The discussion surrounding Vitamin C gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its potential benefits in immune support and antiviral properties. This renewed interest is rooted in Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi's pioneering work, who received the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering Vitamin C. Another significant figure in the history of Vitamin C is Dr. Frederick Klenner, a physician in the 1930s and 1940s who used high doses of Vitamin C to treat viral infections before the advent of penicillin.
Dr. Klenner's practice was based in Reidsville, North Carolina, where he might be considered one of the first alternative medicine practitioners. During the polio outbreaks, Dr. Klenner treated 60 patients with polio using high doses of intramuscular Vitamin C. These patients presented with severe symptoms such as high fever, headache, eye pain, conjunctivitis, sore throat, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Remarkably, all patients were reported to be clinically well within 72 hours of treatment.
Dr. Klenner's use of high-dose Vitamin C extended to other infections, including diphtheria, herpes zoster, chickenpox, influenza, viral encephalitis, measles, mumps, pneumonia, and sepsis. His practice included administering up to 50 grams of Vitamin C intravenously, exceeding typical daily doses. His observations suggested that Vitamin C had no toxic side effects, even in high doses. No toxic reactions were observed in a study involving 200 hospital patients who received 500 to 1000 mg of ascorbic acid every four to six hours for five to ten days. Additionally, a volunteer receiving 100,000 mg over 12 days also showed no clinical manifestations of toxicity.
Though controversial and not widely accepted in his time, Dr. Klenner's work laid the groundwork for future investigations into the therapeutic potential of high-dose Vitamin C in treating various infections and supporting overall immune health.
Dr. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize laureate, significantly advanced the understanding and advocacy of Vitamin C's health benefits. His work in the latter half of the 20th century further cemented the potential of Vitamin C in both preventative and therapeutic applications.
Dr. Pauling's interest in Vitamin C began in the late 1960s and led to his seminal publication "Vitamin C and the Common Cold" in 1970. In this book, he argued that regular intake of high doses of Vitamin C could reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Pauling recommended doses far higher than the recommended daily allowance, suggesting that individuals consume 1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily and even higher doses when experiencing cold symptoms.
Expanding on his work, Dr. Pauling published "Vitamin C and Cancer" in 1979, proposing that high doses of Vitamin C could improve cancer treatment outcomes. He and Scottish surgeon Ewan Cameron conducted clinical trials indicating that terminal cancer patients treated with high doses of Vitamin C had improved quality of life and increased survival times compared to those who did not receive Vitamin C.
Dr. Pauling's advocacy for high-dose Vitamin C extended to various other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. He suggested that Vitamin C could help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function and reducing cholesterol levels.
Nevertheless, Dr. Pauling's work significantly influenced public perception and scientific exploration of Vitamin C. His advocacy helped bring attention to the potential health benefits of Vitamin C, spurring further research and discussions that continue to this day. His efforts, alongside Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi and Dr. Frederick Klenner, have contributed to the ongoing interest in Vitamin C as a critical health and disease management component.
Dr. Hugh Riordan was another key figure in the study and application of high-dose Vitamin C, particularly in cancer treatment. Dr. Riordan was a psychiatrist and founder of the Riordan Clinic in Wichita, Kansas, where he dedicated much of his career to exploring alternative and integrative medical approaches, including high-dose Vitamin C.
Dr. Riordan's most notable contributions include his research on the pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C and its potential use in cancer therapy. He and his colleagues conducted extensive studies on how Vitamin C is metabolized in the body and its effects at high doses, mainly when administered intravenously. This method of administration allows for much higher concentrations of Vitamin C in the blood than oral intake, potentially enhancing its therapeutic effects.
One of Dr. Riordan's significant findings was that high-dose intravenous Vitamin C could exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cells without harming normal cells. His research suggested that Vitamin C could act as a pro-oxidant at high concentrations, generating hydrogen peroxide in the extracellular fluid, which could selectively kill cancer cells. These findings were published in various peer-reviewed journals and contributed to a better understanding of how Vitamin C might be utilized in oncology.
Dr. Riordan also emphasized the importance of Vitamin C in overall health and wellness. At the Riordan Clinic, he promoted the use of Vitamin C for various conditions beyond cancer, including infections, chronic illnesses, and immune support. His holistic approach to health care included nutritional assessments, personalized treatment plans, and the integration of conventional and alternative therapies.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Riordan advocated for further research into the potential benefits of high-dose Vitamin C. He believed that mainstream medicine should more thoroughly investigate and incorporate this treatment into standard practice where appropriate. His efforts have inspired ongoing research and clinical trials to validate and expand his findings.
The legacy of Dr. Riordan's work continues through the Riordan Clinic, which remains dedicated to the study and application of high-dose Vitamin C and other integrative medical practices. His contributions, along with those of Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, Dr. Frederick Klenner, and Dr. Linus Pauling, have significantly influenced the field of nutritional medicine and the therapeutic potential of Vitamin C.
Dr. Thomas Levy is another prominent figure who has significantly contributed to the understanding and advocacy of Vitamin C, particularly its use in treating chronic diseases and infections. A cardiologist and attorney, Dr. Levy has authored several books and numerous articles highlighting the benefits of high-dose Vitamin C and other antioxidants.
One of Dr. Levy's most influential works is his book "Curing the Incurable: Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins," published in 2002. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Levy compiles a vast amount of research and clinical evidence supporting the use of high-dose Vitamin C in treating a wide range of infectious diseases and toxin exposures. He provides detailed accounts of case studies and clinical experiences demonstrating the effectiveness of Vitamin C in combating illnesses such as influenza, hepatitis, and even conditions like snake bites and poisoning.
Dr. Levy emphasizes the role of Vitamin C as a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. He advocates for oral and intravenous Vitamin C, depending on the condition being treated, and underscores the importance of achieving high blood concentrations for optimal therapeutic effects.
In addition to infectious diseases, Dr. Levy has explored the potential of Vitamin C in addressing chronic degenerative diseases. His book "Primal Discuss” discusses how Vitamin C can benefit conditions like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. He highlights the importance of maintaining sufficient Vitamin C levels to support overall health and prevent chronic illnesses.
Dr. Levy has also vocally advocated integrating Vitamin C therapy into conventional medical practices. He has lectured extensively to healthcare professionals, promoting the benefits of high-dose Vitamin C and encouraging further research and clinical application. His work has helped bridge the gap between conventional and alternative medicine, fostering a more integrative approach to healthcare.
Through his books, lectures, and clinical work, Dr. Thomas Levy has significantly contributed to understanding Vitamin C's therapeutic potential. His efforts, along with those of Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, Dr. Frederick Klenner, Dr. Linus Pauling, and Dr. Hugh Riordan, have played a crucial role in advancing the use of Vitamin C in both preventative and therapeutic contexts.
Dr. Paul E. Marik is another influential figure in the field of Vitamin C research. He is mainly known for his work in critical care medicine. Dr. Marik, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist, has significantly contributed to the understanding and clinical application of Vitamin C in treating severe infections and sepsis.
Dr. Marik's most notable contribution is the development of the "Marik Protocol," a treatment regimen that combines high-dose intravenous Vitamin C with hydrocortisone and thiamine for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. His interest in Vitamin C was sparked by its potential role in reducing the high mortality rates associated with sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.
In 2017, Dr. Marik and his colleagues published a landmark study in the journal "Chest," detailing the outcomes of septic patients treated with the combination therapy. The study reported a significant reduction in mortality rates among patients who received the treatment compared to those who received standard care. Specifically, the treated group's mortality rate dropped from 40% to less than 10%. This dramatic finding drew widespread attention and sparked interest in further research and clinical trials to validate the results.
The "Marik Protocol" involves administering 1.5 grams of Vitamin C every six hours, 50 mg of hydrocortisone every six hours, and 200 mg of thiamine every 12 hours. Dr. Marik's rationale for this combination is based on the synergistic effects of these compounds. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, hydrocortisone helps modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, and thiamine is essential for cellular energy production and reducing the risk of thiamine deficiency, which can occur in critically ill patients.
Dr. Marik's work has significantly impacted the field of critical care medicine, leading to increased interest in the use of Vitamin C and other adjunctive therapies for sepsis. In addition to his work on the "Marik Protocol," Dr. Marik has published numerous articles and reviews on the role of Vitamin C in critical care, inflammation, and immune function. He has strongly advocated re-evaluating conventional treatment paradigms and incorporating evidence-based alternative therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Paul Marik's contributions, alongside those of Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, Dr. Frederick Klenner, Dr. Linus Pauling, Dr. Hugh Riordan, and Dr. Thomas Levy, have significantly advanced the understanding and application of Vitamin C in medicine, particularly in treating severe infections and supporting critical care patients.
Despite the work of these giants in the study of Vitamin C, “Conventional Medicine” is still frowning and not accepting the power of Vitamin C. Calling it “Voodoo Medicine,” " there is nothing conventional in “Conventional Medicine.” Everything that conventional medicine seems to push breaks the first rule of medicine, especially in 2024 of “First, Do no Harm.”
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Thank you Dr. Phan. I knew an older woman who worked with Linus Pauling. She had 8 fresh squeezed oranges every day and never got sick. Well into her 90s the only marks of age were her gray hair and hearing loss.