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Vitamin C & Thrush
Thrush is an oral infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Symptoms include painful, creamy-white patches on the tongue, gums or inner cheeks, along with the roof of the mouth, the tonsils and the back of the throat. Thrush commonly occurs in infants, the elderly, individuals who wear dentures and those with a weakened immune system. Vitamin C is an alternative treatment for thrush. Consult your doctor before using vitamin C as a treatment for thrush.
Causes
Candida normally resides in the mouth, stomach and vaginal area without any ill effects. However, an overgrowth or an excessive amount of Candida will cause Candidiasis. Thrush may occur due to taking medications, such as antibiotics or some types of birth control pills.
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin; it strengthens the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals and stave off cell damage and development of various health conditions and inflammation. Vitamin C is essential for wound healing and tissue growth and repair throughout the body.
- Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin; it strengthens the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant.
- Antioxidants fight free radicals and stave off cell damage and development of various health conditions and inflammation.
Vitamin C Effects on Thrush
Vitamin C will help to reduce the inflammation involved with the fungal infection of thrush and will strengthen the immune system in its fight to repair and heal the condition. The UMMC advises taking 500 – 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C, 200 to 400 IU of vitamin E along with 200 mcg of selenium as an alternative treatment for thrush.
Sources of Vitamin C
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Excellent and natural sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and juices such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit.
Considerations
Vitamin C is not produced or stored in the body. It dissolves in water and any extra that’s not absorbed is excreted out in the urine. Therefore an adequate daily dietary amount of vitamin C or a vitamin supplement is essential. Vitamin C deficiency may cause slow wound healing rate, inability to fight infections; and a severe deficiency will cause scurvy.
- Vitamin C is not produced or stored in the body.
- Vitamin C deficiency may cause slow wound healing rate, inability to fight infections; and a severe deficiency will cause scurvy.
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References
- Medline Plus: Thrush
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
- Mayo Clinic.com: Oral Thrush
- Medline Plus: Vitamin C
- Cleveland Clinic. Thrush. April 14, 2017.
- Patil S, Rao RS, Majumdar B, Anil S. Clinical Appearance of Oral Candida Infection and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Microbiol. 2015;6:1391. Published 2015 Dec 17. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2015.01391
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Updated April 12, 2019.
- Bongomin F, Gago S, Oladele RO, Denning DW. Global and Multi-National Prevalence of Fungal Diseases-Estimate Precision. J Fungi (Basel). 2017;3(4):57. Published 2017 Oct 18. doi:10.3390/jof3040057
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections. January 25, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.” August 2017.
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. “The prevention and treatment of oral thrush.” May 2016.
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. “Oral thrush (oral candidiasis): Overview.”
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Candidiasis.”
Writer Bio
Norma Chew is a retired registered nurse who has been a freelance writer since 1978. Chew's articles have appeared in the "Journal of the Association of Operating Room Nurses" (AORN), "Point of View Magazine" and "Today's OR Nurse." Chew has a master's degree in health care administration from Nova Southeastern University.