Does vitamin C intake slow the progression of gastric cancer in Helicobacter pylori-infected populations?

Vitamin C's role in the prevention of disease and malignancy has been studied over the last several decades. Vitamin C intake has been shown to have an inverse relationship with gastric cancer. Recent follow-up studies on high-risk populations suggest that ascorbic acid, the reduced form of vitamin C, protects against gastric cancer, for which H. pylori is a significant risk factor. In populations infected with H. pylori, there is a reduction in gastric juice ascorbic acid concentration. This article reviews the risk factors for gastric cancer and the role of vitamin C in prevention of the disease.