1. A Remarkable Molecule
Vitamin C is regarded as a universal substance necessary not only for the prevention of scurvy but also for the proper functioning of all tissues and systems in the body. The authors describe it as a powerful antioxidant, an electron donor involved in the synthesis of collagen, hormones, neurotransmitters, and detoxification.
They emphasize that humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, and therefore its requirement is chronically underestimated. During stress, infections, injuries, and toxins, the consumption of vitamin C sharply increases, necessitating doses significantly higher than official recommendations.
2. The Pioneers of Vitamin C Research
The focus is on key researchers—Norman Haworth, Albert Szent-Györgyi, Linus Pauling, and others—who first demonstrated that vitamin C could act as a therapeutic agent. The journey from the discovery of the anti-scurvy factor to understanding its role in cellular metabolism, redox reactions, and immune protection is described.
Particular attention is given to Pauling's contribution, which proved the necessity of gram doses for maintaining a stable level of ascorbate in plasma and reducing the frequency of infections.
3. Taking Vitamin C
This section explains the principle of dosing—“dynamic flow”: to maintain a high level of ascorbate in the blood, vitamin C needs to be taken in small amounts multiple times throughout the day.
The concepts of preventive and therapeutic doses are differentiated: the former are for health, the latter for treating acute or chronic diseases. It is noted that the optimal dose is individual and determined by titration to intestinal tolerance. It is important not only the quantity but also the frequency of intake: during illness, doses can reach tens of grams, while vitamin C remains safe, and its effect is dose-dependent.
4. Conventional Medicine vs. Vitamin C
Conventional medicine is limited to “anti-scurvy” doses and rarely considers the frequency of intake. The authors emphasize the dose-dependence of the effect and the necessity of maintaining stable high levels of ascorbate in the blood through frequent intake.
The key idea: “did not work” in studies often means “insufficient dose/rare intake,” rather than a lack of effect.
Vitamin C is a central antioxidant, regenerating vitamin E and glutathione, reducing lipid and DNA oxidation, and stabilizing the endothelium.
When it is most needed: chronic inflammation, stress, toxins, infections—the consumption of ascorbate sharply increases.
6. Infectious Diseases
Ascorbate enhances phagocytosis, interferon production, and neutrophil activity, reducing inflammation and the duration of illness. In acute infections, significantly larger, divided doses (up to intestinal tolerance) or intravenous administration are required.
Vitamin C does not “kill microbes,” but accelerates the body's own defense mechanisms.
7. Cancer and Vitamin C
High doses (especially intravenously) can create hydrogen peroxide in the tumor environment, damaging cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. At the same time, ascorbate reduces inflammation and supports quality of life.
Approach: consider vitamin C as an adjunct to standard therapy with controlled doses and routes of administration.
8. Heart Disease
Vitamin C deficiency weakens collagen synthesis in the vascular wall, provoking micro-damage and “patching” with lipids. Adequate doses improve vascular elasticity, reduce LDL oxidation, and inflammation.
The idea: vitamin C together with lysine/proline—for stabilizing plaques and reducing the risk of events.
