Dr. Linus Pauling may be best known for advocating high doses of vitamin C as a means to combat health issues as simple as the common cold and as complex as cancer. However, not only was Pauling a remarkable chemist, he was also an educator, an author, a peace activist and a two-time Nobel Peace Prize winner and his teachings in the area of mega vitamin doses endure today.
Pauling's theories on the benefits of high doses of vitamin C have not been without controversy. Some scientists claim his theories have been disproven by empirical science while others claim current and past research supports many of Pauling's theories.
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For example, Dr. Hillary Roberts and a colleague examined Pauling's research conclusions regarding high doses of vitamin C, which had been refuted by the National Institute of Health.
In a Medical News Today report, Roberts stated she "found background evidence for Pauling's ideas from independent scientific and medical reports, covering half a century. The findings in these papers could neither be dismissed as placebo effects nor easily explained."
Here are 4 of Dr. Linus Pauling's teachings that endure today:
1. High doses of vitamin C can shorten or prevent the common cold. Although there is conflicting data to both support and disprove Pauling's conclusions, vitamin C is still considered the go-to vitamin for cold sufferers. Even the
National Institute of Health fact sheet states, "The use of vitamin C supplements might shorten the duration of the common cold and ameliorate symptom severity in the general population." In addition, a
research review published by Science Daily states, "Vitamin C seems to be particularly beneficial for people under heavy physical stress. In five randomized trials of participants with heavy short-term physical stress, vitamin C halved the incidence of the common cold."
2. High doses of vitamin C can boost the immune system. Pauling claimed vitamin C stimulated the production and function of white blood cells, which are key to the immune system.
Dr. Ronald Hoffman, past president of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine says, "Vitamin C is an immune system booster par excellence. White blood cells use vitamin C to combat infections, and in the face of inflammation or microbial challenge, levels of vitamin C are depleted."
3. High doses of vitamin C can help combat cancer.
The National Cancer Institute fact sheet states, "Studies suggest that these higher levels of vitamin C may cause the death of cancer cells in the laboratory." Also, despite the fact that the treatment has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Surveys of healthcare practitioners at United States CAM conferences in recent years have shown that high-dose IV vitamin C is frequently given to patients as a treatment for infections, fatigue, and cancers, including breast cancer."
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4. High doses of vitamin C may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. T
he University of Maryland Medical Center says some studies "suggest that vitamin C acting as an antioxidant can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It helps prevent damage to LDL ('bad') cholesterol, which then builds up as plaque in the arteries and can cause heart attack or stroke. Other studies suggest that vitamin C may help keep arteries flexible."
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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