[MOL] Cancer-Vit. C. & Iron Overload.... [00080]

Vit. C and Cancer: From Mem. Sloan-Kettering

"Now we know that tumors acquire and retain large amounts of vitamin C. So, it appears that tumors have nutritional needs, similar to other healthy cells that take in large amounts of the vitamin," said Dr. David Agus, first author of the study and an oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "More studies need to be done to determine what the tumor cells do with the vitamin C once they get it." http://www.mskcc.org/patients_n_public/shared/news_and_media_resources/press_releases/cancer_tumors_shown_to_consume_large_amounts_of_vitamin_c.html

I suggest to no one to throw away their Vitimens; but merely point out a issue to iron overload that is far more common than anyone would think (32million in the US alone) and it perhaps it maybe wise to request a simple inexpensive test from one's doctor before taking suppliments.

Vitamin C should also be avoided if one has hemochromatosis, since it tends to increase the absorption of iron from the intestine. http://www.healthlinkusa.com/Hemochromatosis.htm

A: Basically, iron in the diet is not going to make much difference in relation to your treatment, however, it is wise to check the labels of processed foods for their iron content. For instance, certain breakfast cereals contain 100% RDA of iron as do other products. Avoid alcohol and vitamin C which enhance iron absorption, cooking in cast iron cookware, and never take iron pills or supplements containing iron. Hemochromatosis patients should not eat raw seafood or shellfish (cooked is fine) due to a bacteria (vibrio vulnificus) which can kill the patient within hours of ingestion (due to a compromised liver which many HH patients have) unless emergency treatment of antibiotics (tetracycline) is administered. (Note: this can also happen to fishmen who handle and clean fish). Drink tea and coffee with your meals which will help block the iron in the foods you do eat. http://www.emi.net/~iron_iod/ah00035.html

"Anyone with an iron overload should avoid taking tonics and medications with iron or eating large quantities of iron-contining foods, such as red meats. No one should take iron supplements without a doctor"s advice." http://sadieo.ucsf.edu/ALF/ALFfinal/proghemochrom.html

FAQ's about Hemochromatosis page 3- What are the symptons? *cancer (cancer thrives on iron), American Hemochromatosis Society, Inc.http://www.americanhs.org