What's That Rash? Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer?
Mar 3, 2026
They dig into the origins of vitamin C research and the historical fight against scurvy. They cover claims linking vitamin C to preventing colds and treating cancer. They compare oral supplements with high‑dose IV use and discuss possible benefits and risks. They also touch on dietary sources, athlete use after exercise, and safety concerns like kidney stones.
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Vitamin C Is A Dietary Micronutrient Not A Cure
- Vitamins are micronutrients needed in small doses for essential metabolic processes.
- Vitamin C is obtained from diet (fruit and vegetables) because humans cannot synthesise it like most animals.
Historic Ship Log Shows Scurvy’s Devastation
- Scurvy causes collagen failure leading to bleeding gums, tissue breakdown and death.
- Tegan reads a 1740s ship log describing putrid gums and mass fatalities to illustrate scurvy's severity.
Ascorbic Acid Literally Means Anti Scurvy
- The compound responsible for curing scurvy was identified as ascorbic acid.
- The name literally means anti-scurvy acid, reflecting its function in preventing scurvy.