High dose vitamin C therapy may have positive effect on Epstein-Barr virus infection

Riordan ClinicJun 4 2014

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes family that targets lymphocytes and epithelial cells. While the infection is usually benign, it can in some cases lead to acute infectious mononucleosis and can impair the immune system. EBV is also linked to several malignancies. There is currently no cure for removing EBV infections and very little success treating acute EBV infection and mononucleosis with drugs.

Riordan Clinic Director of Research Dr. Nina Mikirova and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ron Hunninghake, have published an article in the Medical Science Monitor, an international, peer-reviewed scientific journal of clinical medicine. The article, titled, "Effect of high dose vitamin C on Epstein-Barr viral infection," is available online at http://www.medscimonit.com/download/index/idArt/890423.

In the study, the clinical data demonstrated that the injections of high dose vitamin C have the direct anti-viral activity and can be successfully used for treatment Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.

Important findings in the study:

• High dose (7.5 to 50 grams) intravenous vitamin C therapy may have a positive effect on disease duration and may reduce viral antibody levels.
• EBV antibody expression correlates with plasma ascorbic acid concentrations and confirmed the depletion of vitamin C during EBV infection.
• Vitamin D correlates with EBV antibody levels, as it has an important "non-classic" influence on the body's immune system by modulating the [innate and adaptive] immune system.
• Clinical study of ascorbic acid and EBV infection showed the reduction in viral load levels over time during IVC therapy that is consistent with in vitro studies showing that millimolar levels of ascorbate hinder viral infection and replication in vitro.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a micronutrient essential for human health. The health-promoting effects of vitamin C can be attributed to its biological functions as a co-factor for a number of enzymes and as a water-soluble antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is involved in synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters. It affects wound healing, energy metabolism, nervous system function, and immune cell health. Vitamin C has been suggested as having both a preventative and therapeutic role in a number of pathologies when administered at much higher-than-recommended dietary allowance levels.

Riordan Clinic has been researching the use of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at high dose concentrations (attainable via intravenous infusions) to treat variety of illnesses including cancer, atherosclerosis, and viral infections like EVB.