Vitamin C
Anhang
Dr. Wurster: Ein Apfel mit 30mg Vitamin C hat eine Wirkung auf den Organismus wie 1200mg isoliertes Vitamin C.
17.11.2004
Von Jochen Kubitschek
Erst vor wenigen Tagen haben Mediziner vor einer Herz-Kreislauf-Gefahr durch Vitamin-E-Pillen gewarnt. Nun gerät auch synthetisches Vitamin C ins Zwielicht: Eine Langzeitstudie besagt,
dass die Pillen das Risiko einer lebensbedrohlichen Herzkrankheit zumindest für Diabetiker drastisch erhöhen können.
Journal of
Applied Nutrition Vol. 23, No's 3 & 4, Winter 1971
Observations
On the Dose and Administration of Ascorbic Acid When Employed Beyond the Range
of a Vitamin in Human Pathology
Frederick R. Klenner, M.D., F,C,C.P.
SUMMARY
The types
of pathology treated with massive doses of ascorbic acid run the entire gamut
of medical knowledge. Body needs are so great that so called minimal daily
requirements must be ignored.
A genetic
error is the probable cause for our inability to manufacture ascorbic acid,
thus requiring exogenous sources of vitamin C. Simple dye or chemical test are available
for checking individual needs. Ascorbic acid destroys virus bodies by taking up
the protein coat so that new units cannot be made, by contributing to the
break-down of virus nucleic acid with the result of controlled purine
metabolism. Its action in dealing with virus pneumonia and virus encephalitis
has been outlined. The clinical use of vitamin C in pneumonia has a very sound
foundation. In experimental tests monkeys kept on a vitamin C free diet all
died of pneumonia while those with adequate diets remained healthy. Many
investigators have shown an increased need for ascorbic acid iq this
condition.63,64 Brody in 1953 after studying vitamin C and colds in college
students advised that ascorbic acid be given early and often in sufficient
amounts. Regnier reporting in review of Allergy found that the larger the dose
of ascorbic acid the better were the results. Our findings resulted in a
schedule of one gram each hour for 48 hours and then 10 grams each day by
mouth. Those under ten at least one gram for each year of life.
Virus Encephalitis.
Virus
encephalitis is a deadly syndrome and must be treated heroicly with intravenous
and/or intramuscular injections of ascorbic acid. We recommend a dose schedule
of from 350 mg to 700 mg per Kg. body weight diluted to at least 18 c.c. of 5D
water to each gram of "C". In small children, 2 and 3 grams can be
given intramuscularly, every 2 hours. An ice cap to the buttock will prevent
soreness and induration. Ascorbic acid in amounts under 400 mg per Kg. body weight
can be administered intravenously with a syringe in dilutions of 5 c.c. to each
one gram provided the ampoule is buffered with sodium bicarbonate with sodium
Bisulfite added. As much as 12 grams can be given in this manner with a 50 c.c.
syringe. Larger amounts must be diluted with "bottle" dextrose or
"saline" solutions and run in by needle drip. This is true because
amounts like 20 to 25 grams which can be given with a 100 c.c. syringe can
suddenly dehydrate the cerebral cortex so as to produce convulsive movements of
the legs. This represents a peculiar syndrome, symptomatic epilepsy, in which
the patient is mentally clear and experiences no discomfiture except that the
lower extremities are in mild convulsion. This epileptiform type seizure will continue
for 20 plus minutes and then abruptly stop. Mild pressure on the knees will
stop the seizure so long as pressure is maintained. If still within the time
limit of the seizure the spasm will re-appear by simply withdrawing the hand
pressure. I have seen this in two patients receiving 26 grams intravenously
with a 100 c.c. syringe on the 2nd injection. One patient had poliomyelitis,
the other malignant measles. Both were adults. I have duplicated this on myself
to prove no after effects. Intramuscular injections are always 500 mg to 1 c.c.
solution. With continuous intravenous injections of large amounts of ascorbic
acid, at least one gram of calcium gluconate must be added to the fluids each
day. This is done because we have found that massive doses of ascorbic acid
pulls free calcium ions from the vicinity of the platelets or from the
calcium-prothrombin complex as the lactone ring of dehydroascorbic acid is
opened. The first sign of calcium ion loss is "nose bleeding". This
differs from the nosebleed found, at times, in cases of chicken pox or measles.
Here it represents frank scurvy from vitamin C deficiency. The pathology being
"Capillary fragility".
Burns.
A new
treatment for burns has been outlined, which if followed will eliminate skin
grafting and plastic surgery. It is probably too simple to gain early
acceptance. The literature has been suggesting the value of ascorbic acid in
burns for many years. Proper local application and the amount for systemic
usage has been misleading. One only need see one case properly treated with
ascorbic acid to appreciate its importance. If ascorbic acid can destroy the
exotoxin of tetanus, as Jungeblut demonstrated, it can also destroy the
exotoxin of Pseudomonas. Ascorbic acid plays an important role in maintaining
fluid balance in the body. Ruskin pointed out that the vitamin activates an
enzyme arginase, which breaks down the amino acid arginine, resulting in
production of urea which is one key to tissue fluid balance.
Pregnancy.
The simple
stress of pregnancy demands supplemental vitamin C. This amount will vary with
the individual. The silver nitrate-urine text will simplify these findings.
Vitamin C seems especially concerned with mesenchymal tissue. When one
considers the demands of the fetus and infant, especially premature babies, it
is obvious that high vitamin C intakes are required during pregnancy because
this "parasite" will drain available "C" from the mother.
Greenblatt reports excellent results following the oral administration of
vitamin C in the therapy of habitual abortion. In my own practice I was able to
take women who had had as many as five abortions without a successful pregnancy
and carry them through two and three uneventful pregnancies with the use of
supplemental vitamin C. The German literature is "stacked" with
articles recommending high doses of vitamin C during gestation because they
believe that this substance is of great benefit in influencing the health of
the mother and in preventing infections. The vital contribution of ascorbic acid
to the body tissues can be summed up in the formation and maintenance of normal
intercellular material, especially in the connective tissue, bones, teeth, and
blood vessels. Genetic errors might be prevented if prospective mothers were
advised to take 10 or more grams of ascorbic acid daily. It is significant that
we found in the simple stress of pregnancy, a normal physiological process,
that equivalent requirements paralleled those found in the rat when under
stress. Experiments by King et al.68 have shown that the need for supplemental
vitamin C begins with the embryo.
Kidney Stones.
The
"scare" factor of large doses of ascorbic vs, kidney stones has been
laid to rest. Since the urine is usually pH6, one can see that the opening of
the lactone ring is a slow process. This reaction takes place in tissues and is
probably regulated by the amount of glutathione present. The important
considerations are that one must have a concentrated urine, that stasis must be
a factor and that the urine must be alkaline for any appreciable amounts of the
crystalloids to precipitate out. This will never occur with massive ascorbic
acid therapy. Furthermore, it has been shown that the controls in a given
experiment had almost as much oxalic acid spill as did those volunteers taking
9 grams of ascorbic acid daily.
Insect - Snake Bites.
The
quickness of results in snake bite, spider bite, hornet stings and caterpillar
reactions demonstrates the usefulness in saving lives. It is best to give the
vitamin intravenously with a syringe since bottle preparations are too time
consuming. One precaution must be given. There exist a 2 gram ascorbic acid
ampule, and ironically it is the only one to my knowledge approved by the Food
and Drug Administration, which might "kill" if used undiluted in a
syringe. This lethal factor is due to the preservatives added. Each ampule
contains 2 grams sodium ascorbate. Vehicle contains: Monothioglycerol 0.14%;
Sodium Formaldehyde Sulfoxylate 0.05%; Methyl Paraben 0.13%; Propyl Paraben
0.015%. Neutralized to pH6 with Sodium Bicarbonate; Water for injection q.s.
This ampoule can be used intravenously ONLY when diluted to at least 25 c.c. to
one gram. One sometimes will be confronted with extraordinary allergic and
shock symptoms along with acute respiratory obstruction. In these situation one
must employ Benadryl intravenously and/or intramuscularly and an adrenocortical
hormone such as Decadron. These can be given by a nurse while the ascorbic acid
is being prepared. In their absence a second "syringe" dose of
ascorbic acid will suffice. Fluids by mouth should be given to prevent or
correct thirst which all patients seem to experience.
Diabetes
Large doses
of ascorbic acid do not cause diabetes mellitus in humans as has been
suggested. On the contrary 10 grams daily, by mouth, has proved to be
beneficial. The fact that 10 grams will allow them to heal wounds like normal
individuals will save many legs in. the future. Lamden, a bio-chemist,
instigated these fears by misinterpretation of the results reported by
Patterson using the Ketone formula intravenously in rats.
In Surgery.
In surgery
the use of ascorbic acid resolves itself into a "must" situation. The
24 hour frank scurvy levels should be sufficient evidence to encourage all
surgeons to use vitamin C freely in their fluids. Proper employment of vitamin
C by the surgeons will all but eliminate the post-surgery deaths.
In Malignancy.
The part
very large doses of ascorbic acid given intravenously over a prolonged period
offers a medical challenge. From cabbage and tomatoes grown in the carbon-14
chambers radioactive ascorbic acid can be extracted, which can be used in
tracer studies. At least one re-search team has demonstrated that in cancer all
available "C" is mobilized at the site of the malignancy. Lauber and
Rosenfeld reported that "C" is mobilized from the tissues of the body
and selectively concentrated in traumatized areas. In one hopeless case we
administered 17 grams daily for 92 consecutive days without changing the blood
or urine levels from that associated with scurvy. This is the reason we believe
a dose range of 100 grams to 300 grams daily by continuous intravenous drip for
a period of several months might prove surprisingly profitable. Blood chemistry
should be followed daily with such an investigation. Schlegel found that even a
dose of 1.5 grams a day, by mouth, would prevent bladder cancer.
Barbiturate Poisoning.
Our
findings in no less than 15 cases of barbiturate poisoning suggested that no
death should occur from this error in judgment. We also observed the dramatic
effect of 12 grams intravenously on blood pressure associated with shock. The
shock seen in heat stroke had been corrected by the time the injection was
completed. The dose range used was 500 mg per Kg body weight.
Tetanus - Trichinosis
The use of
ascorbic acid with Tolserol in the treatment of Tetanus should be accepted as
universal treatment. Here again the dose must be proper. Our case as reported
will serve as a guide in making these calculations. Ascorbic acid along with Para-Aminobenzoic
acid is curative in Trichinosis. Both drugs are administered by mouth. It is
estimated that at least 5 niillion cases of chronic Trichinosis exists in the
Viral Hepatitis.
Ascorbic
acid is the drug of choice in viral hepatitis. The dose used ranges from 400 mg
to 600 mg per Kg body weight, depending on the severity of the disease. It
should be given every 8 to 12 hours. Ten grams ascorbic acid daily in divided
doses is also given by mouth. Those under 10 years the usual schedule of at
least one gram for each year of life.
Multiple Uses.
We have
reviewed many other pathological conditions in which ascorbic acid plays an
important part in recovery. To these might be added Cardiovascular Diseases,
Hypermenorrhea, Peptic and Duodenal Ulcers, Post-operative and Radiation
Sickness, Rheumatic Fever, Scarlet Fever, Poliomyelitis, Acute and Chronic
Pancreatitis, Tularemia, Whooping Cough and Tuberculosis. In one case of
scarlet fever in which Penicillin and the Sulfa drugs were showing no
improvement, fifty grams ascorbic acid given intravenously resulted in a
dramatic drop in the fever curve to normal. Here the action of ascorbic acid
was not only direct but also as a synergist. A similar situation was observed
in a case of lobar pneumonia. In another case of purperal sepsis following a
criminal abortion the initial dose of ascorbic acid was 1200 mg per Kg body
weight and two subsequent injections were at the 600 mg level. Along with
Penicillin and Sulfadiazine an admission temperature of 105.4°F. was normal in
nine hours. The patient made an uneventful recovery. In one spectacular case of
Black Widow69 spider bite in a 3 1/2 year old child, in coma, one gram calcium
gluconate and 4 grams of ascorbic acid was administered intravenously when
first seen in the office. Four grams ascorbic acid was then given every six
hours using a 20 c.c. syringe. She was awake and well in 24 hours. Physical
examination showed a comatosed child with a rigid abdomen. The area about the
umbilicus was red and indurated, suggesting a strangulated hernia. With a 4
power 1ense, fang marks were in evidence. Thirty hours after starting the
vitamin C therapy the child expelled a large amount of dark clotted blood.
There was no other residual. A review of the literature confirmed that this
individual has been the only one to survive with such findings; the others were
reported at autopsy. Ten grams vitamin C and 200 mg to 400 mg vitamin B-6, by
mouth, daily will "shield" one from mosquito bites. Twenty% will also
require 100 m vitamin B-6 intramuscalarly each week.
Motion sickness
General Nutrition.
Vitamin C
plays a very important role in general nutrition. Deficiency of this substance
in sufficient amounts can be a factor in loss of appetite, loss of weight or
failure to grow, muscular weakness, anemia and various skin lesions. The
relationship between vitamin C and the health of the gums and teeth has long
been recognized. Laboratory studies on gum-teeth connective tissue have
reaffirmed this relationship.70 Our son who will be 19 in July has never
developed a tooth cavity. Since age 10 he has received at least 10 grams
ascorbic acid, daily, by mouth. Before age 10 the amount given was on a siiding
scale.
Intra-Venous Application.
Ascorbic
acid must be given by needle to bring about quick reversal of various
"insults" to the human body. We have found that doses must range from
350 mg to 1200 mg per Kg body weight. Under 400 mg per Kg of body weight the
injection can be made with a syringe provided the vitamin is buffered with
sodium bicarbonate with Sodium Bisulfite added. Above 400 mg doses per Kg body
weight, and a particular ampoule described in this summary, the vitamin must be
diluted to at least 18 c.c. of 5 per cent dextrose in water, saline in water or
Ringer's solution. Many times Adenosine 5-Monophosphate, 25 mg in children and
50 to 100 mg in adults, given intramuscularly, is necessary to achieve results.
The aquous solution is more effective for quick results, although Adenosine in
Gel can be employed. In debilitated individuals or when the pathology is
serious, Desoxycorticosterone Acetate (DCA), aquous solution, must also be
added to the schedule. Usually 2.5 mg for children and 5 mg for adults is the
daily intramuscular dose required. Sudden swelling of the feet indicates
abnormal sensitivity and the drug must be discontinued.
Editor's Note:
Because of the
unusually high amounts of ascorbic acid used in Dr. Klenner's treatment, as
reported in his paper, we asked him to verify amounts mentioned. Following is
his answer:
"To
the Editor of the ICAN Journal: This will confirm that all 'quantity' factors
given in my paper are correct and can be confirmed from hospital and medical
office records. The notation relative to 150 grams represents the amount used
for reversing pathology in a given case and was the amount given over a period
of 24 hours. (The I.V. was continuous.) This was given in three bottles of 5D
water, decanting only enough from 1000 cc to be replaced by the 'C' ampules.
"Recently
the FDA has published a 'warning' that too much soda-ascobate might be harmful,
referring to the sodium ion. In reply to this I can state that for many years I
have taken 10 to 20 grams of sodium ascorbate by mouth daily, and my blood
sodium remains normal. These levels are checked by an approved laboratory. 20
grams each day and my urine remains at or just above pH 6“.
Signed:
FRED R. KLENNER, M.D.
Ancient History and Homespun Vitamin
C Therapies
Folklore of
past civilizations report that for every disease afflicting man there is an
herb or its equivalent that will effect a cure.
1. In
Puerto Rico the story has long been told "that to have the health tree
Acerola in one's back yard would keep colds out of the front door“. The
ascorbic acid content of this cherry-like fruit
is 30x that
found in oranges.
2. In
the most
commonly used medicinal plant of eastern
unfortunate
victim of a cold or fever. Having lived in that section of the country we
qualified many times for this particular drink. The Flu of 1918 stands out very
forcefully in that the
Klenners
survived when scores about us were dying. Although bitter it was curative and
most of the time the cure was overnight. Several years ago my curiosity led me
to assay this "herbal medicine" and to my suprise and delight I found
that we had been taking from 10 - 30 grams of natural vitamin C at one time.
Even then it was given by body weight.
Children
one cupful; adults two to three cupfuls. Cups those days held eight ounces.
Twentieth century man seemingly forgets that his ancestors made crude drugs
from various plants and roots,
and that
these decoctions, infusions, juices, powders, pills and ointments served his
purpose. Elegant pharmacy has only made the forms and shapes more acceptable.
Early specifications, action and dosages for
administrations.
To understand
the chemical behavior of ascorbic acid in human pathology, one must go beyond
its present academic status either as a factor essential for life or as a
substance necessary to
prevent
scurvy. This knowledge is elementary.
In Food and
Life Yearbook 1939, U.S. Department of Agriculture: "In fact even when
there is not a single outward symptom of trouble, a person may be in a state of
vitamin C deficiency more dangerous than scurvy itself. When such a condition
is not detected, and continues un-corrected, the teeth and bones will be
damaged, and what may be even more serious, the blood stream is weakened to the
point where it can no longer resist or fight infections not so easily cured as
scurvy“.
It is true
that without these infinitesimal amounts myriads of body processes would
deteriorate and even come to a fatal halt.
Ascorbic
acid has many important functions. It is a powerful oxidizer and when given in
massive amounts; that is, 50 grams to 150 grams, intravenously, for certain
pathological conditions,
and
"run in" as fast as 20 Gauge needle will allow, it acts as a
"Flash Oxidizer”, often correcting the pathology within minutes. Ascorbic
acid is also a powerful reducing agent. Its neutralizing action on certain
toxins, exotoxins, virus infections, endotoxins and histamine is in direct
proportion to the amount of the lethal factor involved and the amount of
ascorbic acid given.
At times it
is necessary to use ascorbic acid intramuscularly. It should always be used
orally, when possible, along with the needle.
Scurvy historically the target; todays goal of
high blood levels to cope with self induced abuses and physiological traumas.
If one is
to employ ascorbic acid intelligently, some index for requirements must be
realized. Unfortunately there exists today a sort of "brand" called
"minimum daily requirements“.
This
illegitmate "child" has been co-fathered by the National Academy of
Science and The National Re-search Council and represents a tragic error in
judgement. There are many factors
which
increase the demand for ascorbic acid, and unless these are appreciated, at
least by physicians, there can be no real progress. It is vitally important
that cognizance be taken of the
demand for
ascorbic acid far beyond so-called scorbutic levels. Briefly these demands can
be summarized:
1) The age of the individual;
2) Habits -- such as smoking, the use of
alcohol, playing habits;
3) Sleep, especially when induced artificially;
4) Trauma, -- trauma caused by a pathogen, the trauma
of work, the trauma of surgery, the trauma to the body produced accidentally or
intentionally;
5) Kidney threshold;
6) Environment;
7) Physiological stress;
8) Season of the year;
9) Loss by stool;
10) Variations in individual absorption;
11) Variations in "binders" in
commercial tablets;
12) Body chemistry;
13) Drugs;
14) Pesticides;
15) Body weight;
16) Inadequate storage.
Flexible
dosage standards explained as minimal standards.
With such
knowledge it is no longer possible to accept a set numerical unit in terms of
minimal daily requirements. This is true because of the simple fact that people
are different and these
same people
experience different situations at various times. With ascorbic acid, today's
adequate supply means little or nothing in terms of the needs for tomorrow.
Start thinking in terms of maximum requirements. For too long a time we have
under supplied our children and ourselves by accepting through negative
ignorance and acquiescence so-called standards.
Based on
scant data on mammalian synthesis, available for the rat, a 70-Kg. individual
would produce 1.8 grams to 4.0 grams of ascorbic acid per day in the unstressed
condition.
Under
stress, up to 15.2 grams. Compared to the 70 mg recommended for daily
requirements without stress and 200 mg for the simple stress of the obstetrical
patient, and you will recognize the disparity and understand why we have been
waging a one man war against the establishment in
Ascorbic acid not synthesized by man
Work on
mammalian biosynthesis of ascorbic acid indicates that the vitamin C story as
is generally accepted represents an over simplication of available evidence.
This often leads to misinterpretations and false impressions. It has been
proposed that the biochemical lesion which produces the human need for
exogenous sources of ascorbic acid, is the absence of the active enzyme,
l-gulonolactone oxidase from the human liver11. A defect or loss of the gene
controlling the synthesis of this enzyme in man, blocks the final phase in the
series for converting glucose
to ascorbic
acid. Virus can mutate cells, X-Rays can do it and it can occur by chance. Such
a mutation could have happened, denying all progenies of this mutated animal
the ability to produce ascorbic acid. Survival demanded ascorbic acid from an
exogenous source. This is not remarkable. Other recognized genetic diseases in
which a missing enzyme causes a pathological syndrome,
in man, are
phenylketonuria, galactosemia and alkaptonuria.
It is worthy
to note that Sealock and Goodland have ascribed to ascorbic acid the faculty of
being the necessary co-enzyme in the metabolic oxidation of tyrosine. The
velocity of the oxidation in this reaction is dependent upon the concentration
of vitamin C. Tyrosine is essential in breaking down protein to usable amino
acid. The scorbutic guinea-pig's liver is unable to oxidize tyrosine except in
the presence of ascorbic acid. This suggests a lead in the study of the
metabolic abnormality-Alkaptonuria-in humans. Ascorbic acid administration will
correct the alkaptonuria of the scorbutic guinea pig. Its effect on human
alkaptonuria has been inconsistent. The reason: Inadequate use of ascorbic
acid.
Bio-chemist Irwin Stone's concept
has practical value
The inability
of man to manufacture his own ascorbic acid, due to genetic fault, has been
called "hypoascorbemia" by Irwin Stone. This is another reason for
abolishing the present concept of
daily
minimal requirements. The physiological requirements in man are no different
from other mammals capable of carrying out this synthesis.
Various procedures testing for the vitamin C
levels and Requirements of the body.
Various
tests have been employed to determine the degree of body saturation of vitamin
C, but for the most part they have been misleading. Blood and urine samples
analyzed with 2:6 dichlorophenol indophenol will give values roughly 7% less
than when testing with dinitrophenol hydrazine. Gothlin advocates the capillary
fragility test which is similar to the tourniquent test
of Hess in
results. Both can be used to estimate the quantity of vitamin C necessary to
maintain capillary integrity. The intradermal test of Rotter as modified by
Slobody13 is again gaining new recruits. In principle it is the same as the lingual
test of Ringdorf and Cheraskin14 since both are based on the time required to
decolorize dye. The lingual test is rapid and simple to perform
but it
requires a syringe with a 25 gauge needle and a stop watch. Since the dye
methods depend on the reduction of the reagent by vitamin C, any substance
having a reducing potential lower
than the
dye is a possible source of interference. 20 Years ago we choose to measure, as
a therapeutic gauge, the amount of vitamin C in urine by borrowing on its
ability to reduce qualitative Benedict's solution. A 2 plus Benedict's reaction
in a known dextrose free urine was accepted as a standard. This test was
helpful in gauging requirements for simple stress, but not accurate
enough when
using needle therapy. 15 years ago we developed the Silver Nitrate-Urine15
test. This test employs 10 drops of 5% silver nitrate and 10 drops urine which
is placed in a
Wasserman
tube. Read in two minutes it will give a color pattern showing white, beige,
smoke gray or charcoal or various combinations of any two depending upon the
degree of saturation.
We have
found this color index test is all one will need for establishing the correct
amount of ascorbic acid to use by mouth, by muscle, by vein in the handling of
all types of human pathology
either as
the specific drug or as an adjuvant with other antibiotics or neutralizing
chemicals. In severe pathological conditions the urine sample, taken every four
hours, must show a fine
charcoal-like
precipitation with a clear supernatant liquid if positive clinical results are
to be realized. Spilling in the urine is not new. Abraham and Keefer have
demonstrated that when
penicillin
is injected intravenously, excretions in the urine account for 60% of the
administered dose.
Role played by ascorhic acid in
intercellular reactions, neutralizing, possibly controlling virus production.
In 1935
characteristic
of tobacco mosaic virus was soon found to be a basic property of many human
viruses such as coxsackie virus, and polioviruses - they all contain only
ribonucleic acid and protein. There exist minor variations. Adenoviruses
contain desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein. Other viruses such as that
causing influenza contain added lipid and polysaccharides. Desoxyribonucleic
acid is used to program the large viruses, like mumps, ribonucleic acid is used
to program the small viruses, like measles. The role of the protein coat is to
protect the parasitic but unstable nucleic acid as it rides the "blood
highway" or "lymphatic system" to gain specific cell entry. Pure
viral nucleic acid without its protein coat can be inactivated by constituents
of
normal
blood. There are several theories as to what happens after cell entry:
1) Once inside a given cell. the virus nucleic
acid sheds its protein coat and proceeds to modify the host cell by either
creating mutations or by directly substituting its own nucleic acid;
2) The infectious nucleic acid, after entering
a human cell, retains its protein coat and starts to produce its own type
protein coat16 and viral nucleic acid, so that new units can either
depart to enter other cells or by destruction
of the cell, thus making the infection more severe;
3) The introduction of a foreign fragment of
nucleic acid in the cell-virus interaction approach as postulated by Starr17.
In the Starr theory there can exist cells with partial chromosome make-up and
cells with multi-nuclei. Hiliary Kropowski holds that these partial cells are
'pseudo-virons"18 and are found in some tumor-virus infections. A key
factor in the Starr-Kropowski thinking is that the cell maintains its
biological integrity to support virus development despite the abnormal
morphology and genetic deficiency. If these invaded cells could
be destroyed or the invader neutralized the
illness would suddenly terminate. Ascorbic acid has the capability of entering
all cells. Under normal circumstances its presence is beneficial
to the cell, however, when the cell has been
invaded by a foreign substance, like virus nucleic acid, enzymic action by
ascorbic acid contributes to the breakdown of virus nucleic acid to adenosine
deaminase which converts adenosine to inosine. The net result is to lead to
purines which are extensively catabilized and not to p+urines which are
utilized for further nucleic acid. Ascorbic acid also joins with the available
virus protein, making a new macromolecule which acts as the repressor factor.
It has been demonstrated that when combined with the repressor, the operator
gene, virus nucleic acid, cannot react with any other substance and cannot
induce activity in the structural gene, therefore inhibiting the multiplication
of new virus bodies. The tensile strength of the cell membrane is exceeded by
these macromolecules with rupture and destruction.
3) Another hypothesis is that vitamin C acts to
create new "L" viruses which are impotent. Still another, that the
"binding" alone is sufficient to destroy the virus.
Burns - degrees explained and some therapy
rational.
In the
treatment of burns ascorbic acid, in sufficient amounts, reflects itself as a truly
miracle substance. In the early forties, when I was using ascorbic acid,
intramuscularly, in treating
bacillary
dysentery, shiga type, with excellent results,
each day,
in fluids, was the recognized dose. Burns are at the beginning first degree and
some remain as just an erythema. Many times the first degree burn progresses
rapidly to the second
degree
stage and remains as "blisters". Still others go on to third degree
which usually is more pronounced on the third plus post burn day. There is a
fourth stage which results from lack of knowledge in treatment. It terminates
with skin grafting and plastic surgery. We believe that ascorbic acid will
eliminate the fourth stage and the third stage if used as we will later
program.
Burns - continued descriptive and
related therapies.
The
pathologic physiology of a burn wound from the moment of the accident is in a
state of dynamic change until the wound heals or the patient dies. The primary
consideration is the phenomenon
of blood
sludging originally recognized by Knisely in 1945.26,27 Initially there is
intravascular agglutination of red blood cells into distinctly visible, smooth,
hard, rigid, basic masses. Lofstrom
in 1959
demonstrated that the oxygen uptake by the tissues is greatly reduced because
of the sludging and therefore reduced rate of flow. Berkeley28 in 1960
concluded that this phenomenon of sludging or agglutination results in
capillary thrombosis in the area of the burn, extending proximally to involve
the large arterioles and venules and thereby creating tissue destruction
greater
than that
originally produced by the burn. Anoxia produces added tissue destruction.
ascorbic
acid as shown by a low concentration of ascorbic acid in the plasma either with
the patient fasting or after saturation tests and also low urinary excretion of
vitamin C either with the
patient
fasting or after the injection of test doses. The extent of the abnormality
closely paralleled the severity of the burn. Bergman30 reported an increase
demand for ascorbic acid in burns especially when epithelization and formation
of granulation tissue are taking place. Lam31 also reported in 1941 a marked
decrease in the plasma ascorbic acid concentration in patients with
severe
burns. Klasson32 although limiting the amount of ascorbic acid to a dose range
of 300 mg to 2000 mg daily, in divided doses, found that it hastened the
healing of wounds by producing healthy granulation tissue and also that it
reduced local oedema. He rationalized that ascrobic acid used locally as a 2%
dressing possessed astringent properties similar to hydrogen peroxide.
He also
reported that antibiotic therapy was rarely necessary.
Severe burns and related therapy.
Harlen
Stone33 suggested the use of gentamicin in major burns to lower the sepsis
caused by pseudomonas. Absorption of its exotoxin from the infected burn wound
inhibits the bacterial
defense
mechanism of the reticuloendothelial system. Death can result either from the
toxaemia alone or from an associated septicaemia.
We have
found that the secret in treating burns can be summarized in five steps:
1) The use
of the "old covered wagon" type cradle when indicated, with 3 25 watt
bulbs. The patient controls the heat by turning on and off the first bulb as
needed to keep warm.
No garments
or dressings are allowed;
2) The
employment of a 3% ascorbic acid solution as a spray over the entire area of
the burn. The spray can be applied with a Devilbis unit using an ordinary
portable pressure pump.
The old
type "flit gun can also be used or even a 50 c.c. syringe with a 20 gauge
needle. The 3% solution is used every 2 - 4 hours for a period of roughly five
days; 3) The use of vitamin A
and D
ointment over the area of the burn and this is now alternated, q4h with the 3%
ascorbic acid solution; 4) The administration of massive doses of ascorbic acid
by vein and by mouth.
500 mg per
Kg. body weight diluted to at least 18 c.c. per gram vitamin C using 5%
dextrose in water, saline in water or Ringers solution and for the initial
injection, run in as fast as a 20
gauge needle
or catheter will carry the flow. Cut-downs are frequently necessary and the
foot-ankle area is recommended. Vitamin C solution is repeated every 8 hours
for the first several days, then at 12 hour intervals. Ascorbic acid, by mouth,
is given to tolerance. Loose stools is accepted as an index. Using large doses
of ascorbic acid I.V. will necessitate the administration of
at least
one gram calcium gluconate, daily, to replace free calcium ions removed in the
breakdown chemical action as ascorbic acid goes to dehydroascorbic acid, then
to ketogulonic acid and later to oxalic acid as the calcium salt; 5)
Supportative treatment; that is, whole blood and maintaining electrolite
balance. If seen early after the burn there will be no infections and no eschar
formations. This eliminates fluid formation, since the eschar traps will not
exist and there will be no distal oedema because the venous and lymphatic
systems will remain open. There will be no arterial obstruction and no nerve
compression. Pseudomonas will not be a problem, since ascorbic acid destroys
the exotoxin systemically and locally. Even if the burn is seen late when
pseudomonas is a major problem the gram negative bacilli will be destroyed in a
few days leaving a clean healthy surface. I have seen eschars 2 inches wide and
1/2 inch thick, severely infected so that stench had to be controlled with
deodorizing sprays, melt away when employing the method outlined. Ascorbic acid
also eliminates pain so that opiates or their equivalent are not required. In
extremely extensive burns that involve back and front of the patient, the
"Hoverbed" employed by the British should be considered. It uses the
same principle as the hovercraft to lift a solid object. What has been
overlooked in burns is that there are many living epithelial cells in the areas
that grossly look like "raw muscle“. With the use of ascorbic acid these
cells are kept viable, will multiply and soon meet with other proliferating
units in the establishment of a new integument.
Regarding personal and environmental
pollution-carbon monoxide.
We are all
plagued with varying degrees of chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. This is the
price we pay for putting our "railroads" on our highways, smoking and
being too lazy to walk. Small amounts of carbon monoxide, if constantly
maintained in the alveoli, can produce serious effects. Carbon monoxide in the
inspired air leads to oxygen deficiency in the tissues causing extreme
exhaustion. The affinity of carbon monoxide for haemoglobin is roughly 300
times as great as that for oxygen. In addition to active replacement of
oxy-haemoglobin the presence of some proportion of carboxy-haemoglobin
decreases the dissociability of such oxy-haemoglobin as remains. Carbon monoxide
can be released from haemoglobin if the patient is exposed to high pressure of
oxygen, 93% along with 7% carbon dioxide. This is not always available.
Ascorbic acid in the blood is constantly losing molecules of water. Perfectly
dry carbon monoxide and oxygen cannot unite to form carbon dioxide, but carbon
monoxide and water may give rise to carbon dioxide in the complete absence of
oxygen. The reactions which take place are CO + H2O = HCOOH CO2 + H2 (Wright).
Here the oxygen of the water has been used to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon
dioxide with the liberation of hydrogen. Glutathione may facilitate this
cellular oxidation by acting as a hydrogen acceptor (Hopkins). Clinical
experience suggests that if sufficient ascorbic acid is suddenly placed into
the blood stream - 12 grams to 50 grams - that through "Flash
Oxidation" a concentration of oxygen is made high enough to pull carbon
monoxide from hemoglobin to form carbon dioxide. This rapidly formed carbon
dioxide acts with the high oxygen tension to serve the same purpose as when
given by "mask," further enhancing the chemical action taking place.
Ascorbic acid will also prevent residuals such as paralysis, blindness,
interference with sensations, muscle spasms or twitching which in some cases can
be permanent.
Primary and lasting benefits in pregnancy. xßx
Observations
made on over 300 consecutive obstetrical cases using supplemental ascorbic
acid, by mouth, convinced me that failure to use this agent in sufficient
amounts in pregnancy borders on malpractice. The lowest amount of ascorbic acid
used was 4 grams and the highest amount 15 grams each day. (Remember the rat-no
stress manufactures equivalent "C" up to 4 grams and with stress up
to 15.2 grams). Requirements were roughly 4 grams first trimester, 6 grams
second trimester and 10 grams third trimester. Approximately 20% required 15
grams, each day, during last trimester. Eighty% of this series received a
booster injection of 10 grams, intravenously, on admission to the hospital.
Haemoglobin levels were much easier to maintain. Leg cramps were less than
three% and always was associated with "getting out" of Vitamin C
tablets. Striae gravidarum was seldom encountered and when it was present there
existed an associated problem of too much eating and too little walking. The
capacity of the skin to resist the pressure of an expanding uterus will also
vary in different individuals. Labor was shorter and less painful. There were
no postpartum haemorrhages. The perineum was found to be remarkably elastic and
episiotomy was performed electively. Healing was always by first intention and
even after 15 and 20 years following the last child the firmness of the
perineum is found to be similar to that of a primigravida in those who have
continued their daily supplemental vitamin C. No patient required
catheterization. No toxic manifestations were demonstrated in this series.
There was no cardiac stress even though 22 patients of the series had rheumatic
hearts. One patient in particular was carried through two pregnancies without
complications. She had been warned by her previous obstetrician that a second
pregnancy would terminate with a maternal death. She received no
ascorbic
acid with her first pregnancy. This lady has been back teaching school for the
past 10 years. She still takes 10 grams of ascorbic acid daily. Infants born
under massive ascorbic acid therapy were all robust. Not a single case required
resuscitation. We experienced no feeding problems. The Fultz quadruplets were
in this series. They took milk nourishment on the 2nd day.
These
babies were started on 50 mg ascorbic acid the 1st day and, of course, this was
increased as time went on. Our only nursery equipment was one hospital bed, an
old, used single unit hot
plate and
an equally old 10 quart kettle. Humidity and ascorbic acid tells this story.
They are the only quadruplets that have survived in southeastern
proud is
one in which we delivered 10 children to one couple. All are healthy and good
looking. There were no miscarriages. All are living and well. They are
frequently referred to as the
vitamin C
kids, in fact all of the babies from this series were called "Vitamin C
Babies" by the nursing personnel--they were distinctly different.
How concerned should we
be about oxalic acid xßx and kidney stones? A technical explanation.
One of the
"scare" weapons used by the critics on high daily doses of ascorbic
acid is the oxalic acid-kidney stone hypothesis. Meakins states that the chief
factors in the formation of renal
calculi are
perversions of metabolic processes, infection and stasis in the urinary tract.
Two schools
of thought on stone formation:
1) That there is a central nucleus of colloids
on which the crystalloids are precipitated;
2) That the crystalloids are deposited from the
urine in which they are present in concentrated solution, in which salt and
hydrogen ion concentrations are important factors.
In all
cases stasis and a concentrated urine appear to be the chief physiological factors.
The only way that oxalic acid can be produced from ascorbic acid is through
splitting of the lactone ring. This happens above pH5. The reaction of urine
when 10 grams of vitamin C is taken daily is usually pH6. Oxalic acid
precipitates out of solution only from a neutral or alkaline solution-pH7
to pH10.
Kelli and Zilva37 reported that "Nutrition experiments showed that
dehydroascorbic acid is protected in vivo from rapid transformation to the
antiscorbutically impotent diketogulonic
acid from
which oxalic acid is derived. Values reported in the literature for normal 24
hour urinary oxalate excretions for humans range from 14 mg to 56 mg. Lamden et
al.38 found in a group of volunteers that the ingestion of 9 grams ascorbic
acid daily resulted in oxalate spills as high as 68 mg for 24 hours and in the
controls without extra vitamin C the high was 64 mg for a 24 hour period. These
critics have overlooked the individual with diabetes mellitis. The amount of
oxalic acid found in the diabetic patient approximates that found in the urine
of a normal person taking 10 grams vitamin C each day. With the diabetic we
find a paradox. Give this individual 10 grams ascorbic acid daily, by mouth,
and the urinary oxalate excretion remains relatively unchanged. Diabetics are
known for their diuresis. The individual who takes 10 or more grams of vitamin
C each day will find that this organic compound is an excellent diuretic. No
urinary stasis; no urine concentration. The ascorbic acid kidney stone story is
a myth. Methylene blue will dissolve calcium oxalate stones giving 65 mg orally
2 – 3x daily. (Dr. M. J. Vernon Smith: Med. World News, Dec. 4, 1970)
Why death from insect and snake bites?
It is
estimated that 6500 deaths occur each year in the
Several
factors are at work in these pathologies:
1) The tox-albumin of the snake bite, like the
copperhead or rattler;
2) Formic acid plus a toxin with a protein
cover, called proteotoxin by Arthus, such as found in bees and wasps;
3) Neurotoxin from the Black Widow, the Fiddle
Spider and snakes like the Cobra and Coral;
4) Production of histamine, especially in the
more severe stings and bites.
Wells in
1925 called the poison of certain spiders and snakes zootoxins and of poisonous
plants, phytotoxins.
Ford in
1911 reported three classes of toxins in plants and fungi:
1) Nerve poisons-muscarine;
2) Those causing structural changes in the viscera
with resulting fatty degeneration;
3) Gastrointestinal irritants.
Ascorbic acid to the rescue.
It is a
demonstrated principle that the production of histamine and other end products from
deaminized cell proteins released by injury to cells are a cause of shock. The
clinical value of
ascorbic
acid in combating shock is explained when we realize that the deaminizing
enzymes from the damaged cells are inhibited by vitamin C.42 It has been shown
by Chambers and Pollock
that
mechanical damage to a cell results in pH changes which reverse the cell
enzymes from constructive to destructive activity. The pH changes spread to
other cells. This destructive activity releases histamine a major shock
producing substance. The presence of vitamin C inhibits this enzyme transition
into + the destructive phase. Clark and Rossiter reported that conditions of
shock and
stress cause depletion of the ascorbic acid content of the plasma. As with the
virus bodies, ascorbic acid also joins with the protein factor of these toxins
effecting quick destruction.
The answer
to these emergencies is simple. Large amounts of ascorbic acid 350 mg to 700 mg
per Kg. body weight given intravenously. In small patients, where veins are at
a premium, ascorbic acid can easily be given intramuscularly in amounts up to
two grams at one site. Several areas can be used with each dose given. Ice held
to the gluteal muscles until red, almost eliminates the
pain. We
always reapply the ice for a few minutes after the injection. Ascorbic acid is
also given, by mouth, as followup treatment. Every emergency room should be
stocked with vitamin C ampoules of sufficient strength so that time will never
be counted-as a factor in saving a life. The 4 gram, 20 c.c, ampulle and 10
gram 50 c.c. ampulle must be made available to the physician.
Some concern answered regarding high dosage of
ascorbic acid.
Merton
Lamden, a bio-chemist, writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 11,
1971, expresses grave doubts about the safety of large doses of ascorbic acid
taken by mouth.
He gives a
report by
This
transposed to a man weighing 70 kilograms would represent a dose of 3,500
grams-roughly 5,000 grams ascorbic acid. Obviously the work has no relationship
with the ingestion of
ascorbic
acid by humans. I have taken from 10 to 20 grams of ascorbic acid daily since
my last visit to this college - 18 years ago. I do not have diabetes mellitus
and if I might digress a
moment,
neither have I had a kidney stone.
Diabetes millitus response to 10
grams ascorbic acid by mouth.
Over the
past 17 years we have studied the effect of 10 grams by mouth, in patients with
diabetes mellitus. We found that every diabetic not taking supplemental vitamin
C could be classified as having sub-clinical scurvey. For this reason they find
it difficult to heal wounds. The diabetic patient will use the supplemental
vitamin C for better utilization of his insulin. It will assist the liver
in the
metabolism of carbohydrates and to re-instate his body to heal wounds like
normal individuals. We found that 60% of all diabetics could be controlled with
diet and 10 grams ascorbic acid daily. The other 40% will need much less needle
insulin and less oral medication. Contrary to what Medical News Letter, (Vol.
12 # 26, Dec. 25 1970) carried to the physicians the Tes-Tape is accurate in
testing urine samples.
Observations following post-surgery cases on
blood plasma levels of ascorbic acid. Deduction is evident of the need for
substantial amounts of ascorbic acid prior to surgery.
In 1960 and
again in 1966, in papers delivered before the Tri-State Medical Society, I
called attention to the "scurvy" levels of ascorbic acid found in
postoperative patients. Plasma levels recorded before starting anaesthesia and
after cessation of such inhalants and completion of surgery remained unchanged.
This has lead many to believe that surgery created little or no demand
for
supplemental "C". We found, however, that samples of blood taken six
hours after surgery showed drops of approximately 1/4 the starting amount and
at 12 hours the levels were down to one-half. Samples taken 24 hours later,
without added ascorbic acid to fluids, showed levels ¾ lower than the original
samples.
Bartlett,
Jones and others reported that in spite of low levels of plasma ascorbic acid
at time of surgery, normal wound healing may be produced by adequate vitamin C
therapy during the post-operative period. Lanman and Ingalls showed that the
tensile strength of healing wounds is lowered in the presence of "scurvy
plasma levels". Schumacher reported that the pre-operative use of
as little
as 500 mg of vitamin C given orally "was remarkably successful in
preventing shock and weakness" following dental extractions. Many other
investigators have shown in both laboratory and clinical studies, that optimal
primary wound healing is dependent to a large extent upon the vitamin C content
of the tissues. In 1949, it was my privilege to assist at an abdominal
exploratory laparotomy. A mass of small viscera was found "glued
together". The area was so friable that every attempt at separation
produced a torn intestine. After repairing some 20 tears the surgeon closed the
cavity as a hopeless situation. Two grams ascorbic acid was given by syringe
every two hours for 48 hours and then 4x daily. In 36 hours the patient was walking
the halls and in 7 days was discharged with normal elimination and no pain. She
has outlived her surgeon by many years. We recommend that all patients take 10
grams ascorbic acid each day. Where this is not done and the surgery is
elective, then 10 grams by mouth should be given for several weeks prior to
surgery. At least 30 grams should be given, daily, in solutions,
post-operatively, until oral medication is allowed and tolerated.
Mononucleosis aided by ascorbic
acid.
After
studying hundreds of college students, Yale researchers have evidence that
strengthens the like between mononucleosis and EB virus, a herpes-like agent
also associated with Burkitt lymphoma. Large doses of intravenous "C"
has a striking influence on the course of mononucleosis. In one patient who was
given the last rites of her church, the girls mother took things into her own
hands when the attending physician refused to give ascorbic acid. In each
bottle of intravenous fluids she would quickly "tap in" 20 to 30
grams vitamin C. The patient made an uneventful recovery. Her mother has her
B.S. in Nursing and has been a long time advocate of massive "C"
therapy.
Could ascorbic acid have anti-cancer features?
Schlegel50
from
for someone
to start continuous ascorbic acid drip for 2 to 3 months, giving 100 to 300
grams each day, for various malignant conditions?
Barbiturate patients in shock
normalized with ascorbic acid.
Clemmesen
states that the important principles in management of barbiturate poisoning are
anti-shock therapy, continuous oxygen and patent airways. Hadden et al.53
suggest six measures as supportive treatment. An intensive care unit would be
necessary to carry out these functions. All one really need do is give adequate
ascorbic acid therapy. One patient who had taken 2640 mg Lotusate (talbutal)
was seen in the emergency room with a blood pressure of 60/0. Twelve grams
vitamin C was given intravenously with a 50 c.c. syringe and then the needle
attached to a bottle of 5D water containing 50 grams ascorbic acid. Within 10
minutes the blood pressure was 100/60 demonstrating the effect of vitamin C on
shock. A second bottle of 250 c.c. 5D water containing one gram emivan was
started in the other arm. The patient was awake in 3 hours, taking juice with
"C" added. She received 125 grams ascorbic acid by vein in 12 hours.
Ascorbic acid not only assists with hepatic metabolism but also as a major
diuretic flushes these compounds out by way of the kidneys. Nasal oxygen
running 6 liters per minute was also employed. Another patient who had masked
2400 mg seconal with paraldehyde was awake after 42 grams of ascorbic acid had
been given by vein as fast as a 20 gauge needle could carry the flow. She
received 75 grams vitamin C by vein and 30 grams by mouth in a 24 hour period.
Cholesterol not a problem, when daily intake of
ascorbic acid is high.
Mention
should be made of the role played by vitamin C as a regulator of the rate at
which cholesterol is formed in the body; deficiency of the vitamin speeding the
formation of this substance. In experimental work, guinea pigs fed a diet free
of ascorbic acid showed a 600% acceleration in cholesterol formation in the
adrenal glands. Ten grams or more each day and then eat all the eggs
you want.
That is my schedule and my cholesterol remains normal,
Infectious hepatitis relieved.
Viral
hepatitis needs brief mentioning.
Two types:
1) Infectious hepatitis;
2) Needle hepatitis.
Physical activity has always been considered
to increase the severity and prolong the course of the disease. In
General all around benefits uia one
to ten grams ascorbic acid per day.
It has been
suggested that ascorbic acid metabolism may be an index of total metabolism and
thus serve as a general diagnostic guide. Adults taking at least 10 grams of
ascorbic acid daily, and children under ten at least one gram for each year of
life will find that the brain will be clearer, the mind more active, the body
less wearied and the memory more retentive.
It must be
remembered when using ascorbic acid that experiments on man are the only
experiments which can give positive evidence of therapeutic action in man.
Likewise, the use of ascorbic acid in human pathology must follow the Law of
Mass Action: "In reversable reactions, the extent of chemical change is
proportional to the active masses of the interacting substance“.
FRED R. KLENNER, M.D.
ZEIT ONLINE
Gesundheit
Stimmt’s? Nutzlose Vitamine
Vitamin C schützt vor Erkältungen. Stimmt’s? fragt Esther Fehlberg aus Mettmann
Die Auseinandersetzung um die vorbeugende und lindernde Wirkung von Vitamin C bei Erkältungskrankheiten ist Jahrzehnte alt, und immer noch streiten sich die Experten. Dabei ist nicht
umstritten, dass eine ausreichende Versorgung mit dem Vitamin wichtig ist – es geht um die besondere Wirkung hoher Dosierungen.
Jetzt haben der Australier Robert Douglas und der Finne Harri Hemilä noch einmal 23 Studien aus den vergangenen 65 Jahren ausgewertet. Ihr Ergebnis, veröffentlicht in der Online-Zeitschrift PLoS Med, bestätigt frühere Befunde: Dass Vitamin C Erkältungen verhindert, konnte bei Normalbürgern, die sich vernünftig ernähren, nicht nachgewiesen werden. Nur bei Leistungssportlern
war ein kleiner Effekt erkennbar.
Hilft Vitamin C wenigstens, wenn man schon erkältet ist? Da sind die Studien widersprüchlich. Bei einigen war eine leichte Linderung der Symptome oder eine geringfügige Verkürzung der Krankheitsdauer herausgekommen. Alles in allem aber ein minimaler Unterschied zu einem Placebopräparat. Fazit: Gegen die gewöhnliche Erkältung ist weiterhin kein Kraut gewachsen –
und auch kein Vitamin. Christoph Drösser
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum