Vitamin C is a big part of our lives.
Data shows that around 35% of adults take multivitamin supplements, which are often packed with vitamin C. And 12% of adults use a separate vitamin C supplement.
The question is, can vitamin C intake help prostate cancer patients? Can it be used on an enlarged prostate?
We compiled the latest research on this particular vitamin for the prostate. Here is all you need to know about vitamin C’s potential in prostate treatment.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant and water-soluble vitamin. This vitamin is also an essential co-factor in collagen production, including dietary iron absorption, catecholamine, and carnitine metabolism. The human body can’t synthesize vitamin C. So, we have to obtain it from our diet.
This vitamin is one of the most efficient and safest nutrients. Although it might not cure a common cold, vitamin C can offer some protection against cardiovascular disease, immune system deficiencies, and eye ailments. The tolerable upper intake level is 2,000 mg/day for adults.
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Does Vitamin C Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Enlargement?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a typical ailment in older men. The prevalence of an enlarged prostate is as high as 50-60% in men in their 60s. But, the odds of prostate enlargement can increase to 80-90% for those older than 70.
Many patients who struggle with prostate troubles are looking for natural alternatives to curb the discomfort. But, will vitamin C prostate do the trick?
Since vitamin C inhibits HIF-1alpha expression in different malignant tumors, experts evaluated its therapeutic potential in prostatic hyperplasia.
Adequate vitamin C supplementation inhibits testosterone-induced HIF-1alpha expression. Experts believe it can prevent prostate enlargement. The findings from these animal clinical trials suggest that vitamin C might be further developed in a clinical setting to be used as an anti-BPH agent.
Another research in American men showed similar results. Based on reports, nutrients packed with antioxidant components or that impact cell growth and differentiation could decrease the risk of prostate enlargement.
Consumption of veggies and fruits rich in vitamin C, lutein, or β-carotene, were inversely linked to an enlarged prostate. By rising the vitamin C intake from foods, men had lower odds of having prostate enlargement. So, a diet rich in this vitamin could curb the occurrence of prostate troubles from this particular ailment.
Can Vitamin C Help Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a widespread malignancy. The rates spike after the age of 50 and are the highest in men over 90.
To amplify the results of prostate cancer treatment, many are looking to use natural alternatives for prostate cancer. Can vitamin C be of use and mitigate the prostate cancer risk?
One meta-analysis indicates that consuming vitamin C from your diet might be inversely associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
Experts found a 9% reduction in risk of prostate cancer for each 150 mg/day increment. This suggests that vitamin C from food could prevent the onset of prostate carcinoma. But, more data is necessary to evaluate the role of this vitamin on cancer cells.
Another case report showed a beneficial impact of high doses of vitamin C for the treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma. Earlier reports of IV vitamin C stated that this vitamin improved the symptoms of cancer. And prolonged life in terminally ill patients.
Further data indicate that after 10 months of IVC therapy, the vascular tumor present on the left section of the prostate was no longer detectable with ultrasound. Although data on IVC treatment on total cancer is limited, this evidence might indicate that vitamin C has some anti-tumor activity.
But, the mechanism of this vitamin’s killing effect is still not clear. From the currently available data, the effects of this vitamin in apoptosis induction and proliferation suppression are verified in colorectal cancer cell lines. However, a lot more clinical trials are necessary to evaluate its impact on the prostate.
According to 2018 reports, experts didn’t find an association between vitamin C consumption and overall prostate cancer. Based on these findings, the vitamin doesn’t seem to have the potential for prostate cancer prevention.
Takeaway
Cancer prevention still falls down to leading a healthy lifestyle. As well as avoiding exposure to cancer-inducing substances and using adequate medication. Making proper dietary changes can decrease oxidative stress and cancer risk.
Other Benefits of Vitamin C for Your Prostate Health
Vitamin C has many uses for men’s health. It can boost the body’s natural defenses to fight inflammation. So, it could curb the odds of developing chronic ailments. Some reports show this vitamin can be useful for blood pressure management.
Of course, people with elevated blood pressure can’t solely rely on vitamin C for treatment. But, they can use it to keep the body in good shape. Due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, the vitamin can help prevent gout attacks and reduce gout risk.
Other nutrients that can help the prostate are omega 3 fatty acids, lycopene, and fiber. High omega 3 intake resulted in decreased prostate cancer death and incidence. It offered better survival with treatment in men with prostate carcinoma and decreased the odds of aggressive cancer.
How to Get Vitamin C in Your Diet
Consume a variety of veggies and fruits. Such as citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, peppers, etc. Supplements can also help. The vitamin can be easily absorbed in both pill and food forms.
Conclusion
Vitamin C for the prostate might have some potential. But, more research is necessary to know whether it can be used alongside current cancer treatment. Including if it can curb the risk of cancer or help with BPH.
A handful of studies link this vitamin to better prostate health. However, more large-scale trials are necessary to evaluate its full impact.
If you are concerned about the state of your prostate, consult a specialist. Talk with your doctor if adding vitamin C to your diet can benefit your ailment.
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