The Report offered on Page 43 of
"The Miracle of Vitamin C"

by Oscar Falconi

New Information and Recent Findings Concerning Vitamin C

On page 43 of "The Miracle of Vitamin C", a report was offered that would list new findings concerning vitamin C since publication. In addition, any experiences by the reader, good or bad, with gram doses of vitamin C, were requested. In the 18 months since the book was published in 1971, much has been added to the vitamin C literature. Also, hundreds of personal experiences have been generously sent in. The following report is divided into two parts, the first summarizing the published literature, and the second part quoting many reader experiences. I would like to thank all of you who took the trouble to write, and also to apologize for not being able to answer any of your letters. Oscar Falconi 1973

IMPORTANT 2007 UPDATE concerning this 1973 Report : Back in the '70s, Wholesale Nutrition only carried the pure Ascorbic Acid form of vitamin C. Therefore, whenever "vitamin C" is mentioned, only the "ascorbic acid" form of C is probably meant. The only exception is when intravenous use is discussed, only the sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C can and must be used. Oscar Falconi 2007

Part 1: New Information from Published Articles

The amount of iron in the tissue seems to be an important factor in determining vitamin C utilization. Conversely, vitamin C is involved whenever there is an exchange of iron between the storage compartments of the body and the other metabolic departments. Also, the transfer of iron from the blood to the tissues is facilitated by Vitamin C. (Journal of Clinical Pathology, Nov 1971, p.694-7)

Experiments suggest there is a dynamic relationship between iron and Vitamin C in hemoglobin formation, and that a relative shortage of either of these two factors will interfere with optimal hemoglobin formation. (Lancet, Oct 2, 1971)

One study found that over half the elderly obtain less than 30mg of vitamin C daily. These extremely low intakes induced the authors to suggest that vitamin C supplements are needed by older people. (British Medical Journal, Nov 13, 1971, p.386) A lack of vitamin C in guinea pigs induced an accumulation of cholesterol in the liver, decreased the rate of conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and stimulated gallstone formation. (Lancet, Nov 27, 1971 & Jun 3, 1972, p.1233)

Vitamin C is essential for the proper metabolism of cholesterol. (Lancet, Jun 17, 1972, p.1335)

Experiments indicate that vitamin C might be valuable as a remedy in the suppression of many cell-proliferative disorders, including cancer. Preliminary trials are encouraging (Lancet, Mar 4, 1972, p.542) Adelle Davis, in her address on July 16, 1972 to the Cancer Convention of the International Association of Cancer Victims and Friends, advocated that in order to keep free of cancer one must take 400 IU of vitamin E and a gram of vitamin C every day. (Cancer News Journal, Dec 1971, p.22) Dr KK Georgieff, Canada-Shawinigan Research Lab., Quebec, finds that vitamins A and C appear to play a role in the prevention of some types of human cancer. (Cancer News Journal, Dec 71, p.22)

Very clear-cut results have been obtained that favor vitamin C as a positive agent in reducing the incidence and duration of the common cold when taken in higher amounts than could be achieved on a normal diet. (Lancet, Jun 24, 1972, p.1402)

Experiments with vitamin C-sulfate in increasing the excretion of cholesterol from the body still look promising (see p.24 of book) with many new investigators in the field. Experiments with humans, or even primates, have not been undertaken yet because of lack of funding. Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of a vitamin C deficiency. However, this is not the case if the teeth are missing (senior citizens take note).

Vitamin C apparently increases calcium turnover in bone, probably through increased metabolic activity of the bone cells. (Journal of Dental Research, Nov 1971)

A recent Toronto study of the effect of vitamin C on the common cold (Journal Cancer Medicine Association, Sep 21, 1972) found a significant decrease in the incidence and length of colds which even surprised the once-skeptical researchers. Only one gram per day was used. Dr Linus Pauling has suggested continuing the study with 3-6 grams per day for even better results.

Gynecologists use vitamin C in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It's also being found that vitamin C plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of miscarriage. Duration of labor was shortened and recovery improved. Vitamin C was advantageous in influencing labor contractions and preventing infections. The degree of stretch marks has been found to be inversely proportional to the vitamin C level. Vitamin C seems to help in promoting youthful tissue elasticity and combating premature skin aging. (Vitamin C, the Protective Vitamin. Webster, p.78-80)

Coffee and other diuretics do a good job of washing all water-soluble vitamins from the blood and into the urine. In addition, the many deleterious effects brought on by coffee will greatly increase your need for vitamin C. Coffee has recently been shown to be a major cause of heart attacks.

Following are excerpts from "Vitamin C Therapy in Geriatric Practice", a long review article appearing in the "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society", Jan 1972, p.34-42:

1. Vitamin deficiencies can produce mental disease due to metabolic and organic disturbances in the brain. Such problems as lesions in the grey matter, alcoholism and delirium tremens, and chronic mental disease, require additional nutritional support with therapeutic B-factors and high dosages of vitamin C.

2. Vitamin C plays an important part in both carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Animals on low vitamin C diets exhibit reduced sugar tolerance and resistance to insulin.

3. A vitamin C deficiency, in the aged, can cause irreparable tissue damage.

4. The majority of diets prescribed in hospital practice do not supply the nutrients necessary to maintain good nutrition. The attending physicians may become so interested in the intellectual challenge of diagnosis that they may neglect the adequacy of the patients diet. It is unquestionably desirable to maintain adequate body stores of vitamin C at all times.

5. Vitamin C requirements occasionally are increased out of proportion to the other vitamins, as for example in severe burns.

Favorable results have been obtained by many investigators in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Any failure of vitamin C therapy is probably due to an insufficient quantity being used to meet the needs of the disease. The size of the dose and the interval between doses are critical factors. Susceptibility is increased by fatigue, humidity and air pollution. A number of experimental virus vaccines are on the market, but none has proved effective.

In Nutrition Reviews (Nov 1971, p.262) the notorious Dr Schrauzer has more to say about Risks of Long-Term Vitamin C Overdosage, as mentioned on p.36 of The Miracle of Vitamin C. Along with two very questionable case histories (a sample of 2), he talks about that Swiss study that was adequately dealt with on p.35-56. To prove his point, Dr. Schrauzer has taken 17 students, with a high vitamin C intake, and found the C content of their blood to be insignificantly higher (20%) than 16 students on normal diets. Yet his measuring errors were such that this 20% figure could have been anywhere from 50% less to 200% more! It's quite clear that Dr. Schrauzer didn't have the statistical significance to publish this paper. The objections to Dr. Schrauzer, and his logic, as discussed on p.36, are still very valid. For instance, he once publicly stated that while experimenting for several days with 3 grams/day that he found that some of his teeth loosened. So, on the basis of a sample of one (himself), he draws a conclusion, and announces it. Is this the scientific method?

Elderly patients in geriatric wards were found to be actually obtaining only one quarter of the theoretical vitamin content of the food that had been planned. Actual analysis of the food, as presented at the table, showed substantial losses due to the manner of preparation and service of the meals. Unfortunately, low vitamin C intakes are a common finding in studies of the elderly. (Nutrition Metabolism 13: p.21-35, 1971) (Authors note: It is generally felt that intravenous vitamin C would have prolonged President Truman's life. Almost every symptom indicated a serious lack of the vitamin most scorned by doctors.)

The effect of vitamin C on cholesterol breakdown is connected with hormone levels since only in male guinea pigs did a significant buildup of cholesterol take place on a low C diet. With adequate C, the cholesterol is converted to bile acids and eliminated by the body. The cholesterol of saturated fats is harder to break down than that of polyunsaturated fats. (Nutrition Metabolism 13: p.321-330, 1971)

Fish, like humans, need vitamin C and can't make their own. A lack of C in trout and salmon causes curvature of the spine, poor wound healing, retarded growth, poor bone and cartilage development due to an inability to manufacture enough collagen. (Nutritional Reviews, September 1971, p.207)

Arthritis may be due to an enzyme leakage in the cells, producing painful inflammation in the joints. This enzyme leakage is decreased by taking additional vitamin C. (Terrence-Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, London) Vitamin C helps the body resist the poisonous effects of carbon monoxide, nicotine and tars. The more C the better, but in the long run, tobacco will win out. Don't smoke!!! (Prevention, July 1971, p.79)

An extremely serious case of acute carbon monoxide poisoning, including a long period of coma, was successfully treated with high doses of vitamin C. (Minerva Anestesiologica, 37: p.406-414, November 1971, in Italian)

Vitamin C apparently flushes deposits of cholesterol out of arteries. Long term vitamin C deficiency causes plaques of cholesterol to form on artery walls which are eventually dissolved with a prolonged program of increased vitamin C. (Lancet, December 1971, p.1280)

12 patients with painful urination due to inflammation of the urethra were all cured with only 3 grams per day of vitamin C for 4 days. (New York State Journal of Medicine, December 1971) Note this cure was effected by excess vitamin C thrown off by the body. This is also the case with bladder cancer as reported in your book, p.27.

Oxygen starvation when each of a group of rats was given the human equivalent of 14 grams per day of vitamin C, about half remained alive at 33,000 feet; the other half died after about an hour. Another group, with no vitamin C, all died in about 13 minutes. (Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, as reported in Prevention Magazine, July 1972)

On p.38 of your Miracle of Vitamin C, it is speculated that C should be tried on mercury-poisoned patients because of the detoxifying properties. Unbeknownst to us, a French study back in 1964 showed that the human equivalent of 14 grams per day completely protected guinea pigs from dosages of mercury chloride that would ordinarily have killed all the animals. A similar work in Yugoslavia in 1962 gave similar results for lead poisoning. For best results, C must be taken before and during poisoning. (Prevention, July 1972)

Others from Prevention, July 1972: Severe prickly heat rashes cured on a gram a day of C. Snake bite, heat stroke, insect stings, burns to the cornea of the eye, barbiturate overdose shock and spontaneous abortion are all aided by extra C.

Severe burns, sprayed with a 1% solution of vitamin C, resulted in almost immediate relief of pain, rapid healthy healing without collection of fluids or toxic proteins, shortens convalescence, and with none of the usual side-effects or complications.

Niacin, plus 6 grams/day of vitamin C is the formula for success for schizophrenia. Out-patient calls have been reduced by 90%. (Canadian Medical Journal, November 6, 1971)

The accumulation of cadmium in the organs increases with age and cigarette-smoking. This accumulation and the severe anemia associated with cadmium toxicity are prevented by dietary vitamin C supplements. (Lancet, February 26, 1972)

There is strong supporting evidence to conclude that the lack of vitamin C is the only factor involved in the cause of atherosclerosis. (Lancet, April 8, 1972)

Vitamin C is essential for the proper metabolism of fats. If the balance between C and fats favors C, the fats will always be properly metabolized (broken down), and the arteries will remain clean. (Lancet, October 31, 1970)

In the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine, January 1972, p.39-48, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Captain RF Scotts final polar expedition, there is an excellent history of scurvy, along with details of Scotts tragedy.

Quite honestly, none of us thought we would find anything in Pauling's theory. But after seeing the results of our study with 818 volunteers, I have to admit I've started taking a slug of vitamin C when I start feeling a cold coming on. Dr TW Anderson, University of Toronto, Canada.

Part 2: New Information from Reader's Experiences with Gram Doses of Vitamin C

Due to poor observation, incorrect interpretation, coincidence, chance recoveries, or for many other reasons, any one, single, experience means little. However, by perusing the many testimonials given below, a trend emerges which clearly shows how surprisingly versatile and successful vitamin C can be. These experiences are the result of a grand total of many centuries of self-study and experimentation, and therefore, as a group, should not be treated lightly. Remember that people differ greatly from one another, and in your self-trials with vitamin C, start conservatively with low doses and work up to those levels where either your complaints are relieved, or to where some side effect of vitamin C, usually diarrhea, is more objectionable than the complaint. It's usually best to take your C with meals.

We have both started taking vitamin C, ¼ gram with meals and at bedtime, and it has already helped our sinus problems. Mrs. WM, San Jacinta, California.

Runny eyes and nose got better in a day with 100mg/hour. Mrs. C, Capitola, California.

I credit B-complex and a gram/day of vitamin C with keeping me free of colds most of the time. Ten years ago I had a cold every month. DW, Fairfax, Virginia.

I've always had many colds, flu, and pneumonia over and over. Ever since I've been taking 3 grams/day I haven't had another cold. I wouldn't be without C. RR.

In his practice, our area's top internist is currently prescribing 35 grams/day of vitamin C for glaucoma. Mrs. RBR, Lewiston, New York.

My neurosurgeon has put me on 6 grams of C and 600 IU of E daily and has helped me a lot. Mrs. AE, San Jacinta, California.

I find that if I take more than 3 grams/day of C, even on a full stomach, it has a tendency to cause a laxative effect. I tried taking vitamin E with the C, but I seem to get a negative effect, lose energy, get headaches, so I'm back to vitamin C alone. PB, Elizabeth, New Jersey.

I find that I'm able to have enough energy after supper now to do some work instead of having to rest. It also seems to help me concentrate a little better. I'm a court stenographer and use the stenotype machine. Since using about 4 grams per day of C, I'm able to think faster, write faster, and execute better notes. PRB, Clark, New Jersey.

My only problem with gram dosages flatulence. MW, Corona del Mar, California.

At present I'm taking 3 grams/day for bronchitis. It has helped the bronchitis but also gives me gas pains and rapid heart beat. Eunice M.

1 to 3 grams daily of C resulted in the first year of my life I didn't suffer from hay fever, colds, asthma and allergies. All of these symptoms are gone. I've almost died from drugs administered by various doctors and all to no avail. I've finally been liberated from allergies, etc., thanks to vitamin C. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I just bear down more on the C and poof, it's all gone. Hooray for the latest finding of truth. Hooray for vitamin C. RH, Wayzata, Minnesota.

I've had multiple sclerosis for over 30 years and 14 months ago started the vitamin regimen that has put me on my feet. I take 4 grams/day of vitamin C. I haven't been able to work in years, but now I can run a health food store. MM, Fort Morgan, Colorado.

I went to doctor after doctor for years for excruciating back pain. 12 grams/day of vitamin C has made life bearable again. It took about 2 to 3 weeks for the C to work. Also, I've always been allergic to animals, pollen and dust resulting in severe hayfever and asthma attacks. Vitamin C dries me right up. BO, San Jose, California.

My husband and I have been taking 2-3 grams per day of vitamin C for a year and have had remarkable improvement in health of teeth and gums and almost complete elimination of tartar. I've always had a post-nasal drip and bad sinus infections no more. Prevented some colds, lessened others. No more sore throats for me (frequently had them before). Can tolerate cats (I used to have severe allergic sneezing reaction to their presence). An elderly aunt with glaucoma has noticed remarkable improvement. JR, Oakland, California.

Occasionally it will happen that I'll take some food that isn't fresh, usually a hamburger, and I'll be bothered by a slight, dull, abdominal pain and a little diarrhea. I've found that taking additional vitamin C clears up the symptoms in short order. Rev JC, Bronx, New York.

I take exception to the remarks about dogs in your book. It may be true that dogs cause parasites in humans, but for thousands of years dogs have truly been man's best friend. The advantage of owning a fine dog is worth more than all the vitamin C put together. Mrs. AS, New Britain, Connecticut (Authors note: But have you considered your neighbors? And their lawns? And their kids? And their health? Dogs bite, bark, cause accidents, defecate, spread disease and pollution, and take up the worlds time and money. To inflict all these annoyances on your community for your own selfish pleasure is scandalous and should be illegal. After all, that's what laws are for: to protect the community from selfish individuals.)

All my customers have found fantastic benefit from adding vitamin C to their diet. Red Bank Health Store, Red Bank, New Jersey.

I took 40 grams of C in 24 hours to clear up a serious case of poisoning by lacquer paint and sprays (I could hardly breathe). I now have 1.5-3 grams/day and never get a cold. LJS, Schafer's Herbs & Health Food Centre, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada.

High fevers are brought down in a few minutes, but they often return if the large dosage isn't continued (about 10 grams/hour). A morning cough I've had for years (I don't smoke, probably due to a dust allergy) disappeared with 10 gram/day. Sniffles, postnasal drip, stuffed nose, and stuffed sinus are consistently cleared in several minutes with about a 5 gram dose. Occasionally a 50 gram dose may be needed indicating something more serious was cleared up. Vitamin C applied directly to a toothache miraculously kills pain in several minutes (the pain was due to a faulty filling which was later attended to). The powdered form of C was used. Since taking 5-10 grams/day of vitamin C, I get about one 3-day cold every 3 years instead of three 10-day colds every year. I find that the taste of vitamin C is much sweeter when my body needs an extra amount. OF, La Jolla, California.

In Beth-Israel Hospital in Boston, 20 years ago, I was given vitamin C with every meal and before bed for arthritis. Helped immensely. Arthritis came back when vitamin C was stopped. I was crippled without it. CN, Santa Cruz, California.

My grandson was allergic to poison ivy - an extreme case. Vitamin C has cured his yearly poison ivy siege WL, Kerrville, Texas.

I have degenerative arthritis. I can tell that ½ gram/day is helping so much now. I take B6 too. My daughter has seen results with her schizophrenia with 2 grams/day. She is now working 5 days/week. I know I've had wonderful results with vitamin C. Mrs. PB, Rodessa, Louisiana.

3 or 4 grams/day have kept us from colds and flu. Mr. EM, Sacramento, California (Authors note: This testimonial is typical of many, many received.)

Daily use of 4 grams has eliminated my problems of laryngitis and tonsillitis. KMK, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C seems to help my family's colds much better than does the ascorbic acid form (1 gram/hour for several hours). My daughter is unable to take the ascorbic acid C, but has great relief from her back problem when using sodium ascorbate. Mrs. WHR, Kirkland, Washington. (Authors note: Sodium Cloride, or table salt, should be avoided, but it's thought that other forms of sodium, such as sodium bicarbonate, MSG, and sodium ascorbate, will NOT adversely affect the heart, blood pressure, or water retention.)

Your book is the most fabulous treatise on the subject of vitamin C I've ever read. I have used the material in my nutrition classes which I teach in the adult schools in my area. I consider your book a complete update of any existing material. I take 10-15 grams/day. JML, Saddle River, NJ.

I conducted some limited vitamin C research upon some illnesses contracted by the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca State, Mexico. During a measles epidemic, I gave massive doses (5 grams/hour) of vitamin C to several Zapotec youngsters. Temperatures dropped 4 or 5 degrees in about an hour, only to rise after 2-3 hours to the previous temperatures. With intravenous administration of vitamin C, I feel that the viral fever could have been dropped to normal and kept there. Would like to see this tested. Further, during a flu epidemic, I treated 14 persons with the following regimen: 15 grams immediately, followed by 2 grams/hour. Within 8-12 hours, most experienced considerable or complete relief. Before these tests, I took 50 grams in one dose, with no sideeffects that I could detect. DR FHF, Glendale, Arizona.

On 2 grams/day, no asthma and only two days with mild symptoms of hay fever - my best year yet. Urine begins to burn if more than 2 grams/day, but didn't see that side effect mentioned in your book. Your comments on Dr Stare of Harvard interested me very much. My file on that liar goes back to 1951. Mrs. WTB, Georgetown, Kentucky.

For me it has done so much good that I consider your book worth its weight in gold. I'm 63. For the past year I've taken 3 grams/day of vitamin C, 600 IU of E and a good multivitamin. In this year I've stopped my bleeding gums, stopped my duodenal ulcer, and helped my phlebitic leg. CEB, Hemet, California.

I've taken 1.5 grams/day for 4 years and I never have a cold and my feet don't swell any more. Fluid doesn't build up in my body. Mrs. FJS, Columbus, Indiana.

When I take vitamin C, I have no desire for candy, snacks, soda pop, and snacks between meals. There is no hankering for something to eat, and possibly the hankering that most people have is caused mainly by the body's search for vitamin C. EN, Los Angeles, California.

A low back pain is most definitely much improved after 3 weeks on 5 grams/day of vitamin C. A pain and soreness in my elbows due to strained joints or pulled ligaments, a condition I've had for 3 years, has almost left. DMB, Cimarron, New Mexico.

Since reading your book, I've increased my consumption of C to 4 grams/day. I can say that in the last 6 months I've enjoyed more freedom from colds and allergy than ever in my life. Romney M, New York City.

I have been prescribing more and more vitamin C in accordance with the findings summarized in The Miracle of Vitamin C. We have reduced numerous fevers, colds, flu, acute arthritis attacks, and many backaches by massive vitamin C (plus calcium & magnesium for spinal problems). Incidentally, I have found that ascorbic acid buffered in milk sugar (1 to 15) is easily tolerated with no side effects whatever. In fact, we prescribe vitamin C, calcium lactose, magnesium oxide & dolomite to all cases of acute spinal pain, arthritis, dental caries and menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrheal). I have experienced some failures with vitamin C, but looking back at them, they were due to insufficient dosage. I remember one case of acute spinal meningitis that I had in my household some years back. It was controlled in 72 hours by gram-an-hour vitamin C. I think you have done an excellent job in this little book to awaken the public to the beneficial and maybe life-saving attributes of vitamin C. Dr EW Conroy, Kaitaia, New Zealand.

For 7 years have had horrible painful headaches which the doctors told me were due to nervous tension. Since beginning C and E my headaches are gone. Since starting my family of 5 on vitamin C 4 times/day, more after the first sign of a cold, their health has been much improved. What a relief not to have the high fevers and infection which has always gone along with their colds. Mrs. EJC, Fayetteville, NC.

We sure believe vitamin C is a miracle, too. I've suffered for years with sinus infection. A gram/day eased it some. Then I found that if I dissolved 1.5 grams of the powdered C in a quarter-cup of warm water and used the clear liquid as a nasal spray, or nose drops, 3 or 4 times a day, it completely cleared up. I only had to use it for 3 or 4 days. Heavenly relief. This solution also works equally well on cuts and sores that are hard to heal just keep the gauzewrapped sore saturated for a couple of days amazing results. The whole family feels better; we have a lot fewer doctor and drug bills. We also find that an extra bit of vitamins A and D taken with C seems to work faster for colds. My husband is completely free of hemorrhoids for 8 months since taking 1.5 grams/day with bio-flavonoids. Mrs. Roy B, Roseburg, Oregon (Authors note: Vitamin C's ability to relieve hemorrhoids is probably due to two effects. First, C heals and strengthens the fragile tissues, and secondly, C loosens the stool, eliminating the desire to strain.)

Please be advised that 3 grams/day of vitamin C for about 5 months has actually cured my psoriasis. Nothing else did. Also physicians, actually 4 of them, couldn't either. CL, Morro Bay, California.

There is little doubt that vitamin C has greatly improved my allergy this year. Dr. John M, Lewiston, New York.

It appears to my wife and me that the use of vitamin C in gram quantities is the only dependable way to get the results which some vested interests apparently are trying so desperately to conceal from the public. PP, Cincinnati, Ohio

I was very skeptical when I was told to take vitamin C for my heartburn, but it always works, and in just minutes. I take 5-10 grams. BH, Solana Beach, California

When taking 3 grams/hour to fight a cold, I'll usually get diarrhea, however theres a noticeable improvement in the appearance of my skin. The skin clears and has a better texture. Could this be due to vitamin C's purifying capability and/or the starvation effect of cleaning out the intestines? Mrs. AF, La Jolla, California

Natural forms of vitamin C, rosehip tablets, etc., cause stomach upsets and sometimes a small rash. Synthetic C can be taken without any trouble even in doses of a gram at a time. Same thing happens with 6 yearold son. Mrs. JH, La Jolla, California.

I find that cranberry juice hides the taste of vitamin C completely, even better than orange juice. LS, Redwood City, California.

I've had lupus several years and since taking vitamin C regularly I've been much improved. Mrs. LCF, Clayton, New Mexico

We add granulated vitamin C to our juices daily and this year have had fewer colds, and less severe, and resisted the prevailing flu completely. Mrs. FCW, Anoka, Minnesota.

One gram/hour for 5 days resulted in an almost unbearable gas buildup which lasted from noon until midnight and seems to cause my back to ache. Since I'm a paraplegic, my kidneys are vulnerable to problems. I've found that when I attempt to sneak some vitamin C into my diet, a stabbing pain occurs in my kidney region about 80% of the time. HA, Sarasota, Florida I've been taking a lot of vitamin C lately and now I don't crave candy. Also I don't notice the cold damp weather as much. My son has told me that he doesn't get as tired as he has been in the past. MM, Vancouver, Washington

I've been taking 3 grams/day since reading your book. So far I have noted much improvement. I have fewer backaches and have had no colds. I used to have 3 or more colds every year. SG, Minnetonka, Minnesota Vitamin C has given me a new back. I've had a bad back from injuries and had many backaches; however I haven't had a single one since beginning vitamin C two months ago. A 47 yearold lady from San Diego, California Vitamin C has improved my general health. I haven't been sick from any cause one day since taking 2-3 grams/day 9 months ago. A 33 yearold engineer from St. Paul, Minnesota

I started taking about 6 grams/day only a short time ago. So far it relieves some of my pain from arthritis and a broken hip. A 73 yearold retired engineer from San Diego, California

My allergy has definitely improved, spring and fall. A 42 yearold from New York

I don't seem to get as many colds, and not so bad, as when not taking any form of vitamin C. A 62 yearold school-bus driver, Wayzata, Minnesota Fewer colds, and less severe when they occur. I take 3 grams/day. A 19 yearold receiving clerk, Minneapolis, Minnesota

We use vitamin C in needed vitamin therapy with which we've had great success consistently. I'm currently involved in a controversy with the local medical society and insurance companies over the use of vitamins therapeutically. Dr. PN, Washington, DC

I've reduced high blood pressure to 114/80 with C, E, garlic tablets, etc., despite an MD telling me it will not get better. HWC, Indianapolis, Indiana (age: 50+)

I can now tolerate 2 gram/day of C by taking bonemeal with it. JCC, Las Vegas, Nevada.

With 2 grams/day for the kids, and 4 grams/day for us, we've subdued colds, relieved depression, relieved headaches, and lessened overall aches and pains. We've seen a marked improvement in one member of the familys asthma. A 40 yearold machinist from Minneapolis, Minnesota

Got the worst cold of my life after first starting on 3 grams/day. Also, I can't take granulated C (I get diarrhea). Vitamin C with rosehips is OK and prevents colds. JKT, San Diego, California (Authors note: For some people, it's important to build up to their optimum level over a period of several weeks or months.)

I have colitis and am unable to take more than ¼ gram/day or else I get stomach upsets and diarrhea. Mrs. JH, Solana Beach, California.

I agree 100% with your book and have many proofs in my almost 40 years of experience as a registered nurse. Your book makes the rounds through the hospital where I work. Our medical staff realizes more and more the importance of vitamins. Vitaminc C is added to almost all intravenous feedings. My family and I each take about 10 grams/day. We eat this like candy (or instead of candy) as a snack and wouldn't miss it. It keeps us healthy and vigorous. Mrs. FW, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

On taking 1-3 grams/hour, I stop being depressed, am cheerful, more energy, alert, responsive, and extroverted. With 4-10 grams/hour, very high energy, too high for most people. My thinking is much more clear, precise, straight, more objective, very aware. With 10-20 grams at bedtime, I sleep one half regular time, wake up and feel a little tired, but with an odd feeling of satisfaction. All this is usually accompanied by diarrhea (which I like, as I'm usually constipated). I don't take alcohol, tobacco, drugs, white flour, etc. TH, Stoughton, Massachusetts (Authors note: Watch out you experimenters, this fellow's only 24 and was probably born with a cast iron stomach.)

Since my family has been on vitamin C (1.5-3 grams/day each) and multivitamins, our doctor bills are down 70%. With 4 children under 11, this is terrific, and not a coincidence. For instance, we all frequently used to get strep throats, but in the 2 years we've been on C, none of us have gotten it. RW, San Jose, California

I used to have bronchial asthma and a constant postnasal drip, plus susceptibility to colds that turned to pneumonia if not treated with antibiotics. All that is over now that I take a gram/day of vitamin C. If I feel a cold coming on, I also take vitamin A along with my C. AB, Spokane, Washington

My wife and I are recovering alcoholics who haven't wanted a drink for years. Six years ago we obtained the following formula for alcoholics from the University of Saskatoon: 3 grams daily of vitamin C, 3 grams of niacin, 800 IU of vitamin E, and a good multivitamin. Since that time our health has improved steadily and our desire for a drink has completely gone. We have worked with other alcoholics throughout Canada and the USA and we have found that whenever an alcoholic discontinued his vitamin C and niacin it wasn't long before their health depreciated and they were back to the bars and then to the mental hospitals and/or jails. Thanks to vitamin C, we know many alcoholics who no longer need a drink". JJ&M LaV, Tijuana, Mexico (Authors note: Careful with the niacin. To avoid harmless, but uncomfortable, hot flushes and itching lasting about ½ hour, you must build up to the 3 grams/day of niacin. Begin with 50 mg at a time and work up to a gram with each meal. The use of vitamin B6 (about 100 mg/day) and magnesium (½ to one gram/day) might improve results according to recent work. Though niacinamide can often be substituted for niacin, it has been found that niacin is often superior (for instance as an anti-cholesterol factor). Whether large quantities of niacin are useful for some or all normal persons is not yet known. Large dosages of niacin may only be necessary for those who need to stop that craving for alcohol.)

After complete failure with several doctors in an attempt to cure a rash under the foreskin, vitamin C powder was applied directly. This also failed. What finally succeeded was the direct application of some vitamin E, squeezed out of a 400 IU capsule, applied every day or two after a shower. RF, San Diego, California.

I have traumatic arthritis of my right shoulder. I take 2 grams/day of vitamin C and 100 mg of vitamin B6 a day. This amount controls my pain. Mrs. WD, Golden, Texas

Vitamin C, though not an aphrodisiac, does improve my stamina. Also, a ½ gram knocks out my runny nose within an hour. For 8 years, From February to May, I had hayfever. I took a ½ gram/day for just 2 weeks and was cured, at least this year. AA, Menlo Park

Part 3: Miscellaneous Items

Several readers thought that p.34 of the book went a bit too far, but here are a few tidbits from an enlightening article, "Do Scientists Cheat", in the New Scientist, September 5, 1968, that just came to my attention: A canvass of editorial officers suggests that up to 5% of papers submitted for publication contain material which the authors know to be false. In a society where duplicity often pays off, a scientist anxious for prestige or a bigger research grant or both may feel irresistibly tempted to make fanciful claims. The possibility of adjusting experimental observations to illustrate an argument is one of the most insidious temptations faced by researchers. Now maybe you can understand how reputable persons, with ulterior motives, can argue for tobacco, for milk, or to argue against vitamin C, while actually believing otherwise.

Powdered C versus tablets: Powdered C is considerably cheaper, easier to dissolve in juices, can be used as a C-salt on fish, etc. (use a glass or plastic shaker), gets into the bloodstream faster, and contains no inert binders or fillers (called excipients). Vitamin C pills, however, can pass through the body without dissolving completely, can irritate the stomach or intestinal wall should one lodge in one place for a time, and cause allergic reactions (some of the ingredients used in excipients in pills are gum Arabic, corn starch, honey, syrup, and mannitol, a crystalline carbohydrate alcohol). Pills, though, are more convenient, particularly for small doses.

Do you want to stay healthy, or get healthier? Then there are several items that are just as important as vitamin C and vitamins in general. First and foremost, STOP SMOKING!!! Simultaneously, you must diet as you never have before. Get down to your proper weight, and below. Persons 95 and over average 20 pounds underweight. And the foods you do eat; let them be of good quality. Stay away from sugar, coffee, soft drinks, animal fats, high cholesterol foods, white bread, milk and dairy products generally, and high calorie foods. And, to build muscle tone and stamina, you must exercise past the point of perspiration at least 3 times per week. Last, and surely not least, get rid of your pet. I could write pages about the haven for infection and major source of sickness your dog is. So vitamins can do a lot for you, but if you're truly interested in optimum health, the above suggestions will be followed along with your vitamin program.

One of the most ruthless campaigns being waged against the American public is the drinka-pinta-milka-day absurdity and the every-body-needs-milk lie. This is one time where Adelle Davis is in error. Both she and the dairy industry are forcing huge amounts of unneeded milk down the throats of American adults. In fact it has been conclusively shown that milk can be harmful, not just because of its high content of animal fat, but also because 20% of Caucasians and 80% of Negros are allergic to milk. The atherosclerosis death rate around the world has been related to milk intake. If you must drink milk, boil it first to destroy the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Medical World News, February 18, 1972, p.68-69.

All the vitamin C specified on the labels of rose hip and acerola bottles comes from added synthetic vitamin C (which is exactly the same as natural C). Pure rose hip powder contains only about 0.025% vitamin C (1 part in 4000). The FDA doesn't require the label to state the source of vitamin C, so manufacturers put a miniscule amount of costly rose hip or acerola powder in the bottle and call it natural vitamin C and charge nearly triple the price of pure vitamin C powder. If you're worried about unidentified nutritional factors, eat the pulp of citrus fruits, such as the white of orange rinds.

A short poem concerning the subtle relationship between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA):

	FDA has the medical facts,
	But they found a surprising effect:
	All the young pay the SSA tax,
	And they die just before they collect.

Many of the ridiculous US Government health and nutrition edicts and laws suddenly make sense when one finally realizes that it is in the best interests of the US Treasury for all of us to die just as we retire. The FDA's program to make vitamins a prescription item now falls right into place. Imagine how we'd break the back of the Social Security Administration if we all lived into our 80s and 90s. To put it more succinctly:

	On the day we retire,
	Its our country's desire,
	That you and I . . . . 
        . . . Should DIE !!

"The Miracle of Vitamin C" . . . . . . . . . . $3 (only with a minimum $15 order)


©1973, 2001 
Wholesale Nutrition
PO Box 3345
Saratoga  CA  95070
USA