Is Vitamin C For HBV Effective?

There is not a lot of information with regards studies of vitamin c for hbv (hepatitis B virus). There is one mentioned that measured whether vitamin c could be used to prevent hepatits infection in people receiving blood transfusions. There was found to be no 'statistical' advantage with vitamn c but there was an actual reduction of hepatits infection of 29%. This study on vitamin c for hepatitis is found here.

Natural therapists do recommend vitamin c for hbv, and hepatits in general, on the grounds that it is supportive of the immune system. Other antioxidant vitamins like vitamin e, and supplements like glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, green tea extract, and grape seed extract (with a high proanthocyanidin content) are also recommended. Antioxidants can prevent the liver from being further damaged.

Other recommendations include: exercise, avoiding alcohol, whey protein, st mary's thistle (a potent liver protecting herb), SAMe, selenium, and folic acid.

One important recommendation from a naturopath regarding diet might be fresh vegetable and fruit juices designed to cleanse the liver. Examples of this are pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, grape juice, celery, carrot and beetroot juices.

Regarding vitamin c for hbv, this site recommends taking 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin c twice a day. It might be best to break that into smaller doses of no more than 500 mg at a time as the body will not then excrete the excess.

For a comprehensive list of vitamin recommendations, visit www.lef.org.

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