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Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

Sweat-powered sticker turns your drinking cup into a health sensor

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed an electronic sticker that monitors vitamin C levels using sweat from fingertips, providing a convenient and low-cost alternative to current methods. The system is battery-free and can be manufactured at a low cost, making it potentially disposable and widely accessible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 10, 2025

Researchers from Korea University explore how ascorbic acid and FGF4 revolutionize regenerative medicine

Researchers from Korea University have developed a groundbreaking technique to transform fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes, holding promise for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular disease. The method combines fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C to accelerate cell maturation and enhance function.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2024

High-dose IV vitamin C plus chemotherapy doubles survival in advanced pancreatic cancer

A randomized phase 2 clinical trial shows that adding high-dose, intravenous vitamin C to chemotherapy doubles the overall survival of patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer from eight months to 16 months. Patients also experience improved quality of life with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalRedox Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2024

Billions worldwide consume inadequate levels of micronutrients critical to human health

A new study found significant intake inadequacies for nearly all evaluated micronutrients, with iodine and vitamin E deficiencies being the most prevalent. The researchers estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men in some countries, highlighting a need for targeted dietary interventions.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Furry fruit improves mental health – fast

A study published in The British Journal of Nutrition found that kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14-16 days. Vitamin C intake also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent, improving mood until day 12.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2024

Global platform study presents results to guide care of severely ill patients with COVID-19 using routinely available drugs

A global platform study has released results on the use of simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19, showing a high probability of improving outcomes. In contrast, high-dose vitamin C was found to be ineffective and potentially harmful in critically ill patients, suggesting its use should be discontinued.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Intravenous Vitamin C for patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found no significant improvement in primary composite outcomes, including organ support-free days and hospital survival, among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received intravenous vitamin C. The study suggests that vitamin C treatment may not be effective in improving patient outcomes for this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2023

Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in tumors

Researchers found that antioxidants activate a mechanism forming new blood vessels in tumor cells, which can help them grow and spread. The study suggests that dietary supplements containing antioxidants may accelerate tumour growth and metastasis in cancer patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

Majority of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare

A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 80% of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness, pain management, and to improve mobility and flexibility. However, there is a need for more res...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2021

A combo of fasting plus vitamin C is effective for hard-to-treat cancers, study shows

A combination of fasting-mimicking diet and vitamin C has been found to delay tumor progression and even cause disease regression in multiple mouse models of colorectal cancer. The treatment works by regulating iron levels and molecular mechanisms involved in oxidative stress, making it a safer alternative to toxic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2020

Scurvy is still a thing in Canada

Researchers at McMaster University discovered that scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, still exists in Canada. The study found 52 patients with low Vitamin C levels, including 13 with diagnosed scurvy and 39 who tested positive but lacked symptoms.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2020

Vitamin C may reduce harm to infants' lungs caused by smoking during pregnancy

A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin C supplementation reduced harm to infants' lungs caused by smoking during pregnancy. Infants whose mothers took 500mg of vitamin C in addition to their prenatal vitamin had significantly better lung function at three months of age, according to the study.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 7, 2018