What is the purpose of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)?

From the Guidelines

Pascorbin should be used with caution and under medical supervision, considering the potential benefits and risks, particularly in patients with kidney disease, G6PD deficiency, or those taking certain medications, as high-dose vitamin C therapy may achieve blood concentrations 100-500 times higher than oral supplementation, potentially creating pro-oxidant effects that may selectively damage cancer cells while supporting normal cell function 1.

Key Considerations

• The use of Pascorbin, a high-dose vitamin C preparation, is primarily as a complementary therapy for immune support, particularly in cancer care, chronic infections, and fatigue syndromes.
• Typical doses range from 7.5 to 15 grams per infusion, with protocols varying based on the condition being treated, and the infusion usually takes 30-60 minutes, potentially administered several times weekly.
• The rationale behind high-dose vitamin C therapy is based on achieving high blood concentrations that may have pro-oxidant effects beneficial for certain conditions, such as cancer, while supporting normal cell function.

Evidence and Recommendations

• Recent reviews highlight discrepancies in global vitamin C recommendations, with RDAs ranging from 40 to 220 mg per day, depending on the country, region, and organization, and the health perspectives underlying these recommendations 1.
• Some countries base their RDAs on the potential health effects of vitamin C, including decreased risk of cardiovascular or cancer morbidity and mortality, with suggested dietary targets or proposed intakes aiming for higher plasma vitamin C concentrations 1.
• While there is evidence supporting the safety and potential benefits of high-dose vitamin C, particularly in certain conditions, patients should be aware of the need for medical supervision, potential temporary side effects, and the cautious approach required in specific patient populations.

Patient Considerations

• Patients should be informed about the potential benefits and risks of Pascorbin treatment, including the importance of medical supervision and the potential for temporary side effects such as lightheadedness or vein irritation.
• The decision to use Pascorbin should be made on an individual basis, considering the patient's specific condition, medical history, and potential interactions with other medications.

From the FDA Drug Label

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Tablet Amount per Tablet% Daily Value Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid USP)500 mg833% Active Ingredient (in each tablet) Purpose Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid USP)Dietary Supplement The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Pascorbin Overview

• Pascorbin is another term for vitamin C or ascorbic acid, an essential water-soluble antioxidant 2
• Vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, a nutritional disorder that can develop after prolonged severe vitamin C deficiency 3

Risk Factors for Scurvy

• Risk factors for scurvy development include undernutrition, low socioeconomic status, older age, male sex, alcoholism, tobacco smoking, and severe psychiatric illnesses 3
• People at the highest risk for vitamin C deficiency are those with inadequate intake, such as patients with alcohol abuse disorder, malnutrition, psychiatric disorders, restrictive eating habits, and food insecurity, as well as those with malabsorptive syndromes 2

Clinical Manifestations of Scurvy

• Clinical manifestations of scurvy include weakness, myalgia and arthralgia, vascular purpura and hemorrhagic syndrome, and later the stomatologic manifestations: gingivorragia and loss of teeth 4
• The most common cutaneous findings are follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular hemorrhages, ecchymoses, xerosis, leg edema, poor wound healing, and bent or coiled body hairs 5

Diagnosis and Treatment of Scurvy

• Diagnosis of scurvy is typically made based on clinical suspicion and confirmed by a low level of ascorbic acid (<2.5 mg/l) 4
• Treatment consists of administration of 1 g vitamin C per day during 15 days 4
• Vitamin C depletion may occur long-term complications such as increase cardiovascular and neoplasic risks or cataract 4