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| Inhibiting mutagenic activity |
| Influencing cell integrity and cell membrane maintenance |
| Taking part in DNA synthesis and chromosomal breakage induced by carcinogenesis |
| Stimulating immune system activity |
| Preventing platelet aggregation |
| Modulating prostaglandin biosynthesis 21 |
| Vitamin C |
| The form of vitamin C that I recommend is the ascorbate form mixed with a multitude of flavonoids. Vitamin C ascorbate is nonacidic, better assimilated, and, therefore, does not cause gastric acidity. |
| Consumption of foods high in vitamin C is clearly associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers. The most convincing evidence concerns cancers of the bladder, larynx, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas. This effect could be the result of antioxidation, immune enhancement, or a blockage of the conversion of nitrates and nitrogen-containing compounds to carcinogens. Other cancers upon which vitamin C seems to have a protective effect include cancers of the rectum, cervix, lung, and oral cavity.22 |
| Vitamin C is important in collagen synthesis, the biochemical basis of healthy tissue such as the gums, skin, and teeth. Vitamin C is also involved in peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, the production of norepinephrine, cartilage maturation, maintenance of cytochrome P-450, carnitine synthesis, and the epiphyseal growth plate, cartilage that is the site of longitudinal bone growth. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenger and the first line of defense for free-radical scavenging in cigarette smokers. Vitamin C, within the plasma, is a more effective free-radical scavenger than beta-carotene, vitamin E, and glutathione. Vitamin C is concentrated in neutrophils and lymphocytes to a very high degree. There is an inverse correlation between neutrophil glucose concentration and vitamin C levels. This may be a potential reason why uncontrolled diabetics are susceptible to bacterial and other infections. Animals deficient in vitamin C have had reduced antibacterial action. Vitamin C ascorbate has an antiviral effect on the Rhus sarcoma virus and human immunodeficiency |
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