Effect of ascorbic acid on rectal polyps of patients with familial polyposis.

Evidence for dehydrogenation by fecal bacteria in the genesis of colon cancer suggested that an antioxidant might modify these mechanisms. Ascorbic acid, 3 Gm. daily, was given to five patients who had active rectal adenomatous polyp formation long after ileorectal anastomosis for familial polyposis. During a 4 to 13 month study, rectal polyps disappeared in two, regressed partially in two, and increased in one. Among three additional treated patients with rectal polyps, one had a reduction in polyps and two were unaffected.