Pauling's Theory

• Linus Pauling noted that many mammals produce vitamin C naturally, and these animals suffer a very low rate of malignant cancers and heart disease. Humans, great apes and guinea pigs do not produce vitamin C naturally, and in fact must have diets that provide it in order to enjoy good health.
  Pauling theorized that human ancestors lost the ability to produce vitamin C when they had access to rich natural sources and were able to survive without generating it. Since humans no longer eat primarily fruits and vegetables, Pauling believed they suffer a chronic and severe vitamin C definciency. In order to replace the natural vitamin C required by humans, Pauling recommended doses of vitamin C several hundred times higher than the daily dose suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture.
  Pauling said vitamin C was a key nutrient required to repair human tissues from skin and organs to arteries and veins. He maintained lipoprotein-a, found in patients with high levels of cornary plaque, is a substitute the body uses when it has inadequate levels of vitamin C.
  There is some proof of a significant link between vitamin C and healthy blood vessels in that patients with scurvy suffer major damage to blood vessles.
  
  

Pauling's Recommendations

• Pauling recommended 500 mg lysine and 6,000 to 18,000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day. The vitamin C Pauling used in his work was 100 percent pure ascorbic acid crystals. You can find lysine and C supplements in health-food stores. (Many vitamin C pills and capsules use fillers, so Pauling did not recommend them.)
  
  

Work with Your Doctor

• Make sure that you work with your doctor if you decide to explore Pauling's theories. High doses of vitamin C can induce diarrhea, which can result in dehydration in some patients. Never stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor without consulting him first.