E vita Trial: 54% Reduction in Mortality with Vitamin C for Patients with Blood Disorders

During a 33.6-month follow-up period, a multinational clinical trial involving 109 patients with potential blood cancers or low-risk early-stage leukemia recorded a total of 35 deaths. Eleven deaths occurred among participants who took vitamin «C», compared to 24 deaths in the placebo group—representing a 54% relative reduction in mortality rate.

Details of the E vita Trial Design

The trial was named «E vita» and conducted at research sites in Denmark and the United States. It used a double-blind methodology, randomly assigning participants into two groups: the first group included 55 patients who received 1,000 milligrams of vitamin «C» daily by mouth for a full year, while 54 patients in the second group received a placebo during the same period. Results of the trial were published on the «News Medical» website.

Initial Results on Survival and Clinical Markers

Although no clear difference was observed between the groups in the primary trial endpoint—the rate of cancerous or pre-cancerous cell growth—patients in the vitamin «C» group showed positive changes in inflammation markers linked to better health outcomes. They also recorded lower rates of anemia, lung infections, joint inflammation, and internal bleeding. Conversely, a slight increase in gastrointestinal issues was reported among participants taking the supplement.

Researchers’ Explanation of Exploratory Findings

An exploratory data analysis indicated higher chances of survival among the vitamin «C» group, but researchers emphasized that this result is preliminary and insufficient to prove treatment effectiveness. Peter Jones, researcher at the Van Andel Institute in Michigan, USA, stated: «The trial results provide a foundation for further study of how early blood disorder patients may benefit from vitamin «C», but additional research is needed before final treatment strategies can be determined.» Kirsten Grønbæk, researcher at Copenhagen University Hospital, described the findings as «encouraging for this patient group,» yet stressed that current data do not allow for clinical recommendations pending results from larger, more conclusive trials.

Scientific Warnings About Unmonitored Use

Researchers stressed that the results do not mean high-dose vitamin «C» can prevent or treat leukemia. They explicitly warned against using supplements for this purpose without medical supervision, especially since the dose used in the trial reached 1,000 milligrams daily. They emphasized the need to verify results through broader clinical trials, including phase III studies.

Potential Biological Mechanism

Vitamin «C» is associated with activating TET enzymes involved in regulating gene activity, while reduced efficiency of these enzymes is linked to cellular disorders that may contribute to blood cancer development.