Does Vitamin C Increase Melanoma Risk?

Last week’s Memos on citrus fruits raised an obvious question; one reader mentioned it, so I thought I should write about it. Here’s the question: was vitamin C examined for any possible relationship with the development of melanoma? Yes, but take a look at what the researchers wrote in the set-up for the study.

After examining the research, they found that vitamin C is toxic for melanoma cells; it kills melanoma cells via multiple pathways and prevents them from multiplying. These are all test-tube studies but still give some indication of the potential role within the body. Because of the prior research, they hypothesized that any increased risk for getting melanoma was related to other compounds in citrus fruit, such as the phytonutrients, and not the vitamin C.

As you would expect, vitamin C levels increased as more citrus fruit was eaten. However, the risk of melanoma didn’t rise as the vitamin C levels from fruit and supplements increased. That confirmed it was some other aspect of the fruit that led to a higher rate of melanoma.

Let’s be sure that we don’t interpret the results to mean that we should megadose on vitamin C to prevent melanoma; the research definitely does not say that. But the skin is connective tissue, so it may be prudent to take additional vitamin C, glucosamine, and collagen to protect your skin, especially if you’re a sun-lover.

This study is also a reminder that our diet needs to be balanced. Too much of anything—even something as healthy as citrus fruit—can lead to problems. Everything in moderation.

What are you prepared to do today?