a documentary descriptive research was carried out, supported with scientific articles (period 2016 to 2021) which analyze in detail the results of the use of vitamin C and its possible effect on different types of cancer. Results: the information found was organized according to plasma concentrations of vitamin C, its action on cancer cells, evaluated doses of vitamin C, mechanisms of action in relation to cancer cells, redox imbalance, specific effect on cancers, vitamin C and breast cancer. Conclusions: the review shows that the use of vitamin C has a beneficial effect on hematopoietic cancers, such as leukemia, melanoma, breast cancer or certain types of colorectal cancer, and also reduces the adverse effects produced by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Keywords

• vitamina c
• oxidación, adn
• apoptosis celular
• células cancerígenas