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Inhibiting mutagenic activity
Influencing cell integrity and cell membrane maintenance
Taking part in DNA synthesis and chromosomal breakage induced by carcinogenesis
Stimulating immune system activity
Preventing platelet aggregation
Modulating prostaglandin biosynthesis 21
Vitamin C
The form of vitamin C that I recommend is the ascorbate form mixed with a multitude of flavonoids. Vitamin C ascorbate is nonacidic, better assimilated, and, therefore, does not cause gastric acidity.
Consumption of foods high in vitamin C is clearly associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers. The most convincing evidence concerns cancers of the bladder, larynx, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas. This effect could be the result of antioxidation, immune enhancement, or a blockage of the conversion of nitrates and nitrogen-containing compounds to carcinogens. Other cancers upon which vitamin C seems to have a protective effect include cancers of the rectum, cervix, lung, and oral cavity.22
Vitamin C is important in collagen synthesis, the biochemical basis of healthy tissue such as the gums, skin, and teeth. Vitamin C is also involved in peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, the production of norepinephrine, cartilage maturation, maintenance of cytochrome P-450, carnitine synthesis, and the epiphyseal growth plate, cartilage that is the site of longitudinal bone growth. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenger and the first line of defense for free-radical scavenging in cigarette smokers. Vitamin C, within the plasma, is a more effective free-radical scavenger than beta-carotene, vitamin E, and glutathione. Vitamin C is concentrated in neutrophils and lymphocytes to a very high degree. There is an inverse correlation between neutrophil glucose concentration and vitamin C levels. This may be a potential reason why uncontrolled diabetics are susceptible to bacterial and other infections. Animals deficient in vitamin C have had reduced antibacterial action. Vitamin C ascorbate has an antiviral effect on the Rhus sarcoma virus and human immunodeficiency

 
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