Did taking intravenous vitamin C help reduce stomach problems during chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores are common side effects of chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Some people wonder if taking extra vitamin C might help. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested this idea. The study found that intravenous vitamin C did not reduce these gastrointestinal side effects. However, it did help preserve platelet counts, which is a different benefit.
What the research says
A 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Thailand gave 2 grams of intravenous vitamin C or a placebo to patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before each chemotherapy session during concurrent chemoradiotherapy 6. The study looked at gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, and trouble swallowing. There was no significant difference between the vitamin C group and the placebo group for any of these symptoms 6. This means vitamin C did not help reduce stomach problems from chemotherapy in this study.
However, the same study found that patients who received vitamin C had a slower decline in their platelet counts over time compared to those who got placebo 6. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting, and low platelet counts can be a side effect of chemotherapy. This suggests vitamin C might have a supportive role for blood health, but more research is needed to confirm this 6.
Other sources on nasopharyngeal carcinoma do not address vitamin C for gastrointestinal side effects. For example, one review discusses epigenetic changes in the cancer 1, another looks at radiation techniques to reduce dry mouth 2, and others focus on screening tests 3, saliva bacteria 4, genetic risks 5, immunotherapy 7, or radiation methods to protect swallowing 8. None of these provide information on vitamin C for stomach problems.
What to ask your doctor
- Are there any proven treatments to reduce nausea or other stomach problems during my chemotherapy?
- What can I do to manage chemotherapy side effects like low appetite or mouth sores?
- Should I be concerned about my platelet counts during treatment, and are there ways to support them?
- Is there any role for vitamins or supplements during my cancer treatment, and are there risks?
- Are there clinical trials I might be eligible for that test new ways to reduce chemotherapy side effects?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Oncology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.